McWay Falls
An 80-ft waterfall onto a Big Sur cove beach
A slender 80-foot waterfall that drops straight onto a golden, untouchable cove beach along the Big Sur coast — one of the most photographed scenes in California. The overlook is a five-minute walk; the beach itself is off-limits, which is half its magic.
The shot
The fall and turquoise cove from the overlook.
Nearby & worth pairing
- Big Sur
- Highway 1
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Bixby Bridge
Access, fees, permits, and tour availability change with the season and the managing agency (tribal park, state park, BLM, or NPS) — confirm current rules and reservations before you go, tread lightly on sacred and fragile sites, and pack out everything you bring.
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