The Essential Guide to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Unless you’re a California native, you might not know that Big Sur has a secret. Rather than being a singular landmark, the region encompasses a variety of show-stopping vistas, close-knit communities, and state parks along Highway 1. And one of the most scenic of those parks is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

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. 

“That’s what most people want to see,” says Stephen Copeland. A former Big Sur resident and the founder of Big Sur Guides and Hiking, he has spent decades leading visitors up and down some of the area’s best trails. But, as Copeland points out, viewing McWay Falls is just the start of things to do here. 

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

What to Do

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. Don’t worry about missing out, though. “In my opinion, the view from the highway is better,” says Copeland. “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.”

While the park’s crescent-shaped, sandy shore may look enticing, visitors should be aware that beach access is strictly prohibited at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park; you’ll have to stick to admiring the sights from a distance. While you do, keep an eye on the turquoise waves for passing gray whales, who migrate through the area between December and April. There’s even a section of the park below the waves, where experienced divers can see underwater rock formations and marine life.

Back on land, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has an impressive roster of hiking trails that can’t be missed. You can wander through towering redwoods on the five-mile Ewoldsen Trail, Copeland’s top recommendation. “The Ewoldsen Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Big Sur,” he says. “It’s an absolute must for people who like hiking. There [are] wildflowers there, old-growth redwood trees, and oak trees. It’s a really incredible environment that a lot of people don’t know about, because they only go there to see the waterfall.”

Other hiking options include the mile-long out-and-back trail to Partington Cove, where a tanbark shipping port once stood. This short but steep trek takes you through a tunnel and ends at a viewpoint with expansive views of the cove. “I’ve seen every kind of wildlife in that cove,” says Copeland. But even if the cove is deserted, he says, “On a good day when the waves are strong, just sitting on those rocks and watching the waves hit the rocks is worth the price of admission right there. It’s spectacular.”

After hiking and sightseeing in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, you can cap off your visit with a meal at one of Big Sur’s best-known restaurants, Nepenthe. About five miles north of the park, this clifftop eatery dishes up California cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients—don’t miss the signature “Ambrosiaburger.”

Best Time to Visit

Thanks to California’s balmy weather, there’s never really a bad time to visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Conditions stay moderate all year round, with temperatures hovering between the 50s and 70s from January through December. You may get some of Big Sur’s famous “May gray” or “June gloom” during the summer months, but clouds often clear in the afternoon.

Of course, you can also plan your trip around the park’s wildlife. Gray whales migrate through the area between December and April every year, while humpbacks visit in the spring and fall, and blue whales make their appearance from June through October. You’ll likely see some sort of animal no matter when you visit, but if spotting a certain species is on your bucket list, check the park’s website or call for more information.

Alternatively, you can mingle arts and culture with your state park experience by timing your visit to one of the area’s annual events. Carmel-by-the-Sea hosts a Culinary Week and Bach Festival in the summer, while nearby Monterey has a fall Jazz Festival. 

How to Get There

The nearest airport to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), about an hour north. If you want to start from the south end of Big Sur, you can fly into San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP). A car will be essential to get to the park—and the rest of Big Sur’s destinations—but driving directions are straightforward. From the north, simply follow Highway 1, past Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. “There are huge signs at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is less than 10 miles south,” says Copeland. From San Luis Obispo, you can pick up Highway 1 and drive north, passing San Simeon and Hearst Castle, to reach the park.