Julia Pfeiffer Burns Beach
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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
Nearby Beaches
Partington Cove
1.6 miles away
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Hot Springs Creek Beach at Esalen Institute
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John Little State Natural Reserve
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Nearby Lodging
Big Sur Vintage Trailer Rental
2.5 miles away
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Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
5.2 miles away
The Big Sur Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This rustic old lodge hasn’t changed...
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Reviews
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.