Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Name: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Address: 52801 Ca-1, CA, Big Sur, Big Sur, US
Telephone: (831) 667-1112

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Parks ·Big Sur

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About

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a coastal park in Big Sur, known for McWay Falls and its redwoods.

Why go

McWay Falls drops 80 feet into the ocean at McWay Cove.
Coast redwoods grow up to 300 feet tall in the park.
Scuba diving in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Underwater Area.
Gray whales migrate past the coast in December, January, March and April.

Don't miss

Former estate terraceThe terrace of the former residence is a viewpoint.Above the waterfall, at the former estate.

With kids Tips for your visit Best time to visit Know before you go

With kids

School field trips for kindergarten through grade 12 can request a day-use fee waiver with an approved reservation form.
School groups must submit a completed reservation form at least 15 days before their proposed visit.
Ranger- or interpreter-led programs depend on staff availability. School groups must request them in writing at least 30 days before the trip.
The school field trip program does not include camping.

Tips for your visit

Bring layers: the weather can change.
The Waterfall Overlook Trail is reached by steps near the north parking lot. A slide has made it inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Parking is limited, and a parking pass does not guarantee a space.
Accessible picnicking is available in the McWay Canyon day-use area, with parking and restrooms nearby.

Best time to visit

In summer, morning fog usually clears by midday.

Know before you go

Higher-elevation trails east of Highway 1 are closed.
There is no beach or ocean access at McWay Falls.
The two hike-in campsites are accessible only to people with camping reservations.
Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not permitted in the park.

Shorts

History

The Browns later built a redwood cabin on the cliffs opposite McWay Falls, replacing it with Waterfall House in 1940. Hélène Hooper Brown donated the property to the state on condition that it become a park.

Late 1870sChristopher and Rachel McWay homesteaded the property, and Christopher established Saddle Rock Ranch.
1940The Browns replaced their cliffside redwood cabin with Waterfall House.
1962Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park was established.
1965Waterfall House was demolished after a planned museum could not be completed.

Interesting facts4

1/4

3,000 feet
The park rises from the coast to ridges reaching 3,000 feet.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Tin House was assembled from parts of two abandoned gas stations.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Wikipedia
The Browns spent only one night in Tin House because its metal siding and roof made noises as temperatures changed.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Wikipedia
A water wheel on McWay Creek powered a generator serving homes, a blacksmith shop and later a funicular railway.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Wikipedia

Sources: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Wikipedia · Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park · Accessible Features at Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP … · Accessibility | California State Parks · Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Wikipedia · Parc d'État Julia Pfeiffer Burns - Wikipedia · Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: booking (its o… · Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: SCHOOL FIELD T… · checked 29 Oct 2026

Where

52801 Ca-1, CA, Big Sur

Website: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578
Phone: (831) 667-1112

Plan from here: Evening walk →

Questions and answers

How do you get to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park?

The park lies along Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast. Its address is 52801 CA-1, Big Sur.

Can you park at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park?

Parking is limited, and a parking pass does not guarantee a space. Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not permitted.

Is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park wheelchair accessible?

Accessible picnicking is available in the McWay Canyon day-use area. A slide has made the Waterfall Overlook Trail inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Can you camp at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park?

The park has two hike-in campsites. A camping reservation is required to access them.

Can you go to the beach at McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park?

There is no beach or ocean access at McWay Falls.

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