Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur

4.6

#1 of 14 in Parks in Big Sur

Must see · Beach · State Park

Create an itinerary including Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Featuring forests, granite cliffs, 2,500-year-old sequoia trees, and a 24 m (80 ft) waterfall that drops into the Pacific, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers hiking, camping, and scuba diving. The camping areas overlook the ocean, providing opportunities for whale watching. See the remains of McWay house, dedicated to the memory of Julia Pfeiffer Burns--a famous rancher of Big Sur. If you wish to camp at the site, you'll have a picnic table, fire ring, and restrooms provided. Make sure you take water, firewood, and clothes for changeable weather. Make Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park part of your personalized Big Sur itinerary using our Big Sur attractions planner.

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

FROM $404 BOOK WITH VIATOR California Coast - San Francisco to Los Angeles California Coast - San Francisco to Los Angeles

5.0

Duration: 1 hour

Tours from $404 ›

FROM $1,578 BOOK WITH VIATOR The Legendary Loop: Southwest USA 11 Day Adventure The Legendary Loop: Southwest USA 11 Day Adventure

Duration: 11 days

Tours from $1,578 ›

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,455 reviews

Google

4.7

By TennisStar602

A person must pay ten dollars ($10.00) to park at Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park, and then an individual must walk under a tunnel to a path which allows hikers to witness this beautiful waterfall...

A person must pay ten dollars ($10.00) to park at Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park, and then an individual must walk under a tunnel to a path which allows hikers to witness this beautiful waterfall... more »
By gloriahZ748TM

The waterfall is beautiful, we've seen it many times. We drove in, paid $10 to park, and then discovered that many of the areas are closed, including the restrooms. There's no trash removal either..... more

The waterfall is beautiful, we've seen it many times. We drove in, paid $10 to park, and then discovered that many of the areas are closed, including the restrooms. There's no trash removal either..... more »
By davidlk2017

Pfeifer beach. Spectacular. Not croweded Oct 2022. Wind and waves! and the huge rock formations with holes through which one has waves coming in and views. A rare and delightful experience

Pfeifer beach. Spectacular. Not croweded Oct 2022. Wind and waves! and the huge rock formations with holes through which one has waves coming in and views. A rare and delightful experience more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Carlos Archuleta

Beautiful place. Can’t wait till it’s restored and opens back up fully would love to hike more thru the park. McWay falls is spectacular for a stop. But really want to explore the depths on next visit.

more less
By Rodney Williams

There is work going on, so only Porta-Potty's there and definitely need emptying. The walk over to the waterfall is a smooth flat walk. The waterfall is iffy on visibility whether the weather cooperates. Second time to stop it was clear.

more less
By RaMon McBride

For the longest time I’ve wanted to drive down highway 1 on the California coast. This year we finally did drive down from Big Sur to Santa Barbara mostly one highway one stopping whenever and wherever we felt inspired. This park was one of our stops with information on the area and many hiking trails available

more less
By Ebubekir DOĞAN

It was really beautiful scenery to drive down to Big Sur and Los Angeles but unfortunately due to road closures we did have to turn back but still enjoyed the view.

more less
By Cherilyn Jones

One of my favs along the Big Sur coastline. Mcway Falls is absolutely stunning any time of year. I’ve stopped here countless times and it always makes my heart burst!!! Love catching sunset here. Highly recommend you make it a point to check out. If you simply want a quick peek or photo of McWay Falls: The pull off just after the first rail is blocked off at the moment with cones and has been for months. However there is a small pull off further north. Park and walk back to the guard rail…ta da!

more less