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About Julia Pfeiffer Burns Beach in Big Sur, California

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on the Big Sur coast is home to iconic McWay Falls which pours onto a scenic beach. Trails to the falls overlook and other destinations throughout the park make this a top hiking spot.

It’s just a short walk down a trail and through a tunnel under Highway 1 to an overlook where tourists and seasoned pros take stunning photographs of where McWay Creek splashes onto the sandy beach below. It’s a serene setting, but unfortunately the beach below the falls is closed to public access (there is no safe way down anyway and it is illegal). Near the overlook is McWay Waterfall House, the remains of an old house that was the residence of the family that gave this stunning large ranch property to the state back in 1962. Note that the trail to the overlook is wheelchair accessible.

Scuba diving the shore north of McWay Creek is a popular activity. That area can be entered at Partington Cove (special permit required for scuba) which is also part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The hike out to that cove is like McWay Falls in that it goes through a tunnel.

Whale-watching during their migration season (Dec-early May) is possible from the McWay Falls observation deck and the trail. The point next to Partington Cove is another whale watching spot.

Tent camp spots can be reserved online for camping on the bluff above Saddle Rock just south of the beach. Visit ReserveCalifornia and reserve spots in either Saddle Rock Environmental Campground or South Gardens Environmental Campground. The summer reservations are booked six months ahead of time or more. The Big Sur area has other camping and glamping options.

Address
52801 CA-1
Big Sur, CA 93920
Phone
831-667-1112
Park Name
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Other Names
McWay Cove, McWay Beach, McWay Creek, McWay Canyon, Saddle Rock, McWay Rocks
Owner
State Park
Pet Details
No dogs allowed outside of parking areas
Fees
Fees for parking
Activities
Hiking, Walking, Scuba Diving, Whale Watching, Photography, Camping
Amenities
Beach Waterfall, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Rock Arch, Campground, Trails, Interpretive Signs, ADA Access
Map of Julia Pfeiffer Burns Beach
Monterey, US
6:04 am, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 49°F
L: 48° H: 59°
Feels like 46.78 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 3 m/s
UV Index: 0
Precipitation: 0.04 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:57 am
Sunset: 7:25 pm
Humidity 95 %
Pressure1019 mb
Wind 3 m/s

Nearby Beaches

Partington Cove

1.6 miles away

Partington Cove is a remote rocky cove below Partington Point in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The shoreline in...

View beach

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Lodging

Reviews

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Rated 5.0 out of 5
March 28, 2024

I want to dock this beach a star since it’s not possible to get down there, but it’s such a spectacular spot. If you in Big Sur you have to stop here and check it out. Note that everyone who stops goes to look at McWay Falls but there is another waterfall up the canyon trail just a ways too. It’s not nearly as spectacular but you can hike right to it.

Channing