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This post is looong overdue becuase I believe the highway 1 now near this waterfall is closed from 2025 to 2026 (but check) I love, love, love waterfalls, and this spot is absolutely gorgeous. McWay Falls feels truly magical, the way the waterfall spills onto the beach and meets the turquoise ocean is breathtaking. This waterfalls combines two of my favorite things (the beach and waterfall so what's there not to love). The views are stunning, peaceful, and unlike anywhere else. An unforgettable stop along the coast and one of the most beautiful natural sights I've ever seen. I wish there was a way to hike down, but there isn't, I guess it's a good thing as it preserves this spots natural beauty
A must stop location if you're visting the Big Sur area!! No matter how many times I have seen this site, it still continues to make me smile and look on in admiration of it's natural beauty! Images are from two separate visits. Can get crazy busy so best to see in the off-season or during the week if possible. There is parking on the street, however, be careful of traffic, as well as a paid parking lot.
One of the Falls we wanted to see in Big Sur was the McWay Falls just before highway 1 closure. Every week we drive up and down NorCal to visit California Beauties. From the North Bay, just take the highway 1, pass Point Lobos, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Park, Pfeiffer Beach (purple sands) and to the end before the closure. It's quite a beautiful drive in Big Sur. The McWay Falls can't be access, can only see from the top. It's quite beautiful even in July. Most people park on the side of the road to avoid park parking fee. The park is on the left of the falls, we parked and walked out to see the falls. It seems like there's trail going down to the falls but it's closed. Anyhow, on trip, we can visit Pfeiffer beach, Pfeiffer falls, Point Lobos, and Bixby Bridge.
Important note about visiting! They will be closed starting April 2025 and probably stay closed for repairs of a retention wall well into 2026 so if you are planning to come here do it now! It may be more than a year before the trail is open again. It's one of the most iconic stops in Big Sur with the popular attraction being a tall waterfall falling on the sand very close to the ocean. I've seen many waterfalls and this one is definitely in the top 10 for uniqueness. When we came before I remember parking along Highway 1 precariously, luckily now there is a large parking lot across the street for $10. You do a short hike through a tunnel under the highway and you'll be at McWay Falls quickly. We came early in the morning and no one else was there. If you care about lighting it's better mid-day to sunset, in the morning the falls side will be in shadow. I personally prefer the morning to avoid crowds. The wood fence along the hike, especially near the falls, is short in height and some parts are rotting so I wouldn't lean or sit on them or you might take a steep fall off the cliff. You cannot get to the falls, even if you kayak over it's not allowed and it's a steep and dangerous climb down you wouldn't be able to do without ropes and gear. Even still, the view from the path is gorgeous and it's worth your time to stop here.
The walk was like 5 min from the parking lot i am a bit bummed i thought it was some big waterfall but it is cool to see and we took pics anyway
After reading so much about the Big Sur area and McWay Falls, we made it a top priority to visit as part of our California trip. We got to the falls around 5 p.m. on a weekday, and the lighting was perfect for our pictures. Also the traffic was not too bad. Unfortunately, we were not able to hike the trail because it was closed for restoration, but we were still able to get an incredible picture from the road.
Short walk from the parking lot to the lookout point that even kids can do it. No dogs allowed on the trail which is a bummer but good thing we checked and didn't bring our pup with us. The view is gorgeous! Even from this distance.
Beautiful waterfall! Must visit if you are driving on PCH. This is one of the must stops if you are doing a road trip going up to Big Sur. The views are stunning! Park at the top and take a sketchy path down.
What's up: I had heard about the waterfall that empties into the ocean before. When I found out that it was not too far away from where we were staying in Big Sur, we decided to stop by on our way back home. Parking: $10 per car. Since we had camp reservations for Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground, our parking fee was waived. They have a small lot on the left not too far from the restrooms and a larger lot towards the right. Environment: After parking, follow the signs and head to the tunnel that takes you under the road and to the other side of the highway. There were lots of signs warning of unstable cliffs and road closures but you'll be able to get to the point where you can see the waterfall spilling into the ocean; it's a lovely sight to see. Yay/Nay/Meh: Yay. It's definitely worth a stop just to see the beauty of the surrounding area. We didn't do too much other than take pics of the waterfall and the ocean, but there were hiking trails nearby that you can take.
Very short and easy walk (with only a few stairs at the trail's beginning). The flat dirt trail leads you through a tunnel under highway 1 curving around to the right a short distance to a truly beautiful view. One of the few waterfalls that end directly into the ocean. I've been a few times since living here in California and it never gets old ... and any time of day it's breath taking!
Love! Lifelong local and just finally made it here. Park in the lot, pay $10, walk 5 minutes and you're there! This is one of only 2 waterfalls that falls directly into the ocean - the other is in Humboldt county. Truly beautiful.
Spectacular view of the waterfall from the road side. Limited parking on the side of the highway.
No way McWay! You are a vision! Finally got to see this picturesque (and very popular) waterfall IRL, and it's as beautiful and magical as every photo I've ever seen on Instagram. It's true that this is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur (along with Bixby Bridge), and rightfully so. I mean it's not everyday that you see a waterfall on a beach, and the fact that the beach is off limits to humans makes it that much more magical, pure and pristine. It's Mother Nature in all her untouched glory! My hubby and I were lucky enough to visit on a random Tuesday in late Feb (well not that random, it was my birthday!), so there were no crowds and no parking issues. I'm sure it helped that we're still in a global pandemic too, so there were literally 4 other people at McWay Falls when we arrived. Unfortunately the bridge/walkway that extends out to give you a better view of the beach/falls was closed and fenced off, so you could only walk out to a certain point. Once you turn into the main parking lot at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park sign, there's a little box where you can self-pay the $10 fee (money goes toward maintaining this amazing park for everyone to enjoy). Since there was no way to get change and since there were only a few cars around, we ended up parking on the side of Hwy 1 right outside the parking lot entrance. Right behind that self-pay parking station is the trail head that leads to McWay Falls. It's a short, 5-min hike or so and BAM! Mother Nature showing off with her waterfall, trees, beautiful beach, crashing waves...you get the picture! This place is an iconic spot in Big Sur for a reason!
McWay Falls empty onto a pristine beach. There is no public access to this beach; you can only view the falls from above. Park on the side of the road and take the short trail along the ridge to watch this waterfall hit the sand and the waves roll on to the shore and then roll back out in to the ocean. read more
This review will be short and sweet because words and pictures won't do this place justice! It's beautiful and well worth the visit. There is no difficult hike here and is mostly a scenic/leisurely area. We did a quick stop here on our way out of Big Sur. read more
Driving along the coastal highway, we saw signs for this waterfall and decided to stop the car and explore. So glad that we did. After a small hike (honestly, perhaps 5 - 10 minutes) you see this beautiful waterfall cascading onto a secluded beach. It is breathtaking. A small path hugs the coast which gives you even better vantage points of the falls. As an added bonus, you can also take a short hike to the top of the cliff where you can see the exact point where the waterfall cascades over the side. Not as awe-inspiring as Niagara Falls, but stunning none-the-less. One of the absolute highlights of our trip to California (and there were several). If in the area....definitely check it out. read more
Andy O needs to settle down. You don't think those pictures you've seen haven't been photoshopped? This place was beautiful. Was it a little different than the pictures I've seen? Only difference was the falls were a lot smaller in person. It's still beautiful. I mean, a waterfall coming off a cliff into the ocean. How do you not enjoy this? Pay the $10 and park inside Julia Pfeiffer State Park, there is a tunnel that you can walk under the road and not play frogger with the cars. read more
11 years ago
It is awesome to witness a part of nature untouched and McWay Falls is a great example of that. As a pit stop for my trip to Nor Cal via the scenic route (101 & PCH), McWay Falls was the pit stop I was looking forward to the most. As I got closer to the location, there were so many cars parked along the highway. I was lucky enough to find a spot available and crossed the street to the stairs that would take me down to the vista point of the waterfall. Some people parked in Julia Pfeiffer State Park and crossed safely through the tunnel but it's not difficult to cross on street surface. Just wait for the cars to pass by and make your way to the dirt trial. The stairs leading down to the dirt path are not that even and there were no rail to hold on to so it was difficult for my dad to make his way down (his legs are weak). But slowly and surely, he made his way to the vista point and it was totally worth it. This is not a difficult path but it's not friendly for elderly people who needs to hold on to something for balance. The view down to the fall is amazing, the water is so blue and the waves are pretty to watch. The waterfall itself is a bit tiny to see (it's like a piece of thread falling down the rocks) but the overall view is amazing. I hiked a bit of the hike and it seems easy to do. read more
11 years ago
Located in the beautiful Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is probably one of the most Instagram-ed (or photographed) landmarks in Big Sur. Fun Facts: - The waterfall flows year round. - It used to flow directly into the ocean, but a fire and landslides changed the cove. - Cannot reach the beach and the cove by land, but you can by boat! - Featured in Dr. Dre's I Need a Doctor music video. Prepare for eye-gasms because wow! :O PS. Don't expect a huge waterfall. It's more like a big trickle... read more
7 years ago
11 years ago
Seriously! I was willing to get a fine just so I can touch the 80ft. waterfall along with the emerald water! (Maybe not) This place is too dreamy; I did not want to leave! To preserve the environment, it's only accessible via trail from above. Park along the highway where most of the cars are--it's a touristy spot so you shouldn't be able to miss this if you always follow the crowd lol. Great for picture opportunities--you don't even need a filter ;) Oh McWay Falls, one of the nature that's untouched. Picture doesn't do it justice, check this place out!! Amazing views!! read more
Words cannot describe just how amazing the view truly is! This location is a great place to go for a picnic, a short getaway, place to read your book(s), and etc. The walk here isn't that bad either, if my brain remembers right the walk here was barely over half a mile. So, not only is the walk here short but simple as well. A word of advice would be to bring exact change of $10 as parking does not give back change (bummer right?) Overall, I would really recommend coming here for the view whenever possible because it will take your breath away. read more
11 years ago
I'll give this a 4.5 out of 5 because TBH, the waterfall is a bit underwhelming. A lot of people are attracted to this local attraction because of its beautiful blue waters and the waterfall that falls onto the beach. You can access the "Trail" to the McWay Falls through Julia Pfeiffer State Park, or on the side of the highway. This trail is about half a mile long from inside the park. When I went with my friends, there were quite a bit of people hanging around. The waters are beautifully blue, I'd even go as far to say that they're hauntingly blue. The different shades of blue really add to it's majestic-ness, if that's even a word. The waterfall use to fall into the water, however, due to landslides, the water shifted and a beach was formed, so the falls only meet the water, when it's high tide. The beach is closed off and there's no access to it. Ive heard that you can get ticketed for trying to get down there, so please, don't try. It would be nice to have access to it, but due to the sleeping waves, it is too dangerous. You don't want to get swept away by these waves because there's really no way of predicting them. If you're driving down the coast, then this is a great stop! But if you're going to drive out here from the South Bay JUST to see the falls, then don't waste your time. You might as well accompany this view with the hike of the Ewoldson Trail. Haha read more
So I went into this adventure thinking, "Okay, this drought's probably going to cause the waterfall to look like...nothing." A few hours into the trip and upon arrival, I was proven wrong! There's still water! Hip Hip Hooray! We can still go! And wow, isn't this place beautiful? While the drive to McWay Falls took around an hour and a half, the mini hike only took around 10-12 minutes, but I ended up bringing my lunch and sat in front of the oceanside, just enjoying a time of peace and tranquility, until a bus of tourists arrived...GG Gorgeous views of the natural falls makes for a great background or foreground for any photographers, iPhones or DSLRs alike. Even on cloudy days (which mine wasn't) the ocean paints such a vibrant color of blue, green and the aqua sky. If only they can allow a few of us to go down. But I assume it's for the protection of the Falls and the beach. I respect that. A waterfall cascading into the ocean. Now I have found two of them! read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
While visiting San Francisco, my friend decided to rent a car and take me down the coast. Absolutely amazing. This was a wonderful place to stop along the way. read more
Just another gorgeous stop along PCH at the McWay Falls where you can do some exploring and get in some exercise as well with the hike. When you are hiking down the trial to reach some flat ground and look for those familiar dirt roads, it shouldn't take that long. When you finally reach the bridge facing the waterfall, it's just absolutely stunning especially when the waters are clear blue and the sky is clear overhead. The bridge tends to get crowded with people taking selfies with their selfie stick or else just people taking group shots so just be patient and wait your turn, or offer to take their pics for them so they can be done sooner (haha). The waterfall runs all year round and straight into the beach. Honestly, don't expect anything too big. It's just a chance to take in something you don't see everyday and appreciate nature and its beauty. read more
12 years ago
Nature + Beauty = McWay Falls Driving along the PCH is always beautiful. When you see a ton of cars parked along the road, you know there's something worth stopping for. We stopped at the first open place we could find. We had to trek back to overlook the falls below. Gorgeous view of the natural falls splashing down on the beach. The several shades of blue in the ocean made this one of my favorite sights on our drive. There is a little trail to get a little closer to the falls. Unfortunately you can't get all the way down to the beach for the ultimate view and pic. I'm assuming the state park purposely set it up like this to leave the area undisturbed. It's worth the stop for this natural beauty! read more
A group of us decided to road trip down to Big Sur from San Francisco for a day, and we put together a "California" playlist for our drive. The song California by Phantom Planet from the OC was so fitting, because we were literally "Driving in the sun, looking out for number 1, driving down the 101". California here we come! After lunch, we made our way to McWay Falls for the most surreal view of the Big Sur coast and the Pacific. This spot is one of the most photographed landmarks in Big Sur with its unique waterfall. Parking - After you pass the sign for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on the east side of the road, you will see plenty of cars parked along the road near the waterfall. Parking is $10 in a lot near the start of the trail, but you can also park on the road for free with most other cars. Trail - Follow the Overlook Waterfall Trail along the path leading towards the ocean. The walk is about 1/4 a mile to the main view points, and you will walk through a tunnel under Hwy 1. You can also get amazing pictures from the road without doing the trail. Weather - The weather was not on our side during our trip through this area. It was foggy but none the less, this view of the Big Sur coast was still amazing regardless of the weather. View - The views are amazing - Big Sur is just as beautiful as it is seen in pictures. Great place to photograph. The McWay Falls is one of the only waterfalls that come from the hill and end in the ocean. You can walk the path, look down on the beach and waterfall, and a great view of the ocean. Beach - The trail does not give you access to the beach- it is closed off to the public. You can only walk to the overlook point via the Waterfall trail. Anyone who goes to Big Sur should visit McWay Falls. The landscape around the waterfall is breathtaking and the water is an amazing blue. The trail is a sample short walk and are well worth the visit. read more
McWay Falls has been called "the most recognizable image from Big Sur," and it's not hard to see why that is. Even though the waterfall itself is not as large as you might expect (it's really just the end of a stream falling over the end of a cliff), the view from the lookout point is gorgeous overall. Even on semi-sunny days, the ocean is a vivid blue, and the sand is smooth and unadulterated. Parking is a bit of a B. You can park along the highway (kind of unsafe) or in the designated parking lot for $10 where there's a bathroom, the start of the Ewoldsen Trail and the official start of the McWay Waterfall trail. This hike isn't particularly strenuous, at only 0.7 miles one-way from the parking lot, so if you're looking for a workout, this is not the hike for you. It's a very safe, easy hike. The path is well-maintained, the fences along the trail are sturdy, and there are benches at the viewpoint. Also at the viewpoint are information about the owners and house that formerly occupied the land. It's nice to learn a little bit about the place, and the view facing the north coast is nice, too. You make the drive, pay for parking and do the hike for the view, which is totally worth it. For those left feeling underwhelmed, take the trail to the left of the tunnel that leads to more spectacular views of the Pacific Coast Highway and some old redwoods. read more
11 years ago
I visited Big Sur twice before knowing about this place. This was a pit stop on the way back home to LA; it's definitely worth the stop for such a short hike. There are two ways to reach the falls. One is directly parking off on the side of Highway 1 (be careful about opening your doors.) You can to walk through a small tunnel to the falls through another entrance. You're not allowed to go down to the falls, but I have seen some photos online of people that have. I do not recommend it to the general public because this beach is better off being left untouched. Be wary of the poison oak off trail. If you're lucky, you can hear sea lions by the falls or see whales in the ocean. My friend spotted a whale jumping mid-air when he looked over to the ocean! Viewing McWay Falls is amazing. There's a reason why this is one of the most visited places in Big Sur. The water is a crisp, vivid blue. There's trees growing on a giant rock off by the side of the beach. It's amazing how short of a walk this is to see this view. read more
A must stop by when you're driving down highway 1! It's about 30 minute drive from Bixby Bridge (which was quite disappointing to be honest - but really McWay Falls made up for it). Parking - Stop over by the side. If you park in the state park area you'll be required to pay $10 for it. Directions - A short "hike" or walk down the path. I'm not sure how people get down to the falls but there's definitely a path down there which probably isn't the safest. They say no dogs but we saw several people bring their dogs along. read more
6 years ago
11 years ago
There was an entrance fee of $10 but I guess since we arrived late, there's nobody at the entrance booth. It was a rainy day so it's muddy when we got here. But it's alright because it's worth it. There's a short walk to get there with a some kinda tunnel. The saying 'there's a light at the end of the tunnel' fits here perfectly. But you just don't see the light, it's more like gold. The view is breathtaking and the sound of the water is very relaxing. Wish I can just stay there to take in all of it. It must have been a very sweet home for the Brown family. read more
A beautiful view of a beach and a small waterfall with stunning views of the ocean, with very little effort needed in order to see it. I recommend parking right outside Julia Pfeiffer Burns park (it is $10 to park in the parking lot but free if you park on the side of Highway 1 in one of the designated stopping areas). The trail itself is about 0.7 miles round trip, pretty flat, and can be completed in about 15 minutes. It provides stunning views but unfortunately there is no way down to the beach or a way to get close up to the ocean. Another trail that is 4.5 mi long also starts at the same point for those looking for a more involved hike. read more
10 years ago
Awesome place for pictures and the trail is short and sweet. Would go back for sure. FYI - This trail is right off of highway 1 you can't miss it. read more
7 years ago
8 years ago
BOO YAH, BIG SUR IS OFFICIALLY BACK IN BUSINESS BABY!!! A week ago, I probably would not have uttered such an exclamation. To be honest, I never really thought much about exploring Big Sur. Sure, I found it to be quite beautiful when I drove by last year on the way to Berkeley. But, back then I wouldn't have considered it a place you HAD TO visit before dying. That all changed last weekend when I decided to take my girlfriend to Big Sur for the first time since the area had finally reopened after months of construction. OMGEE I have never been so wrong in my life. Big Sur - from the gorgeous coastline views of the ocean to the windy and rewarding trails of its massive state parks - actually offers one of THE BEST escapes for people living in the Bay Area. If you had just one day and only one day to visit Big Sur, where would you go? My girlfriend and I decided to check out McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park because it was literally the NUMBER ONE thing to do in Big Sur (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g240329-d1379030-Reviews-McWay_Falls-Big_Sur_California.html). Everyone and their moms came here, but I'll be the first to say that the waterfall may not be something you'd want to fight tooth and nail to see. Here's why: -- BEAUTIFUL, BUT FAR-REMOVED VIEWS -- I won't lie to you: The scenery here is drop-dead gorgeous and unrivaled by most. A short stroll along the Overlook Trail will grant you access into a scene straight from a dream. The view of the ocean is so magical, the water is so blue, and omg the cove...McWay Falls is really something you have to see in person. Pictures can only do so much to capture how beautiful and massive this waterfall is. If you look hard enough, you may also see marine life in the water (I heard someone say they saw a whale)! Unfortunately though, I personally found the jubilance to be short-lived because you're so high up and far away from the view. Since visitors aren't allowed to trespass down to the beach (*insert sad face*), it's like you become detached from the experience; you're left standing as an onlooker instead of partaking in the thrill of being near the shore/waterfall. Maybe you'll enjoy that, but for me I struggled to embrace it. -- SHORT AND UNINSPIRING TRAIL -- If you're someone like me who appreciates the journey almost as much as the destination, you may want to rethink a trip out to McWay Falls. The Overlook Trail (path to McWay Falls and scenic heaven) is extremely short and underwhelming. It's like a 5 minute walk down to the viewpoint areas and the path offers no change in landscape. Maybe I'm just really picky but dude you barely have to get out of your car to catch the view! Where's the effort?! At least there's benches and a short tunnel though? If you're thinking that you can make a whole day out of visiting McWay Falls because there are other trails here, I'm terribly sorry: Most of the ones at Julia Pfeiffer are closed indefinitely due to unsafe hiking conditions (parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570). Currently, only two are open (Overlook and Partington Trail). As an alternative, you may want to head further south and check out Limekiln Beach State Park, where all trails are open (https://www.yelp.com/biz/limekiln-beach-state-park-big-sur). But if you still plan on coming, I recommend visiting Julia Pfeiffer/McWay Falls when all of the trails are effectively back in business. -- HEAVY TRAFFIC -- Worst part about the falls is definitely the traffic. Because of its insane popularity, the waterfall attracts HELLA tourists. Make sure to arrive early so you can find street parking (a.k.a. free parking) and get an uninterrupted view. Otherwise, have fun trying to get a picture while people are constantly walking by you. When driving here, note that McWay Falls is about 2.5 hours from South Bay Area and 40 minutes south of Bixby Creek Bridge. You shouldn't have too much trouble spotting the park even without GPS as there's a clear sign along Highway 1 that directs you when to turn into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. You'll know that you've gone too far if you start seeing signs for Limekiln Beach State Park. Entrance fee is $10, but luckily the parking pass they give you will allow free access to other California state parks (e.g. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park). Unfortunately, it DOES NOT get you into Limekiln Park or Pfeiffer Beach. Even though I have a soft spot for beautiful waterfalls, McWay Falls didn't bring me the same level of happiness and ecstasy that it may give to others - probably because the experience was so fleeting for me. To sum it up, I felt like I paid $10 for a ephemeral, albeit breathtaking view. Consider it a donation I guess, for even though Big Sur is 10/10 amazing, there are definitely better sights to see around the area. I give McWay Falls a "Tolerable, sufficient for sustenance" rating. Yo, that waterfall is TIGHT, but don't get your hopes up. Have fun and prosper, read more
Inside of Pfeirrfer park, Mcway falls is a short .25 mile walk to get down to the viewing area. Some people park on the side of highway 1, but I do recommend to just pay the $10 fee and park your car in a safe area. You must see this for yourself. I have gone here over 10 times with so many different people and it continues to wow me every time. Stunning views. On a nice hot summer day, you may even be lucky enough to see whales and dolphins in the ocean! This is such a nice park to explore and take pictures. Even though you can't go down to the falls, the views are just amazing. read more
6 years ago
8 years ago
8 years ago
10 years ago
Not just a waterfall but a rare tidefall.Only a handful in all of north america and around 25 in the entire world! That alone should make it a pretty unique sight and place to visit but the surrounding beauty elevates it to an entirely higher plane! Anyways, took all these pics from side of the road and didn't even enter the park since never found the trail and does it really matter anyways since it doesn't let you get any closer than the pictures I took with a good zoom lens! Besides, didn't really want to walk another mile after already having gone over 16 miles over a tortuous and grueling bicycle ride to get here! read more
More info about McWay Falls
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur, CA 93920
Directions
(831) 667-1112
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578
Hours
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
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Ask the Community - McWay Falls
Is it a good idea to take toddlers there?
Yes completely safe as long as you follow the signs and rules. Safe travels
Is McWay falls currently accessible?
By water yes so you can kayak there but not climb down
Are there road closures on US 1 to get to the falls?
No, road should be open in both directions now. It was open when we were there in late July. Drive safe!
Can I fly a drone here? Wanted to take picture and videos of this amazing place.
I didn't see any signs posted about drones
