Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur, CA
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to McWay Falls, a waterfall that drops directly onto the beach below, one of only a handful of such falls on the entire West Coast and genuinely one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur. Primitive camping is available for a fee, though most visitors come for the short trail to the falls overlook rather than an overnight stay.
McWay Falls is genuinely one of the most photographed sights on the entire California coast, though the beach itself is closed to direct access, this is strictly a viewpoint.
How we score beachesGet to the overlook early or late in the day if photos are the goal, the falls face a direction that makes midday light considerably less dramatic than the golden hours.
Free parking is available at the trailhead.
Blufftop trails lead from parking to the McWay Falls overlook.
Dogs are allowed on leash only in the paved parking area; they are not permitted on the McWay Falls trail or any other trail in the park.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Big Sur coast, with the falls running strongest after winter rains.
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