Discover the Serenity of McWay Cove
Experience the breathtaking beauty of McWay Cove, where majestic waterfalls meet the rugged California coastline in a serene natural paradise.
Nestled in the heart of Big Sur, McWay Cove is a breathtaking coastal park offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a picturesque waterfall cascading onto a secluded beach. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers, this natural gem invites you to unwind and explore its scenic trails.
A brief summary to McWay Cove
- Big Sur, California, 93920, US
- +1831-667-2315
- Visit website
Local tips
- Plan your visit during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Wear sturdy shoes as the trails can be steep and rocky in places.
- Bring binoculars for better views of marine life and distant landscapes.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as fog can obscure views.
- Respect the natural environment by sticking to designated trails and packing out what you bring.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are staying in the Big Sur area and wish to reach McWay Cove, start at the Big Sur River Inn. From the Inn, walk south on Highway 1 for about 1 mile. You will pass by various shops and restaurants along the way. Look for the sign for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on your left. Once you reach the park entrance, continue walking along the road until you see the trailhead for the McWay Falls Trail. The trail is a short 0.5-mile hike that leads you to an overlook where you can see the stunning McWay Falls cascading into the cove below.
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Biking
If you prefer to bike, you can rent a bicycle from one of the local rental shops in Big Sur. Start at the Big Sur Campground and head south on Highway 1. Continue for about 2 miles until you reach Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Secure your bike at the bike rack near the entrance and proceed on foot to the McWay Falls Trail. The trail is approximately 0.5 miles and will lead you to the beautiful viewpoint of McWay Cove.
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Hiking
For the more adventurous, you can hike from the nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Start at the park's entrance and follow the signs for the Big Sur River trail. After about a 2-mile hike, you will connect to the McWay Falls Trail. Continue on this trail for another mile, and you will arrive at the stunning overlook of McWay Cove, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the falls and the ocean.
Discover more about McWay Cove
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
52801 CA-1
1.1 km
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COAST Big Sur
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Post Ranch Inn
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Sign | Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
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Fernwood Campground and Resort
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Historic Lime Kilns
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Point Sur Naval Facility
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Point Sur Lighthouse
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Unmissable attractions to see
McWay Falls
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
1.2 km
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point
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Partington Cove
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Grimes Point
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Henry Miller Memorial Library
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Big Creek Bridge
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Big Creek Cove Vista Point
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
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Big Sur River Gorge
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Big Sur River
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Big Sur Station
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Essential places to dine
Deetjen's Restaurant
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Cafe Kevah
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The Sur House
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Big Sur Smokehouse
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Sierra Mar
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Homestead
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Big Sur Roadhouse
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Sushi Jawn
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The Village, Big Sur
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Big Sur River Inn
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Phoenix Shop
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Post Ranch Mercantile
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Mother Botanical & Shop
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Big Sur Deli
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Fernwood General Store
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Big Sur Goods
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Studio One - Big Sur
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Big Sur River Inn General Store
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Alfredo's Cantina
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