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McWay Falls

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, CA
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Ranked #3 of 14 attractions in Big Sur
Type: Waterfalls
70 visitor photos
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129 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    6
    2
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Date Rating
San Diego, California
Top Contributor
116 reviews 116 reviews
50 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
49 helpful votes 49 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

McWay Falls is a beautiful unique sight. Also sometimes overlooked is the interesting history of the people who used to live on this site and also the landslide which radically changed the look of the falls. Parking can be a bear for the very popular sight (the lot was overfilled when we visited on a spring weekday) but it's definitely... More

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See 6 more reviews by TheSpeis for Big Sur
wiltshire england
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

i dont think you will ever find such a beautiful place, you could sit there all day admiring the view and not get bored, we paid to park, but you can easily park on the side of the road for the short walk to the falls, beautiful sums this place up

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Kansas City, Missouri
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

Beautiful views of Big Sur from McWay Falls - but save yourself a few bucks and park on the shoulder of PCH. If you park inside of JPB State Park, you have to pay $3-4.

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MD
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

A MUST SEE if you are at Big Sur, even if you are just driving by! Very short and easy hike from inside the Julia Pfeiffer Burn State Park\Highway 1. Couple of tips: 1. If you paid the day use fee for one CA State Park, you don't have to pay again that same day when you go to the... More

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See 7 more reviews by DigTravelMd for Big Sur
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

This is a nice place to go for a stroll. There is no heavy hiking. The view is unique and consistent with the natural beauty all around Big Sur. i

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See 3 more reviews by FrancesWithAnE for Big Sur
San Carlos, California, United States
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2013

This hike is around half a mile and so, it's perfect for a break if you're driving through the winding roads of Highway 1 and just want to stretch your legs out while seeing an amazing view! Parking was fairly easy to find and the trails were easy to navigate. Definitely bring your camera along for this one.

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Titusville
Top Contributor
340 reviews 340 reviews
221 attraction reviews
Reviews in 124 cities Reviews in 124 cities
96 helpful votes 96 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2013

We hiked to these small falls with the weather in the mid-seventies. The trail is easy to moderate for adults; but think about taking young children (5-80) as the trail does get steep and goes through some sunny areas. Bring bug spray and water. About 2/3 of the way up you will pass a building on your left. there is... More

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See 4 more reviews by James H for Big Sur
Modesto, California
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2013

Went here and took a lot of picture and it was so beautiful it was like it was unreal , amazing to say the least ... A definite place NOT to miss ... Easy walk to the falls and back to the car , can pay $10.00 to park inside the state park or there is parking on the shoulder... More

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Cincinnati, Ohio
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

This is a must do when visiting Big Sur! The paved trail to the falls is only 1/4 mile and a super easy walk. The falls and the surrounding beach area are absolutely beautiful. They have benches around where you can sit and take in the beautiful water.

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See 2 more reviews by Amber692 for Big Sur
Los Angeles, California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 26, 2013

We have come back over and over. Our friends, one of many, are there at this very moment. California is exceptional and the Falls are no different. The history is incredible. To think, someone had a house there, the foundation of which still stands.

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See 2 more reviews by yulkabruin for Big Sur

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