McWay Falls
McWay Falls
4.5
About
A unique 80-foot tidefall in the Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park—the water appears to cascade directly into the ocean during high tide, while low tide reveals the sandy beach below. Try spotting condors overhead during the short nature walk from the parking lot to the viewing point. The area has inland and coastal hiking trails and is an excellent spot for whale watching in December and January. McWay Waterfall is popular with tourists and locales and is often crowded, especially towards sunset—consider visiting during sunrise instead. Either way, it’s an unforgettable pitstop on your Big Sur road trip.
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4.5
1,205 reviews
Excellent
822
Very good
254
Average
96
Poor
24
Terrible
9
Amy W
Phoenix, AZ173 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
The falls are the most photographed falls in California. There is a bit of an easy hike to get back to them. We first went in the morning and it was foggy. We weren’t told that the falls wouldn’t be visible due to the fog. On our way back to the hotel we stopped again did the hike back and got to see them. They were nice but nothing that took my breath away. I have seen much better in Idaho and Hawaiian. There is a $10 a day charge and parking is limited.
Written 29 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CuriousOptimist
Austin, TX87 contributions
July 2021
If you're driving the PCH or visiting Big Sur, this is an absolute must-see! The walk from the parking lot is easy and only takes about 10 minutes. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful scenic lookouts. The waterfall is mesmerizing, the water color spectacular, and we even saw otters frolicking!
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hkrau1
128 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
It is unique and beautiful but rather disappointing when you see photos first and then in person. The hike is short and ocean view breathtaking.
The $10 parking fee to see makes it almost not worth it.
Many prettier views along the coast.
The $10 parking fee to see makes it almost not worth it.
Many prettier views along the coast.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathan U
San Jose, CA1,210 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
Came on a Tuesday around lunch. Weather was great, very frequent traffic coming and going, and the mist from the sea eclipsed what could be a decent views. The walk to the falls was very short and took no more than 45 to park, walk the mini-trail, and get back to the car. Apart from the cloudy view, the walk to get there was a bit boring and the viewing of the falls is far. Bathrooms are on site and you can access this trail with a wheelchair, stroller if you choose to.
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N4246LIlauram
Peoria, AZ13 contributions
Apr 2022
McWay Falls is a short walk from the parking area. You will walk down stairs to a paved path and leads through a tunnel, and the path meanders to McWay Falls. The fresh water from the creek turns into a waterfall that spills onto the beach sand. There is not a safe way to access the beach, so you will see McWay Falls from a viewing platform, and it is usually crowded so expect crowds. It is really beautiful. I like to go at sunrise when there aren't many people. Just before sunset is also a really nice time to see this area. It's a peaceful nature walk - not really a hike.
Written 28 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnny Trekkie
San Diego, CA11,386 contributions
May 2021
From the many internet photos and youtube videos these falls look like a slice of Heaven...
Because of all the hype, I was actually disappointed when I finally made it here. The falls underwhelmingly small, and the viewing area is quite far from the otherwise lovely little cove. Depending on when you arrive, there will be crowds of people, especially during these Covid times. That said McWay falls is still a nice earthly site to see and an easy visit along your Highway 1 drive. You'll need a good SLR camera to get a good photo, your camera phone won't do it justice.
To be honest, I'm older and travel snob at this point in my life and seen much more incredible falls in Hawaii, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Canada, and more. McWay Falls is probably a 5 Star if you haven't seen many waterfalls and don't travel much.
Because of all the hype, I was actually disappointed when I finally made it here. The falls underwhelmingly small, and the viewing area is quite far from the otherwise lovely little cove. Depending on when you arrive, there will be crowds of people, especially during these Covid times. That said McWay falls is still a nice earthly site to see and an easy visit along your Highway 1 drive. You'll need a good SLR camera to get a good photo, your camera phone won't do it justice.
To be honest, I'm older and travel snob at this point in my life and seen much more incredible falls in Hawaii, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Canada, and more. McWay Falls is probably a 5 Star if you haven't seen many waterfalls and don't travel much.
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WanderlustGita
State College, PA148 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
All the advice recommend this as a stop along the route 1 coast drive, so I was expecting something more interesting than what it was. It’s nice, but not much, and since route 1 is closed not far after this and you have to drive all the way back to Monterey to continue your journey, not sure it’s worth going out of your way for. Go only if it’s a convenient stop.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DWH
St. Albans, UK35 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Avoid. We came to see the falls, filled in a ridiculously antiquated form to put $10 in a box for parking and then couldn't park as there was about 20 parking spots. There was nobody to talk to or complain to so we just left. Never saw a thing and felt cheated. I would not bother.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zeke B
Costa Mesa, CA27 contributions
Apr 2022
The entrance is located right off the highway in Big Sur but the parking lot was closed. People were parked along the street and at two vista points on either side of the entrance. We had to walk on the narrow shoulder but luckily passing drivers were driving more slowly. The falls are half a mile hike from the parking lot and are viewed where the path stops on a cliff side above and across a cove from the waterfall itself. I imagine it would be hard to get a good view of the waterfalls when the path is crowded. To be honest, I was underwhelmed by the height and low flow of the falls, but it was still interesting. There’s one bench at the view point if you need to take a short break before heading back. A decent stop to stretch your legs if you are driving through Big Sur but I wouldn’t go out of my way too far.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTravelFishes
New York133 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Worth a quick stop to snap a few photos and see yet another beautiful view of the ocean. The walk from the parking lot to the viewing area goes through a tunnel and is pretty short. The entry fee gets you into other parks the same day. Bathrooms were clean too.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No, we were unable to get down to the beach unfortunately
Written 5 February 2020
Ciao, vorrei sapere se per arrivare al belvedere senza entrare nel parco ci sono indicazioni direttamente sulla strada..... insomma è facile arrivarci?
grazie mille....
Written 19 July 2019
I have always pay my entry fees which is good all day for all other state parks. I am guessing you can park somewhere on the side of the road then walk in to avoid paying. But, check to see if there is a sign saying no parking. The walk is about 1/8-1/4 of a mile which includes a tunnel that goes under the highway to the falls. I cannot remember if there is a specific sign saying, McWay Falls." I do not think so just the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park sign.
Written 27 July 2019
Can you fly a drone to get aerial shots of the falls?
Written 9 June 2019
Hi. When we there a lad was flying a drone, but somebody told him he wasn't allowed and could get a ticket. I don't think he was an official. No access to the waterfall. Good view though from the road.
Written 10 June 2019
Hi,
We're hoping to explore our beautiful state next weekend driving from Sacramento to San Diego in one day. We'd like to explore big sur, 17 mile Dr, Bixby creek bridge, mcway falls, Pfeiffer beach, hearst castle and elephant seals. What order should we do it in and how long would you think we should take at each place please? (I have 3 young children). Thank you!!
Written 13 January 2019
Hi,
Using Mapquest, the drive from Sacramento to San Diego would take over 8 hours going on the most direct route- Interstate 5. I am guessing you would add another 2-3 hours if you are to take Highway 1 to see the sights you wanted to see. Without stopping, you are looking at 10-11 hours of driving. I do not recommend doing this especially you have young kids. In other words, you do not have time to stop to see all those sights.You really need to add another day.
As for the order, you almost have it right. Pfieffer beach would be in front of McWay falls. Safe travels.
Written 13 January 2019
We are planning on staying in Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground the second week of December. We will be visiting McWay Falls. How is the air quality? Is there smoke from the terrible fires in CA right now?
Written 20 November 2018
Well, I live in the Monterey Bay area so the air quality has been bad such that I have stopped jogging. Monterey half marathon was cancelled. The smoke is from the Camp fire( Paradise). Personally, I have not gone south to Big Sur so I cannot give any assessment.
We are going to have significant rain on 11/21 and 23. Hopefully, the rain will suppress the fires. And may blow the smoke away. Maybe someone on Tripadvisor who lives in Big Sur can give you a definite answer to your question.
Written 21 November 2018
I'll be camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and wanted to go see Mcway Falls. Looks like there is a lane closure on the way there until September 5. Is there a way to get there without going in reverse and making a 3 hour drive?
Written 31 August 2018
I didn’t see any lane closures from Pfeiffer to McWay, but you can always check the local traffic or CA state park websites before you go.
Written 4 September 2018
do you know if this trail has opened yet? Who would we notify before attempting to check it out on the day of our visit there?
Written 27 May 2018
I was there in Feb and the trail was open. I am sort of local as I live north of the park. I have not heard any news about Mcfalls on local news. No news is good news.
The only issue is getting there. Approaching from the south( LA- Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo) areas ) is not possible. Highway 1 suffered a massive mud slide where Cal-Trans is trying to re-open the highway by the end of 2018. The only other option to avoid going all the way around from the north is coming from the east. There is a small road called Nacimiento-Fergusson which goes from Fort Hunter Liggett( King City) to Highway 1 BUT is essentially an one lane road with blind curves so you have to go slow. It takes about one hour to cross over the mountain pass from the east vs three or more hours coming in from north; assuming you start from Highway 101 in King City.
Good luck and safe travels
Written 28 May 2018
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