Ragged Point

Travel Guide

Ragged Point showing a bay or harbor, landscape views and rugged coastline
Ragged Point
Ragged Point showing rugged coastline and general coastal views
Ragged Point featuring landscape views, a bay or harbor and general coastal views
Photo by Jared Jolley

Take in one of the Big Sur coast’s finest views from high above the water or hike down a cliff-side trail to see the impressive Black Swift Falls.

Ragged Point is a craggy promontory that juts 400 feet (122 meters) above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Acclaimed as one of the Big Sur Coast Highway’s best views, the Ragged Point vista presents an awe-inspiring ocean outlook. See towering cliffs plunge dramatically into the sea, bombarded by the roaring ocean waves. Hike down a trail that picks a narrow path down the cliff and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of one of the Big Sur coast’s largest waterfalls.

Spend some time strolling around the Ragged Point cliff-top area, taking in the expansive views that sweep up and down the coast. Peer through the trees to the shrubs that cling to the steep cliffs and look down on the swirling waters of the cove below. You’ll see a trail of rock formations jutting out of the water offshore. Snap photographs of the magnificent vista or point your camera toward the cliff face, which takes on a different hue with the setting and rising of the sun.

If you are feeling up to the challenge, follow the 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) trail that zigzags through the vegetated cliffs to the black-sand beach below. From the trail, you’ll have the best vantage point for seeing Black Swift Falls. This breathtaking waterfall plunges 300 feet (90 meters) from the headlands cleaved by Young Creek. Ensure you have sturdy walking shoes, as well as sun protection and drinking water, if you intend to embark on the hike.

The Ragged Point Vista is approximately a 20-minute drive from San Simeon. It’s a popular place for visitors exploring the Big Sur Coast Highway to stop and take a moment to appreciate the views. Bring some lunch to enjoy on the sheltered picnic tables or pick up a quick snack from the kiosk. An inn, restaurant and wine bar are also located near the lookout. Parking is available on site. While in the area, check out the backcountry trails of Big Sur Ranch, Salmon Creek Falls and the Elephant Seal Rookery.

Ragged Point Inn and Resort

Ragged Point Inn and Resort

3 out of 5
19019 Highway 1, Ragged Point, San Simeon, CA
The price is RM587 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM587
RM661 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"We upgraded to oceanfront. It’s so beautiful & the grounds are gorgeous. The resturant is amazing . We ate supper & breakfast there. It’s our 3rd time staying there. It was our 55th anniversary. Will stay again."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Ragged Point Inn and Resort
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
The price is RM522 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
RM522
RM588 total
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,742 reviews)
thanks for your lovely staff
"The property is a welcome treat while traveling, but it could use some help with updating and acoustics. Overall i think guests are kind and being considerate to be quiet, but there are just noises and squeaks, and what not from the age of the facility. You can hear cupboard doors open and conversations ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach

Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach

3 out of 5
6700 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM626 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
RM626
RM706 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cambria. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and a gift shop. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Superbe chambre très spacieuse, propre et agréable. Café et thé a disposition. Facile d'accès face a l'océan."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Lofts at The Market

The Lofts at The Market

4 out of 5
1803 Spring St, Paso Robles, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Paso Robles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Paso Robles Pioneer Museum and Paso Robles Children's ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"Very nice stay! 3 lofts above a great market/cafe making it easy and convenient. Check-in was easy with quick communication with property personnel via texts. Parking was so easy and free, many open spots - got one right next to door entrance. Executive suite was beautiful and clean. Definitely ..."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

The Lofts at The Market
Gray's Inn & Gallery

Gray's Inn & Gallery

2.5 out of 5
561 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Morro Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and furnished patios. Popular attractions Morro Bay Skateboard Museum and The Giant Chessboard ...
10/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"Great property. Wonderful staff. Perfect view."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Gray's Inn & Gallery
The Cayucan Bungalows by AvantStay Pet-Friendly Getaway Steps from Cayucos State Beach

The Cayucan Bungalows by AvantStay Pet-Friendly Getaway Steps from Cayucos State Beach

3.5 out of 5
14 N Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Cayucos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Brown Butter Cookie Company ...
The Cayucan Bungalows by AvantStay Pet-Friendly Getaway Steps from Cayucos State Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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