Sights · Our pick in California

McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

State park·Big Sur

A waterfall onto the beach

About McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

McWay Falls drops from the cliffs onto a cove in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, seen from a short overlook trail off Highway 1. The park’s backcountry trails east of the highway are closed indefinitely after the 2026 Timber Fire, so check the park’s page before you go.

Why it's on our list

  • Short overlook trail
  • Check current status

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park before you go.

What’s nearby

Distances from McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.

Key sights

  1. Bixby Creek Bridge20 miCar or taxi 36 min

Location

The ULTIMATE letter

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