I am ashamed to say that we almost drove by. But, there were several cars parked along the road and one pulled out in front of me. There has to be a reason everyone stopped. So we pulled in to the parking lot and paid $10. The trail was a short walk thru a tunnel under the PCH. And there... more

Don't confuse the Pfieffer-Burns State Park with the Julia Pfieffer-Burns State Park as we did (it's 20 miles or so north and costs $10 to get in!). The famous viewpoint is visible from the road if you're heading from the north and clearly signposted from both directions. Entrance is free, although there is an honor box for parking; there are... more

We didn't take any of the other trails, so I can't speak for them - we just didn't have time at the end of our full day! But we did take the little trek (not strenuous in any stretch of the imagination) to McWay Falls, and 80-ft waterfall descending onto an untouched beach and flowing right into the ocean! We... more

We hiked the Tan Bark Trail, which is located at Partington Cove in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The trail was great -- winded through a series of switchbacks through a canyon of redwood trees. At the summit, walk past the Tin House to a meadow, where there is an unbelieveable view of the Pacific Ocean and mountains. At the... more

A small waterfall flowing directly on the beach... it's like a fairytale come true! Unfortunately (or fortunataly, depends on the way you look at it...) you can't get to the actual cove, but it's still one of the most beautiful things to see on the central coastline. From the car park it's a short stroll (10 minutes downhill) to the... more

Though I am not much of a hiker, but for someone like me who does not hike regularly, this is definitely fun. The Elwodsen Trail in the lower areas of the park has to be shared with people coming down or going up, but is not entirely that bad as being the weekend, everyone wants a little adventure. But there... more

Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP has the BEST 20-30 minute (roundtrip) hike along the Big Sur coastline. McWay falls can be seen from the "Waterfall trail." It is a little waterfall that pours right onto the beach. You park on the east side of Highway 1, and walk thru the tunnel, then it's a flat walk to see the beautiful cove.... more

I have been there a few times and found the beach breathtaking except if you bare (pardon the pun) too far north along the beach you will find a nudist beach so parents beware! more