McWay Falls Tours

McWay Falls featuring a sandy beach and a waterfall
McWay Falls featuring rugged coastline, a waterfall and a sandy beach
McWay Falls which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and rugged coastline
McWay Falls showing a sandy beach and a bay or harbor
McWay Falls featuring a bay or harbor


Walk to this pretty waterfall, stand at viewpoints with superb coastal views and spot varied wildlife in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

McWay Falls is a picturesque waterfall that cascades directly from a cliff onto the sandy shore of McWay Beach. It stands about 80 feet (24 meters) tall in the heart of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. McWay Falls originally flowed straight into the Pacific Ocean but a landslide in 1983 dropped rocks into the water and thus created the beach. The falls’ water supply comes from McWay Creek, which runs down from the framing mountains.

Enjoy views of the waterfall and dramatic coastline from the lookout points scattered along a series of walking trails. Follow the Waterfall Overlook Trail around the cliffs above McWay Cove to a waterfall-facing viewpoint. Watch as the water spills out of a rock face and splashes onto the isolated and inaccessible beach.

Continue to the end of the trail. From here view the remains of a one-time residence now called Waterfall House. Find interpretive panels with information and historical facts about the house. One panel has photos of the waterfalls’ appearance prior to the landslide.

Sit on one of the benches and gaze out over the Pacific Ocean’s deep blue water. Between December and April, it’s often possible to see migrating gray whales. Spot sea otters, seals and birds such as oystercatchers and pelicans.

Return to the start of the trail, where it connects with inland hiking paths. Take the 5-mile-long (8-kilometer) Ewoldsen Trail through a redwood forest to a scenic picnic area. Walk the short Canyon Trails to Canyon Falls. Visit the Penton Wheel House, a power plant that once supplied energy to the old houses and blacksmith workshop in the area.

Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls is just a 25-minute drive from Big Sur Village. Parking is available at the trailheads with a per-car admission fee. The park and trails are open from sunrise to sunset. You can also park for free on Highway One, although spaces are limited, and access the trails without charge.

Plan a trip to see McWay Falls

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn (101781786)
Hyatt Carmel Highlands

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Best Lodging Options Near McWay Falls

Big Sur Lodge

Big Sur Lodge

3 out of 5
47225 Highway One, Big Sur, CA
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Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort

Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort

4.5 out of 5
48123 Highway One, Big Sur, CA
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Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn

5 out of 5
47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA
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Lucia Lodge

Lucia Lodge

3 out of 5
62400 California 1, Big Sur, CA
Lucia Lodge
Relax to the Sound of the River while you soak in a Private Hot Tub

Relax to the Sound of the River while you soak in a Private Hot Tub

Carmel Valley
Relax to the Sound of the River while you soak in a Private Hot Tub
New! Soak in a Hot Tub at this Romantic Tree House Surrounded by Trees

New! Soak in a Hot Tub at this Romantic Tree House Surrounded by Trees

Carmel Valley
New! Soak in a Hot Tub at this Romantic Tree House Surrounded by Trees
3921 Eyas - Openings in July, Car Week and August

3921 Eyas - Openings in July, Car Week and August

Carmel
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Hidden Valley Inn

Hidden Valley Inn

2.5 out of 5
102 West Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA
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Little European Lodge

Little European Lodge

3.5 out of 5
45 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA
Little European Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near McWay Falls

Experience the breathtaking beauty of McWay Falls in Big Sur, California, where adventurous travelers can embark on stunning redwood hikes. Explore the nearby charming town of Bisbee for a taste of local culture and unique shopping. With its picturesque views and outdoor activities, McWay Falls offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for every visitor.

Food and drinks

Indulge in exquisite wines at Bernardus Winery, 16 miles from McWay Falls, perfect for a romantic outing. Alternatively, enjoy the cozy atmosphere at Sycamore Cellars, located 17 miles away, where you can savor delightful wines while soaking in the entertainment vibe.

Find the best attractions near McWay Falls

McWay Falls in Big Sur offers a stunning blend of outdoor experiences and cultural exploration. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views at McWay Falls, relax on Pfeiffer Beach, and marvel at the iconic Bixby Bridge. The nearby Ventana Big Sur provides additional opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you're seeking beach time or scenic hikes, McWay Falls and its surroundings are perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in California's natural beauty.

  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Just a stone's throw from McWay Falls, this park offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Hike through lush redwoods and enjoy stunning coastal views that showcase California's natural beauty.
  • McWay Cove: This enchanting waterfall cascades directly onto a pristine beach, creating a romantic and picturesque setting. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, McWay Cove provides a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, ideal for capturing unforgettable memories.
  • Pfeiffer Beach: Located 10 miles from McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its unique purple sand and stunning rock formations. It’s the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the captivating ocean views.

Best time to go to McWay Falls

Visitor numbers around McWay Falls is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit McWay Falls is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April53.4°F (11.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.2°F (12.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July60.1°F (15.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.9°F (16.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October60.1°F (15.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November55.9°F (13.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for McWay Falls

To save money on your trip to McWay Falls, take advantage of the free entry to the falls and nearby attractions like Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer Beach. Visit during the off-peak months from November to January for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Consider using Expedia's search tool for customizable options and package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities. Joining their One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around McWay Falls are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around McWay Falls is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your McWay Falls hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.