Bixby Bridge’s popularity exacerbates environmental impact

Most people agree tourism is an important industry on the Central Coast, but when it comes to natural settings, huge crowds can have a negative impact.

Bixby Bridge along Highway 1 is a very popular place for tourists. Some people say that is becoming a problem.

From a distance, the bridge almost looks like an extension of the surrounding landscape. Come closer and you will find herds of tourists flocking to get that perfect California selfie.

“Oh, it’s beautiful, nice weather, I like the ocean breeze, the bridge is nice, it’s beautiful here,” said Lalo Magana, who is visiting from Oxnard.

A natural beauty, rightly admired by many. But perhaps too many at one time.

“It definitely does ruin the appeal when there’s a big zoo of people here,” said Vincent Lenarduzzi, who is visiting from Oregon.

The crowds bring with them a traffic mess. Drivers trying to find parking within the turnout, as well as pulling out of it, slow everything down.

Local residents complain of people clogging the hill where parking is only allowed on one side.

There is also a garbage issue: cigarette butts line the cliff, a jarring reminder this is not nature as it should be.

“When you see all these beautiful out here and people want to come and visit, but when it gets so crowded and everything, you lose the aspect of the beautiful nature that you’re surrounded by all the people,” said Austin, a visitor from Phoenix.

In some areas, locals are trying to combat over-tourism. Officials are considering creating a parking reservation system at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

“If they had like a shuttle system where you could limit the cars in the area, something to lessen the impact,” said Lenarduzzi.

“I definitely think social media is a huge problem when it comes to the outdoors,” said Rob, also visiting from Phoenix. “I just think people are tagging where they’re going and a lot of people just get jealous and say they want to go there, they want to try that too, they want that shot, so they go out and it just becomes overcrowded.”

For now, Caltrans says there are no planned changes to the way people can view Bixby Bridge.