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Big Sur Waterfalls Road Trip: McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Falls, and More
Big Sur's signature waterfall is McWay Falls — an 80-foot drop directly onto the beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, viewed from a paved overlook. Pfeiffer Falls is a short hike inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Limekiln Falls sits at the south end with a redwood-grove approach.
Hike-in: Pfeiffer Falls in Pfeiffer Big Sur (easy), Limekiln Falls (moderate, redwoods)
Parking: Limited at all three — arrive early or carpool on weekends
Best season: Late winter through spring after rains; falls slow to a trickle by late summer
Most famous: McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (paved overlook, no beach access)
Road status: Check Caltrans — McWay overlook has closed for months in the past after slides Experience the breathtaking beauty of Big Sur on a waterfall road trip featuring McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Falls. Discover local tips and stunning sights along the way!
