Gorda Springs by the Sea is located on the Big Sur coastline on
Highway 1. Just 25 miles north of San Simeon’s Hearst Castle and 65
miles south of Carmel, Gorda is tiny but offers incomparable ocean
views. The Whale Watcher Cafe, Pacific Market, gas pumps and a
group of rental cottages comprise the town. We usually stop at the
market for chips and soda on our way to Willow Creek for jade-hunting.
We find the food at the Cafe overpriced, but it is a nice place to relax and
scan the horizon for whale spouts.
The town of Gorda Springs does not list its population but 100 people
would be a generous estimate. Gorda was once enjoyed by the
Costanoan and Esalen Indian tribes for its natural spring waters, (the
natural springs are still there by the water tank, they were once a public
fountain).
Highway 1. Just 25 miles north of San Simeon’s Hearst Castle and 65
miles south of Carmel, Gorda is tiny but offers incomparable ocean
views. The Whale Watcher Cafe, Pacific Market, gas pumps and a
group of rental cottages comprise the town. We usually stop at the
market for chips and soda on our way to Willow Creek for jade-hunting.
We find the food at the Cafe overpriced, but it is a nice place to relax and
scan the horizon for whale spouts.
The town of Gorda Springs does not list its population but 100 people
would be a generous estimate. Gorda was once enjoyed by the
Costanoan and Esalen Indian tribes for its natural spring waters, (the
natural springs are still there by the water tank, they were once a public
fountain).
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It became a stagecoach stop and was settled in 1878, just in time for the Big Sur gold rush which began around
1880. Gorda became an important mining town bordering the Gorda and Los Burros gold mines. There was once
a thriving mining town at the higher elevations of nearby Willow Creek Road.
Since the opening of Highway 1 in 1937, Gorda has been a stopover oasis for millions of travelers. There are
many nearby hiking trails, fishing coves and beaches for surfing and beach combing. Willow Creek beach is our
personal favorite.
Gorda does not have sand beaches for sunbathing. It is known for it's steep cliffs and rocks that provide a
sanctuary for elephant seals and birds, and for watching the annual migration of the gray whale.
1880. Gorda became an important mining town bordering the Gorda and Los Burros gold mines. There was once
a thriving mining town at the higher elevations of nearby Willow Creek Road.
Since the opening of Highway 1 in 1937, Gorda has been a stopover oasis for millions of travelers. There are
many nearby hiking trails, fishing coves and beaches for surfing and beach combing. Willow Creek beach is our
personal favorite.
Gorda does not have sand beaches for sunbathing. It is known for it's steep cliffs and rocks that provide a
sanctuary for elephant seals and birds, and for watching the annual migration of the gray whale.
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