McWay Falls is Big Sur's postcard: an 80-foot waterfall pouring off granite cliffs onto a small, emerald-and-turquoise cove beach, framed by redwood-green headlands. The viewpoint is a short, easy walk from the parking area in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which makes it one of the most rewarding quick stops on the coast. You cannot go down to the beach, and you do not need to; the view from the overlook is the point. Combine it with a few of the park's other short trails, and plan your Highway 1 drive with an eye on current conditions, since the road is the real gatekeeper to Big Sur.
Most waterfalls end in a pool; McWay is a tidefall, one of the few in California that drops directly onto a beach and lets the ocean meet it. The stream flows through the canyon above the cove, runs over a bluff and falls roughly 80 feet to the sand, where the surf reaches the creek at high tide.
The cove's water glows an unreal turquoise on bright days, and the flat granite headlands on either side make the scene feel staged. The beach itself is closed to visitors, to protect the cove and for safety, so the overlook trail is how you see it.
The Waterfall Overlook Trail is a short, easy walk, and the park notes that the trail to the overlook is currently reached from the park's north entrance. Allow thirty minutes to an hour including the photos. Beyond the falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has other short trails among redwoods and along the bluffs, and the cliffs above the ocean carry whale-watching potential in the right seasons.
Sunset photographers favor the overlook in clear weather, though the evening fog often rolls in. The park is named for a local pioneer, and its coast has been protected as a state park for decades.
Practicals
The park is on Highway 1 about 37 miles south of Carmel, a little over an hour of driving from Monterey on a good day, and the road is part of the experience. Highway 1 through Big Sur is subject to closures from slides, storms and fire, so check Caltrans conditions before you set out and have a backup plan. Parking at the park is limited and may fill on busy days; a day-use fee applies, so check the State Parks page for current information.
Stay on the trail and behind the fences: the bluffs are unstable. Fit: everyone, from couples and photographers to families; it is accessible to most walkers. It pairs naturally with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Bixby Bridge and a meal on the coast.
What to expect
The experience
A short, easy walk from the parking area to an overlook with a view of an 80-foot waterfall dropping onto a beach cove, plus other short trails in the state park.
Best time
Clear mornings and afternoons for the turquoise cove color. Winter and spring bring stronger flow; fog can obscure the view in summer evenings.
How long
Thirty to sixty minutes at the overlook, one to two hours with other trails.
Tips
Check Highway 1 conditions with Caltrans before driving. Arrive early; parking is limited. Stay behind the fences, and do not try to reach the beach below.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The single most iconic Big Sur view with the least effort.
- Families
- Easy and short, though children must stay behind the fences at the cliff edge.
- Couples
- A scenic stop on the Big Sur drive, ideal in late afternoon light.
- Pair with
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach and Bixby Creek Bridge on the same drive.
- Time needed
- One to two hours, plus the drive.
Good questions
Can you go down to the beach at McWay Falls?+
No. The cove beach is closed to visitors for protection and safety. The overlook trail gives the best and safest view of the waterfall.
How long is the walk?+
It is a short, easy walk to the overlook, typically thirty minutes to an hour including time for photographs.
Is there a fee to visit?+
A day-use fee applies to the park. Check the State Parks page for current information.
Is Highway 1 open to the park?+
Conditions change. The Big Sur coast road is affected by slides, storms and fire, so check Caltrans for current status before driving, and carry a backup plan.
When is the best time to go?+
Clear days for the cove's color; late afternoon for soft light. Weekday mornings are easier for parking.
