McWay Falls is, in my opinion, the most beautiful spot along Highway 1. It is not a towering, dramatic waterfall, but rather something that feels like a perfectly composed miniature landscape: water flows out of McWay Creek and drops directly into the ocean. Together with the deep blue sea, soft sandy beach, and lush green vegetation, it forms a richly colored, almost painterly scene. When the tide is high, the waterfall plunges straight into the Pacific Ocean. When the tide is low, it falls onto a hidden, untouched beach below the cliffs. As a rare “tidefall” (a waterfall that flows directly into the sea), this kind of natural feature is extremely uncommon worldwide. It’s easy to imagine how magical it must look at sunset, when golden light hits the cliffs, though I didn’t get to stay that late this time due to travel plans. This wasn’t my first visit to McWay Falls—I came here six years ago as well. Back then, I had just started learning photography and wasn’t very experienced, and the lighting wasn’t ideal either. I only managed to take a wide, imperfect shot. Still, even now, revisiting that old photo years later, I’m reminded just how beautiful McWay Falls is, even when captured without much skill or planning.
McWay Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to McWay Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is McWay Falls famous?
McWay Falls is one of California's most iconic waterfalls, famous for being one of only two year-round waterfalls in California that plunge directly onto a beach (though the beach is inaccessible). Its dramatic 80-foot drop onto a pristine turquoise cove has made it one of the most photographed spots along the Big Sur coast.
Can you swim at McWay Falls?
No. McWay Falls drops onto a beach that is inaccessible to the public; no access to the cove or waterfall base is allowed. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at McWay Falls?
Dogs are not allowed on trails in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, including the McWay Falls Overlook Trail. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is McWay Falls free? Do you need a permit?
California State Park day-use fee applies (subject to change; typically $10 per vehicle as of recent years). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at McWay Falls?
Parking is available in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park parking lot along Highway 1; spaces are limited and fill quickly during peak hours and weekends. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to McWay Falls?
About 0.6 km / 0.4 mi return from the parking area to the overlook platform; a short, easy walk. Please verify on the official website before you go.
McWay Falls hike difficulty
Easy. Paved trail with minimal elevation gain leads to a viewing platform; accessible to most visitors. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit McWay Falls?
Year-round, though winter and spring (December–May) offer higher water flow from seasonal rains, while summer and fall provide clearer weather for photography. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for McWay Falls
From the parking lot, cross Highway 1 carefully and follow the signed McWay Falls Overlook Trail. The paved path leads downhill through coastal scrub and under Highway 1 via a pedestrian tunnel. Continue along the clifftop trail to the viewing platform that overlooks the waterfall and cove below.
McWay Falls official website
Attractions near McWay Falls
- •Pfeiffer Beach - Purple sand beach with dramatic rock formations and Keyhole Arch, about 10 miles north
- •Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Redwood groves, hiking trails, and Big Sur River access, about 12 miles north
- •Partington Cove - Historic smuggler's cove with a short hike through a tunnel, about 2 miles north
- •Limekiln State Park - Coastal redwoods and historic lime kilns, about 2 miles south
- •Big Sur Village - Small cluster of lodges, restaurants, and shops along Highway 1, about 12 miles north
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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