Hike to McWay Falls Viewpoint
The leading attraction at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is the half-mile hike out Waterfall Trail and Overlook Trail to the viewpoint overlooking McWay Cove and picturesque McWay Falls. Dropping 80 feet from the cliff above the beach, McWay Falls are a favorite attraction for photographers and tourists. Visitors are not allowed in McWay Cove.
Start the wheelchair accessible Waterfall Trail from the main parking lot and follow it down through a tunnel under Highway 1 where the path intersects the Overlook Trail. Turn right and continue a short distance to the overlook. The falls originally plunged into the ocean, but in 1983 a forest fire and landslides sent debris into the cove, forming the beach. Now only at high tide does the fall strike the ocean.
Hikers can continue south on the Overlook Trail to the environmental campsites near the top of the falls and on up to Highway 1, south of the main parking area.
Waterfall House Remnants
Just above the overlook are the remnants of the Waterfall House, which was the home of early residents Lathrop and Helen Hooper Brown. The two-story house included large windows with unparalleled views of the coast. Outside were terraced gardens. The house was connected to the highway and a caretaker's cottage via an electric tramway. When Helen donated the land to the state, she stipulated that the house should be converted to a museum; or, if that was not completed in five years, that it be torn down. The house was eventually razed. Today only remnants of foundation and terraces remain.
For more about the history of the park, see the charming and informative Pelican Network website.
Picnicking
Picnicking sites are found among the trees around the upper parking lot.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Wildlife
Whale Watching
Many of the viewpoints around the park make great places for whale watching. Gray whales are most often seen during the winter and spring months (especially in December and January and then again in March and April) as the make their annual migrations. Whales have even been seen to venture as close as the mouth of McWay Cove.
Birds
Along the coastal areas keep your eyes open for black cormorants, brown pelicans, the ever-present seagulls, and an occasional black oystercatcher. On the trails to the higher ridges watch above for red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, eagles, and perhaps even a California condor. In the forested areas you are apt to spot California quail, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, jays, wrens, and dozens of other species.
Diving
The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Underwater Area was established in 1970. The area reaches from Partington Point to McWay Creek. It is open for scuba diving with a special-use permit obtained at the Big Sur Station on Highway 1. Access to the ocean is at Partington Cove.
Nearby Attractions, Activities and Events
Esalen Institute
Located just south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Retreat center, educational institute, seeks to forge new understandings of self and society.
Includes Steven Harper workshops on Big Sur
Esalen Institute
Jade Festival
October TBA, 2024
New Location TBA
Admission free
Big Sur Jade Festival
Big Sur International Marathon
April 28, 2024
26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd.
Carmel, CA
The course extends from Big Sur to Carmel.
Big Sur Marathon Events
Henry Miller Library
48603 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA
A non-profit book store and arts center featuring writer and artist Henry Miller
Summer events include theater, lectures, art shows, and music.
Henry Miller Memorial Library
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
26 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1
(831) 667-2315
Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
Campsites and Big Sur Lodge with 61 guest rooms
Facilities: conference center, cafe, grocery store, redwoods, trails
Fees: $10 for day use
Bixby Bridge
This famous Big Sur bridge is located 13 miles south of Carmel. The reinforced concrete arch is 714 feet long and 280 feet high, constructed in 1931. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in California. Use the turnout north of the bridge for the best viewing.
