McWay Falls, Big Sur Travel Guide

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Witness the breathtaking beauty of McWay Falls in Big Sur, where a stunning waterfall meets the majestic Pacific Ocean.

McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, is a stunning sight where McWay Creek spills onto a pristine beach or directly into the Pacific Ocean during high tide. This iconic tidefall, easily accessed via a short trail, offers breathtaking views of the falls and cove.

A brief summary to McWay Falls

California, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring McWay Falls.

Arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and secure parking.
Bring cash for the park entrance fee, as card payments may not be available.
Wear layers, as Big Sur's coastal weather can be unpredictable.
Stay on designated trails; access to the beach is prohibited.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Andrew Molera State Park

Point Sur State Historic Park

Partington Cove

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Explore McWay Falls on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near McWay Falls, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Highway 1, watch for signs for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, approximately 37 miles south of Carmel and 12 miles south of Big Sur. Turn inland towards the park entrance. There is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle, payable via a self-serve kiosk (cash only). Park in the designated lots. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. An alternative is to park for free along the west side of Highway 1.
Walking

From the parking area within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, walk back towards Highway 1 and locate the 'Waterfall Trail' sign. Follow the trail, descending a short staircase and passing through a tunnel under Highway 1. After the tunnel, turn right and follow the path to the McWay Falls Overlook. The walk from the parking lot to the overlook is short and easy, approximately 0.5 miles round trip.

Discover more about McWay Falls

McWay Falls, nestled within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, California, is a captivating 80-foot waterfall that graces the coastline. McWay Creek flows year-round, creating this natural wonder. The falls either cascade onto the sandy beach of McWay Cove or directly into the Pacific Ocean when the tide is high, creating a unique 'tidefall'.Originally, McWay Falls plunged directly into the ocean, but a massive landslide in 1983 deposited vast amounts of sediment, creating the beach that exists today. This event dramatically altered the landscape, adding to the allure of the falls. The falls and canyon are named after Christopher McWay, an early settler who arrived in the area in the 1870s. In 1924, Congressman Lathrop Brown and his wife, Hélène Hooper Brown, purchased the land, including Saddle Rock Ranch, and later built the 'Waterfall House' overlooking the falls. The Browns eventually donated the land to the state in 1961, dedicating it to Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a respected pioneer in the region.Today, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of McWay Falls from the Overlook Trail, a short and easy path accessible from Highway 1. Although access to the beach and cove is prohibited to protect the delicate environment and ensure visitor safety, the vista point offers an unforgettable experience.