Get access to see location
Spectacular coastal waterfall
Category

Waterfall

Price

$

Also

Photospot

Message from
Ryan & Katy Smilko

McWay Falls is a sight to behold, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, California. This popular natural attraction flows year-round from McWay Creek into the Pacific Ocean, dropping 80 feet from its plunge into the water below, and making for an enchanting experience. Fascinatingly, during high tide, it becomes a tidefall, or a waterfall that empties directly into the ocean. Being one of only two tidefalls in California, McWay Falls draws crowds each year who come to marvel at this stunning spectacle.

Visitors can access the falls by way of a 0.5 mile dirt path from the parking lot, leading past the former browns' mansion site to the waterfall overlook - a picture-perfect spot filled with vibrant palms and stunning views. A must see destination in Big Sur, this is nature at her most beautiful.

Pet-friendly: No

Soft adventure: Yes

Seasonality: All seasons

Fee: $15 for entry and parking

Want to see more?

I have created an interactive travel guide to help people travel like me. Used for 900+ trips

Nearby local secrets
Recommended byRyan & Katy Smilko
Battery Spencer
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Battery Spencer
Breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge views
Karl Knapp Trail
Hike
Hike
Karl Knapp Trail
Redwood walk-through tree adventure
Heart Lake
Hike
Hike
Heart Lake
Magical sunset mountain view hike
The Inn at Newport Ranch
Hotel
Hotel
The Inn at Newport Ranch
Luxury nature retreat on Mendocino Coast
Crowley Lake Stone Columns
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Crowley Lake Stone Columns
Geological stone columns in California
McCloud Falls
Waterfall
Waterfall
McCloud Falls
Scenic trail with three waterfalls

Creators are the next-gen travel advisors and operators

Planning your trip through social media? Now, easily access travel advice and tours created by the world’s best travel content creators