Ragged Point Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ragged Point which includes rugged coastline, a bay or harbour and landscape views
Ragged Point
Ragged Point showing general coastal views and rocky coastline
Ragged Point showing a bay or harbour, landscape views 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 ฿4,818 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿4,818
฿5,420 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Serenity now
"We had a wonderful 3 nights at Ragged Point. We explored hikes up the coast, loved our dinners at the on-site restaurant and relished in the serenity and sunsets. We will definitely make another trip out at some pint. (We are from the east coast and drove up from San Diego while visiting our daughter ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 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 ฿5,177 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿5,177
฿5,834 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,646 reviews)
"watching the sunsets"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
FogCatcher Inn

FogCatcher Inn

3 out of 5
6400 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
The price is ฿6,102 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
฿6,102
฿6,876 total
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cambria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great room and bathroom. Only downside for a short while were noisy neighbours when we were tired! The property was great though."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

FogCatcher Inn
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Paso Robles Pioneer Museum and Paso Robles Children's ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"Great location for the Mid State Fair and downtown. Perfect for 2 couples. Communication was excellent and prompt. Second time staying at the Lofts, we love it!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

The Lofts at The Market
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 beach apartment in Cayucos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Brown Butter Cookie Company and Cayucos ...
The Cayucan Bungalows by AvantStay Pet-Friendly Getaway Steps from Cayucos State Beach
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and furnished patios. Popular attractions Morro Bay Skateboard Museum and The Giant Chessboard ...
10/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"Oceanfront views, clean, quiet, beautiful place to stay. I’ve gone back 3 times"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Gray's Inn & Gallery
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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