This Is California's Prettiest State Park-With Redwoods, Blue Water, and an 80-foot Waterfall Flowing into the Ocean

"Named after the legendary Big Sur female pioneer and rancher, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park stands out even among the rest of the region's attractions. The park features stands of centuries-old redwood trees and provides a haven for a variety of California wildlife, though it's best known for the 80-foot-high McWay Falls, an impressive cascade that drops directly from a sheer cliff to the sandy beach below."

"Typically, visitors who want to see McWay Falls have two options: driving into the park and walking about half a mile to a viewing platform, or simply parking on the side of Highway 1 and snapping pics from there. As of March 2026, however, you can only see it from the latter option; the Overlook Trail to view McWay Falls is currently closed."

"In my opinion, the view from the highway is better. It's so easy to pull over on the west side of the highway at the turnout just to the north of the entrance. You walk 10 feet, and there it is."

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, named after a legendary Big Sur pioneer and rancher, is a premier destination within the Big Sur region along Highway 1. The park showcases centuries-old redwood forests and serves as habitat for California wildlife. Its most famous feature is McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall cascading from a cliff to a sandy beach below. Currently, the Overlook Trail providing direct park access to the falls is closed until March 2026, though visitors can view the waterfall from Highway 1 turnouts. Beach access within the park remains strictly prohibited. Beyond McWay Falls, the park offers additional trails and natural attractions worth exploring.

Read at Travel + Leisure