Ragged Point
Dramatic cliffside views of the Pacific, a charming inn, and a challenging hike to a black sand beach on Highway 1.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Ragged Point
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic cliffside views of the Pacific, a charming inn, and a challenging hike to a black sand beach on Highway 1.
"Ragged Point Inn & Resort is a stunning coastal retreat with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic cliffs."
👟 Trail Shoes Essential
The hike to the beach is steep and rugged. Wear sturdy shoes for safety and comfort.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The cliffside overlooks offer incredible photo opportunities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Views
Cliffside overlooks
Breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic coastline. Perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.
+1
Black Sand Beach Trail
Trailhead near the Inn
A steep, adventurous hike down to a unique black sand beach. Not for the faint of heart, but rewarding!
Ragged Point Inn Restaurant
Ragged Point Inn
Enjoy delicious meals with stunning ocean backdrops. A great spot to refuel and relax.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Highway 1 Stop
Navigating the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Trail Shoes Essential
The hike to the beach is steep and rugged. Wear sturdy shoes for safety and comfort.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The cliffside overlooks offer incredible photo opportunities.
🍷 Wine with a View
Stop at Ragged Point Inn for a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset over the ocean.
🚗 Highway 1 Stop
Ragged Point is a perfect, scenic stop on your Highway 1 road trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Trail Shoes Essential
The hike to the beach is steep and rugged. Wear sturdy shoes for safety and comfort.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The cliffside overlooks offer incredible photo opportunities.
🍷 Wine with a View
Stop at Ragged Point Inn for a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset over the ocean.
🚗 Highway 1 Stop
Ragged Point is a perfect, scenic stop on your Highway 1 road trip.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds
The grounds are dog-friendly, but there's no separate area, so be mindful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ragged Point is lauded for its absolutely breathtaking ocean views and dramatic cliffside setting, making it a highlight of any Highway 1 road trip. Visitors praise the delicious food at the Inn's restaurant and the clean, comfortable rooms with ocean vistas. However, some find the trail to the black sand beach to be excessively steep and challenging, and a few mention that dining prices can be on the higher side.
"Went there to look at the wedding venue. It was absolutely breathtaking! We ate at the restaurant food was delicious but if you have a food allergy make sure you tell them clearly!! Other then that our trip was amazing."
Terry Whitford
"Unfortunately, this is a really mixed review.
Location is great. Have always wanted to visit the south coast area near Big Sur and because of Regent's Slide, we just decided to drive up and use the Ragged Point Inn and Resort as our base.
When booking , you are asked to "please let us know how we can improve your stay". We mentioned that it was our 48th wedding anniversary. No acknowledgement, I guess it just refers to things like extra blankets. Our mistake.
The grounds are lovely and the property is dog friendly. But there is no separate area for the dogs, so the whole grass area smells like urine.
Housekeeping / Room attendants were terrific. We really appreciated the bottled water after hiking.
Breakfast was great, dinner was fine. Glasses of wine are way more expensive than restaurants on Moonstone Beach, so the second night we drove down the coast and had dinner in Cambria and watched the sunset.
No problem with Wi-Fi. Great views from property and our balcony."
Kathleen Schwartz
"Ragged Point Inn & Resort is a stunning coastal retreat with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic cliffs. The rooms are cozy and clean, many offering ocean views and private balconies. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals with fresh, local ingredients, and the outdoor dining experience is unforgettable. The surrounding gardens and walking trails provide a perfect escape into nature. Staff are friendly, attentive, and committed to guest comfort. Whether you’re stopping along Highway 1 or planning a romantic getaway, Ragged Point is a hidden gem that offers peace, beauty, and a touch of rustic elegance. Highly recommend!"
saurabh shegokar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ragged Point is located directly on Highway 1 in California, between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It's a popular stop for those driving the scenic coastal route.
Public transportation options are very limited along this stretch of Highway 1. It's best accessed by car, making it ideal for a road trip.
Highway 1 can be winding and narrow in places. Always drive cautiously, especially around blind curves. Check for any road closures before you go, as landslides can occur.
Absolutely! Ragged Point is often considered the southern gateway to Big Sur and offers stunning views and amenities.
Ragged Point is approximately 15-20 miles north of San Simeon, making it a convenient stop after visiting Hearst Castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the general overlook areas and enjoy the views at Ragged Point.
The trail to the black sand beach is free to access, but it is steep and rugged.
The Ragged Point Inn and its restaurant are typically open year-round, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours, especially for dining.
Yes, you can book rooms directly through the Ragged Point Inn website or various booking platforms. It's a popular spot, so booking in advance is recommended.
Yes, there is parking available at Ragged Point, typically near the Inn and restaurant. It can get busy during peak times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the stunning ocean views, hike down to the black sand beach, dine at the restaurant, or simply relax and take in the scenery.
Yes, the trail to the black sand beach is described as very steep, slippery, and rugged, with overgrown sections. Sturdy footwear is essential.
Ragged Point is renowned for its dramatic cliffside views, making it a prime location for photography. The ocean vistas and coastline are spectacular.
While the views are family-friendly, the steep trail to the beach might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. The Inn offers a comfortable base.
You might spot marine life like whales or dolphins offshore, and various seabirds along the coast.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Ragged Point Inn has a restaurant and a wine bar offering meals with ocean views.
Reviews suggest the food is delicious, with some highlighting excellent steaks. However, be sure to clearly communicate any food allergies.
For more varied dining options, you might consider driving south to Cambria or San Simeon, which offer more restaurants.
Some reviews indicate that glasses of wine can be more expensive than in nearby towns like Cambria.
Yes, breakfast is available at the Ragged Point Inn, and reviews mention it being great.
📸 📸 Photography
The cliffside overlooks offer the most dramatic and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Sunsets are also spectacular.
While there isn't a prominent lighthouse like the one mentioned in Barbados,
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting marine life.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in this area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hike down to the black sand beach is very steep and challenging, making it potentially unsuitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, families can still enjoy the scenic beauty from the top. Consider it a beautiful stop for photos and a picnic with a view, rather than an extensive hiking destination for little ones. 🚗 Road Trippers
The Inn offers amenities like a restaurant and restrooms, making it a convenient break point. Many travelers use it as a scenic overlook to capture photos and enjoy the dramatic cliffs before continuing their journey. +1💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The dramatic scenery provides a stunning backdrop for couples looking for a peaceful and beautiful retreat. It's an ideal spot for anniversaries or a quiet getaway, offering a blend of natural beauty and comfortable lodging. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ragged Point Inn Experience
The on-site restaurant is a significant draw, serving delicious meals made with fresh, local ingredients. Dining with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean is an unforgettable experience.
For those planning a wedding or special event, Ragged Point is noted for its breathtaking venue. The dramatic cliffside setting provides a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and receptions.
Hiking the Black Sand Beach Trail
This trail is best suited for adventurous hikers who are prepared for a challenging climb back up. It's important to assess your physical fitness and comfort level with steep terrain before embarking on this hike.
The reward is reaching a distinctive black sand beach, offering a different perspective of the coastline away from the main overlooks. Safety is paramount when attempting this trail. Be mindful of loose rocks, slippery surfaces, and the steep incline. It's recommended to go during daylight hours and to let someone know your plans.
While it offers a unique experience, it's not recommended for young children or individuals with mobility issues due to the challenging nature of the path. Ragged Point on the Iconic Highway 1
+1 The drive itself is a major attraction, with winding roads offering dramatic ocean views at every turn, and Ragged Point provides a perfect opportunity to pause, stretch your legs, and truly appreciate the grandeur of the landscape. Many travelers plan their road trips to include stops like Ragged Point, recognizing its significance as a viewpoint and a place to break up the journey.
It's a spot where you can feel the raw power of the Pacific and witness the rugged beauty that Highway 1 is famous for. The accessibility from the highway makes it an easy and rewarding stop for anyone cruising this scenic route. When planning your Highway 1 adventure, consider Ragged Point as a must-visit. Whether you're heading north from Los Angeles or south from San Francisco, its dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas offer a memorable experience that encapsulates the essence of the California coast.
Remember to check for any potential road closures or advisories for Highway 1 before your trip, as conditions can change. 
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