McWay Falls in California

McWay Falls

Easily the most spectacular waterfall in California, this natural wonder sits on the coast of Big Sur in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Guide Sections

Use McWay Falls's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.

Point of Interest

McWay Falls Details

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

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Easily the most spectacular waterfall in California, this natural wonder sits on the coast of Big Sur in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Unlike other waterfalls, which are located in the forest or mountains, this one flows out of a coastal cliff directly onto a sandy beach next to the ocean. It is one of the only two tidal falls in the state. You can reach the top of the falls via a 1/2-mile hike along McWay Creek. However, the beach below is only accessible by boat.