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    McWay Falls

    4.6 (192 reviews)

    McWay Falls Photos

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    Lovely Turquoise color !!
    Nathan D.

    Incredible scenery , can't wait to go back when the construction is done. They had some landslide damage up and down the Big Sur coast line, they look to be re doing the trail down to the beach as well as the trail to the overlook spot, so we didn't get to see it from close up but Mcway is a must see on your trip to Big Sur!!

    Chris W.

    A must stop location if you're visting the Big Sur area!! No matter how many times I have seen this site, it still continues to make me smile and look on in admiration of it's natural beauty! Images are from two separate visits. Can get crazy busy so best to see in the off-season or during the week if possible. There is parking on the street, however, be careful of traffic, as well as a paid parking lot.

    Louis L.

    One of the Falls we wanted to see in Big Sur was the McWay Falls just before highway 1 closure. Every week we drive up and down NorCal to visit California Beauties. From the North Bay, just take the highway 1, pass Point Lobos, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Park, Pfeiffer Beach (purple sands) and to the end before the closure. It's quite a beautiful drive in Big Sur. The McWay Falls can't be access, can only see from the top. It's quite beautiful even in July. Most people park on the side of the road to avoid park parking fee. The park is on the left of the falls, we parked and walked out to see the falls. It seems like there's trail going down to the falls but it's closed. Anyhow, on trip, we can visit Pfeiffer beach, Pfeiffer falls, Point Lobos, and Bixby Bridge.

    Tunnel that takes you underneath the highway to McWay Falls
    Jay P.

    Important note about visiting! They will be closed starting April 2025 and probably stay closed for repairs of a retention wall well into 2026 so if you are planning to come here do it now! It may be more than a year before the trail is open again. It's one of the most iconic stops in Big Sur with the popular attraction being a tall waterfall falling on the sand very close to the ocean. I've seen many waterfalls and this one is definitely in the top 10 for uniqueness. When we came before I remember parking along Highway 1 precariously, luckily now there is a large parking lot across the street for $10. You do a short hike through a tunnel under the highway and you'll be at McWay Falls quickly. We came early in the morning and no one else was there. If you care about lighting it's better mid-day to sunset, in the morning the falls side will be in shadow. I personally prefer the morning to avoid crowds. The wood fence along the hike, especially near the falls, is short in height and some parts are rotting so I wouldn't lean or sit on them or you might take a steep fall off the cliff. You cannot get to the falls, even if you kayak over it's not allowed and it's a steep and dangerous climb down you wouldn't be able to do without ropes and gear. Even still, the view from the path is gorgeous and it's worth your time to stop here.

    Emily L.

    The walk was like 5 min from the parking lot i am a bit bummed i thought it was some big waterfall but it is cool to see and we took pics anyway

    Gorgeous View!
    Linda R.

    After reading so much about the Big Sur area and McWay Falls, we made it a top priority to visit as part of our California trip. We got to the falls around 5 p.m. on a weekday, and the lighting was perfect for our pictures. Also the traffic was not too bad. Unfortunately, we were not able to hike the trail because it was closed for restoration, but we were still able to get an incredible picture from the road.

    McWay Falls
    Jen D.

    Short walk from the parking lot to the lookout point that even kids can do it. No dogs allowed on the trail which is a bummer but good thing we checked and didn't bring our pup with us. The view is gorgeous! Even from this distance.

    Sunset
    Torri M.

    Very short and easy walk (with only a few stairs at the trail's beginning). The flat dirt trail leads you through a tunnel under highway 1 curving around to the right a short distance to a truly beautiful view. One of the few waterfalls that end directly into the ocean. I've been a few times since living here in California and it never gets old ... and any time of day it's breath taking!

    Dani S.

    Beautiful waterfall! Must visit if you are driving on PCH. This is one of the must stops if you are doing a road trip going up to Big Sur. The views are stunning! Park at the top and take a sketchy path down.

    Follow the signs to the Falls
    Penny P.

    What's up: I had heard about the waterfall that empties into the ocean before. When I found out that it was not too far away from where we were staying in Big Sur, we decided to stop by on our way back home. Parking: $10 per car. Since we had camp reservations for Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground, our parking fee was waived. They have a small lot on the left not too far from the restrooms and a larger lot towards the right. Environment: After parking, follow the signs and head to the tunnel that takes you under the road and to the other side of the highway. There were lots of signs warning of unstable cliffs and road closures but you'll be able to get to the point where you can see the waterfall spilling into the ocean; it's a lovely sight to see. Yay/Nay/Meh: Yay. It's definitely worth a stop just to see the beauty of the surrounding area. We didn't do too much other than take pics of the waterfall and the ocean, but there were hiking trails nearby that you can take.

    Tiffany S.

    Love! Lifelong local and just finally made it here. Park in the lot, pay $10, walk 5 minutes and you're there! This is one of only 2 waterfalls that falls directly into the ocean - the other is in Humboldt county. Truly beautiful.

    Ed T.

    Spectacular view of the waterfall from the road side. Limited parking on the side of the highway.

    Trail that leads to McWay Falls
    Giselle M.

    No way McWay! You are a vision! Finally got to see this picturesque (and very popular) waterfall IRL, and it's as beautiful and magical as every photo I've ever seen on Instagram. It's true that this is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur (along with Bixby Bridge), and rightfully so. I mean it's not everyday that you see a waterfall on a beach, and the fact that the beach is off limits to humans makes it that much more magical, pure and pristine. It's Mother Nature in all her untouched glory! My hubby and I were lucky enough to visit on a random Tuesday in late Feb (well not that random, it was my birthday!), so there were no crowds and no parking issues. I'm sure it helped that we're still in a global pandemic too, so there were literally 4 other people at McWay Falls when we arrived. Unfortunately the bridge/walkway that extends out to give you a better view of the beach/falls was closed and fenced off, so you could only walk out to a certain point. Once you turn into the main parking lot at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park sign, there's a little box where you can self-pay the $10 fee (money goes toward maintaining this amazing park for everyone to enjoy). Since there was no way to get change and since there were only a few cars around, we ended up parking on the side of Hwy 1 right outside the parking lot entrance. Right behind that self-pay parking station is the trail head that leads to McWay Falls. It's a short, 5-min hike or so and BAM! Mother Nature showing off with her waterfall, trees, beautiful beach, crashing waves...you get the picture! This place is an iconic spot in Big Sur for a reason!

    McWay Cove

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    Path closed, but you can still get a great view from the parking lot to take pictures.

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    McWay Falls Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - McWay Falls

    Are we allowed to climb down to the actual waterfall?

    No. It's closed off.

    Is the fee $10 per person or by vehicle?

    Per vehicle for parking

    Do they allow dogs?

    No pups

    Is it a good idea to take toddlers there?

    Yes completely safe as long as you follow the signs and rules. Safe travels

    Is McWay falls currently accessible?

    By water yes so you can kayak there but not climb down

    Are there road closures on US 1 to get to the falls?

    No, road should be open in both directions now. It was open when we were there in late July. Drive safe!

    Can I fly a drone here? Wanted to take picture and videos of this amazing place.

    I didn't see any signs posted about drones

    View All 10 Questions

    Review Highlights - McWay Falls

    The correct park to get to McWay Falls is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, NOT Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

    Mentioned in 20 reviews

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    Pfeiffer Beach - Outhouses

    Pfeiffer Beach

    4.5(344 reviews)
    9.8 mi

    The most famous beach with purple sand, Pfeiffer Beach is located in BIg Sur, requiring a 2 mile…read moredrive down a one-lane road to reach. It also costs $15 to park here. Our family thought it was worth it. Pfeiffer Beach was our eighth and longest stop during our southbound journey on the Cabrillo highway through Big Sur. Access is through Sycamore Canyon Road (one lane) which is extremely easy to miss from the highway. It is a one lane road but has many areas where one can turn off to let oncoming cars pass, though I can imagine when it gets busy how much more difficult it would become. We had left Carmel early in the morning, so it was about 07:48 when we reached the bottom. As we drove down, my wife noticed a lone, empty chair about halfway down. Later we realized that that is where a ranger would sit to tell cars to go back up, once the limited parking lot near the beach got full. The car entrance had yet to be manned, so we paid per vehicle fee via cash in an envelope deposited in a fee drop box. The tear off stub is then displayed on your dash. Later when we were leaving, there were employees manning the area, accepting payment, with credit cards being accepted. The parking is administered by a private company so our America the Beautiful National Park pass did not work here. We were the 2nd car in the lot. There are angled handicap spots, motorcycle parking, and bathrooms (outhouse style) in the parking area. There is definitely more beach space than there are parking spots, so if you are able to get to the beach, one can easily find a secluded spot. Though as the no refund sign warned, there is high winds and blowing sand on the beach so not the best place for a warm, sunny beach day. There are streaks of purple sand along the beach (learned that the purple is caused by garnet powder that washes down from surrounding areas). It made the white sand look like it had dirt spots. I did have time to walk to both ends of the beach, and discovered that at the north end, there are pockets of sand further away from the ocean where the garnet sand is a lot more prevalent. The beach is named after the pioneer, Michael Pfeiffer. Many other places in the area (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park) are named after his descendants. The beach is for day use only, and is open from sunrise to sunset. What's interesting about this is how many reviews are on Yelp for this beach, even though there was no cell service when we went. It clearly shows a lot of Yelpers are coming to this beach, and taking the effort to write about it once they get back to an area that has internet. But there are no reviews for any of the vista points in the surrounding areas. Maybe they aren't being approved by Yelp to be searchable?

    super windy (our hat flew off!).. and curiously purple patterned sand. This beach is a must see in…read morethe Big Sur exploration. Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most famous and visually striking beaches in Big Sur, known for its dramatic rock formations and unique landscape. Here is a summary of what makes it special: Key Highlights The Purple Sand: The beach is globally famous for patches of violet and deep purple sand. This unusual coloring comes from manganese garnet washed down from the surrounding hillsides after it rains. Keyhole Rock: This massive, iconic rock formation sits just off the shore. It features a natural archway carved out by the ocean. During sunset, the evening light beams directly through the "keyhole," creating a spectacular glow that attracts photographers from all over. Rugged Scenery: Surrounded by towering cliffs and sea stacks, the beach offers a raw, wild, and incredibly photogenic slice of the California coast. What to Know Before You Go The Road Down: The beach is located down Sycamore Canyon Road, which is a narrow, winding, one-lane road with sharp turns. It is not recommended for RVs or large trailers. Hidden Entrance: The turnoff from Highway 1 is unmarked and easy to miss--it is located just south of the Big Sur Ranger Station. Parking & Fees: There is a standard vehicle day-use fee. Because it is highly popular and the parking lot is quite small, it can fill up quickly on weekends and nice days. If the lot is full, staff will turn vehicles away at the highway, so arriving early or late in the afternoon is ideal. Conditions: It is notoriously windy, so packing a jacket is wise. The water features incredibly strong rip currents and hidden rocks, making it great for beachcombing and photography, but unsafe for swimming.

    Photos
    Pfeiffer Beach - Velella velella

    Velella velella

    Pfeiffer Beach
    Pfeiffer Beach

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    Gamboa Beach

    Gamboa Beach

    5.0(1 review)
    6.9 mi

    I'd give Gamboa Beach 6 stars if I could. Gamboa is the prettiest little beach I have ever been to…read moreequipped with its own waterfall and palm trees. I was there for the 4th Annual Beach Party and let me tell you I've been to my fair share of beaches and hundreds of parties but this topped them all. Not many people know of this hidden gem since it is private property. And even though we went through 32 handles and 3 kegs, I would have to say this past weekend was the most relaxing, therapeutic and peaceful beach experience ever. With the waves crashing on the shoreline along with the lightning storm, it was also a very humbling experience. I ended up staying another night even though the Big Sur fire was right around the corner. So close that when I arrived at my car it was engulfed in ash. Since Hwy. 1 was still closed we had to drive 2 extra hours south just to get home north and it was so worth it. Some people drove up from San Diego and LA while others flew in from Washington and Denver. They knew what was up. I'd hate to sound like a cheese-ball but I actually felt one with nature at Gamboa even though I rocked my faux French tip gel nails, spent most of my time squeezing fresh citrus for a superb cocktail, ate gourmet hamburgers, steak tacos and T bone steaks, danced the night away (or watched people) with the DJ playing the illest tunes and the kicker for me was a slide of an uncovered horse drawn wagon which was projected onto the sand and on the side on the mountain. I look forward to the 5th Annual Beach Party which will most likely include a 24 hour on-call masseuse and goodie bags.

    Photos
    Gamboa Beach
    Gamboa Beach
    Gamboa Beach

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    Carmel Beach - 8/23 Carmel Bay towards Pt Lobos

    Carmel Beach

    4.7(672 reviews)
    31.0 mi

    Briefly stopped by the beach after having lunch in downtown Carmel. Now clearly understanding why…read morethe beach is loved so much. Carmel Beach is recognized as having the 'whitest' sand in the United States, and number 14 globally. This color comes from quartz deposits eroded by the waves. There is a parking lot at the north end of the beach on Ocean Avenue (maybe 30 spots or so), that is usually filled, meaning people are constantly idling in the parking lot, waiting for a spot. The parking lot is elevated from the beach, requiring carefully going down a sand bank. My wife and her mom decided to admire the view by sitting on a retaining wall at the top of the bern, while I happily went down to the shoreline to admire the views. The sand here is more golden than white. The road that runs parallel to the beach and boardwalk in Carmel is Scenic Road and we took it as we headed back to our cottage. There was street unmetered parking spots available and I noticed how much brighter/whiter the sand was in this area (a lot less crowded as well). Thinking back, wish we had stopped so I could have admired this part of the beach a bit more.

    I absolutely love Carmel Beach. Some of my happiest memories are here with my great-grandparents,…read moreBarbara and Montford Bryan, so coming back always feels special and nostalgic. Getting to bring my daughter now makes the experience even more meaningful. Watching her enjoy the same beautiful beach and scenery that meant so much to me growing up is such a cool and rewarding experience as a parent. Carmel Beach is just magical, with beautiful views, peaceful vibes, and the perfect place to slow down and make memories. We'll keep coming back every chance we get.

    Photos
    Carmel Beach - Dusk at 9pm during 2025's summer solstice

    Dusk at 9pm during 2025's summer solstice

    Carmel Beach - Pinch me. Weird weather we're having. 72F & Sunny

    Pinch me. Weird weather we're having. 72F & Sunny

    Carmel Beach - Engagement photos | 1985Luke Photography

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    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

    4.4(405 reviews)
    9.0 mi

    Great campground with the Big Sur river running right through it. Loved the quick hike up to the…read morewaterfall through the redwoods. Lots of great shady sites and some really nice sites right on the river. Showers were nice and reasonably priced. If you are feeling lazy and don't want to cook, you can check out the restaurant/ coffee shop, also a nice little gift shop. There is also a store at the back of the campground that has ice , snacks , firewood and a small laundry facility which was super convenient !! Great woodsy campground with great amenities!!

    BEST SPOT TO SEE RED WOODS. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a sprawling, 1,000-acre sanctuary…read morecentered around the pristine Big Sur River. Often nicknamed "mini Yosemite," it trades direct beach access for dramatic inland scenery, boasting spectacular valleys, forested peaks, and dense groves of ancient coast redwoods. Ancient Redwood Groves: The park is famous for its majestic coast redwoods, with some trees measuring over 1,000 years old. Accessible walkways, like the Redwood Deck, allow visitors to stand among these towering giants. Diverse Hiking Trails: Trails cater to all skill levels, ranging from the flat and easy Nature Trail loop to the challenging, steep ascent up the Buzzards Roost Trail, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. On-Site Lodging and Camping: Unlike many rugged coastal stops, this park features developed accommodations, including a large campground alongside the river and the historic Big Sur Lodge, which provides comfortable cabins and a restaurant. The redwoods you see growing in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (as well as nearby Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), the tallest living species of tree on Earth. The groves found throughout the park are particularly special because they mark the southernmost boundary of where the coast redwood species naturally thrives in significant numbers. Because they are located at the southern edge of their natural geographic range, the climate here is slightly drier and warmer than the dense, misty rainforests of Northern California. While they generally do not reach the record-shattering heights of their northern cousins in Humboldt or Redwood National Park, they are incredibly impressive, with many individual trees in the park towering well over 200 feet tall and thriving for upwards of 800 to 1,000 years. They rely heavily on the marine fog flowing through the Big Sur River gorge to stay hydrated during the dry summer months

    Photos
    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Family Camping September 12-14, 2025

    Family Camping September 12-14, 2025

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Family Camping September 12-14, 2025

    Family Camping September 12-14, 2025

    Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Family Camping September 12-14, 2025  THE JOY LUCK CLUB

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    Family Camping September 12-14, 2025 THE JOY LUCK CLUB

    Jade Cove Beach - Jade?  Nope.  Serpentine.  See why people may think they've found Jade when they haven't?  They look awfully similar.

    Jade Cove Beach

    4.3(27 reviews)
    20.0 mi

    Fun, but getting there can be tricky. I used the AllTrails app to find Jade Cove. I then opened up…read morethe Jade Cove map and looked for the blue dot (my car) going along highway 1. I pulled over at the trail marker.. It worked perfectly. The best part of this experience was the short but precarious hike down to the cove. You'll be required to use a rope to hike down to the beach and back up again. The rope is a permanent fixture. Kids seven and over could do it without any assistance. When at the beach you'll see a lot of green rocks, mostly serpentine. The rule is that you can take anything you like as long as the "tide" ocean is able to touch it. The tidal range goes all the way to the cliffside. - There is no highway sign for jade cove anymore. That was taken down many years ago. - Check the tides and try to come here at low tide. - If you can, when you're at the bottom of the rope hike southward to the next cove. Better rocks over there.

    1 2 3 not it. Finding the spot is kind of a game. Quite frankly the bluff is a great place to have…read morea picnic if nothing else on a nice day. The whole area is breathtaking, I'm fairly sure there isn't any jade at the beach, there's also a sign that tells you not too take anything from the beach. When you find that sign I'm relatively sure you have found jade cove. It's not a long walk down from the parking area (just south of the entrance to the nearby campground on the east side of the road). The sign gets taken down by locals? I really count on locals to protect their interests unnecessarily, i should do that more often. Unfortunately I never went to the jerk academy so I never leaned how to selfishly conduct myself in such a manner. I would love to camp at the nearby campsite, the bluff above jade cove would be a great place to star gaze on a clear night.

    Photos
    Jade Cove Beach - Jade cove from above

    Jade cove from above

    Jade Cove Beach - A trail above jade cove. if you find yourself here you have gone too far north. The rope heading down is about 100 feet south of this trail

    A trail above jade cove. if you find yourself here you have gone too far north. The rope heading down is about 100 feet south of this trail

    Jade Cove Beach

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    McWay Falls - beaches - Updated June 2026

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