[3][4] In 1965, Frances sold the property to The Nature Conservancy, stipulating that the park to be created should be named for her brother.

[5] Activities at the park include hiking, fishing and beachcombing, with miles of trails winding through redwood groves, meadows, beaches, and hilltops.

[1] A primitive walk-in trail camp, popular with hikers and bikers, is located approximately one-third of a mile from the parking area.

It includes displays of Big Sur's Native American and pioneer history, artists' exhibits, and historical artifacts.

Scientists and other laboratory employees give regular tours of Andrew Molera State Park, explaining the flora and fauna that are unique to the area.

John Bautista Rogers Cooper traded Rancho Bolsa del Potrero y Moro Cojo in the northern Salinas Valley with Juan Bautista Alvarado for the Rancho El Sur where the state park is located today.

When the Mexican government ceded California to the United States after the Mexican–American War, the Land Act of 1851 required grantees to provide proof of their title.

Andrew J. Molera owned property in the Castroville area, and encouraged farmers to grow artichokes in 1922.

The conservancy held the shoreline property in trust until the state of California could finance the purchase of the land.

[21] The remaining 2,654.7 acres (1,074.3 ha) of Frances Molera's half of the original Rancho El Sur east of Highway 1 was purchased by the state soon after her death.