McWay Falls and Waterfall House Ruins
Fee required
Parking available
An 80-foot waterfall in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California, dropping directly into the Pacific Ocean, alongside the ruins of Waterfall House.

šŸ“œ Iconic 80-foot waterfall in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California, flowing year-round directly into the Pacific Ocean, alongside the historical Waterfall House ruins.

Why Go

🌊 Witness a rare tidefall, one of two in California.
šŸžļø Enjoy breathtaking coastal views from the Overlook Trail.
🚶 Explore the historical site of Waterfall House ruins and its foundations.
🌲 Discover ancient redwoods and camping options in the state park.

Why Avoid

🚫 Beach access below the falls is prohibited for safety and inaccessible except by boat.
šŸ…æļø Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times.
šŸ“± Cell phone service is extremely limited in the area.

Tips

šŸŒ… Visit at sunset for particularly stunning photographic opportunities.
šŸš— Day-use park entry fee covers all California State Parks until sundown.
ā„¹ļø Check park website for current conditions and potential closures.
šŸ‘€ McWay Falls can still be viewed from pullouts along Highway 1 near the park entrance.

Cost

šŸ’° Park entry fee is $10 per car per day, valid for all California State Parks until sundown.

Hours

šŸ•’ Daily, hours vary by season; check park website for details.

šŸ…æļø Parking Available near Highway 1, with a short trail leading to the overlook.

Last updated 1 day ago

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