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All 20 Big Sur Attractions »

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

State Route 1, Milepost 37 south (52.7 north), Big Sur, CA 93920
Ranked #2 of 14 attractions in Big Sur
4.5 of 5 stars 127 Reviews
Type: State Parks, Beaches
Activities: Hiking
Description: A breathtaking 80-foot waterfall dropping from the cliffs to the ocean is the focal point of this park.
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127 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Goleta, California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 26, 2012 NEW

a photographers dream spot, go in the evening for best light More

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Beachmuse63
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

Can't say enough about the beauty in Big Sur. I live in California and I'm in awe everytime we visit this area. Get out and take a hike you will thank yourself for it. More

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See 4 more reviews by Beachmuse63 for Big Sur
Austin, Texas
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP epitomizes why Big Sur has been referred to as "the greatest meeting of land and sea." You simply MUST stop here for the view while driving up the California Coast or visiting Big Sur. Parking is available just off the highway, then a quick walk gets you to the ocean view of McWay Falls (this gorgeous... More

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Dana Point, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Oh man! Amazing beach and a hike out of a fairy tale! Nothing but green and red redwoods, ferns, clover, fallen trees, hollowed out trees, streams, waterfall. Amazing, amazing! Make sure to visit the trail to the east and the trail to the beach. Go as early in the morning ask possible to avoid crowds. My girlfriend and I hiked... More

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See 2 more reviews by Rebecca S for Big Sur
California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Very nice and easy hike to see the waterfall. Reading the history of the area was insightful. Wish there was more parking, and an exit to the road in one of the interior lots, but beggars can't be choosers. More

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South Jersey
Top Contributor
112 reviews 112 reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We stopped at the Pfeiffer Park last week for a few hours.. We hiked to the Falls which was not that dramatic as the flow was minimal.. However we were extremely inspired by the beauty of the Redwoods ..awesome! More

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Fremont, California
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Parking is $10. Half mile walk from parking. Keep going 30 mile south of bixby bridge. water falls which end up in ocean which is very unique. Love it. More

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Hollister, California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2012

The hiking is really beautiful. The walk along the ocean to see where the waterfall falls into the ocean is spectacular. A definite "must see." More

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See 3 more reviews by CaliforniaGirl040 for Big Sur
Seattle
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 26, 2012
4
people found this review helpful

This is the home of the famous waterfall. I'm spoiled living in the Pacific Northwest. Waterfalls here are real rushers. This was definitiely more low key. If you go, don't bother to pay to park in the State lot. Just park across the road since the "trailhead" is right there anyway. You'll walk about 5 to 10 minutes. Be careful... More

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Calgary, Canada
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

If you're driving California's Highway 1, there's no excuse not to stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The big draw here is McWay Cove, which is home to McWay Falls. The beauty is that you don't have to hike for miles to see it. It's a 5 minute walk from the parking lot, for what can only be described... More

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See 3 more reviews by Andruckow for Big Sur

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