McWay Falls View Point

McWay Falls View Point is one of Big Sur’s most iconic roadside overlooks, where you can look down on a dramatic waterfall dropping toward a small, sheltered cove beside the Pacific Ocean. It’s a classic stop on Highway 1 for travelers who want a short, scenic pause with sweeping coastal views and an easy photo opportunity. The viewpoint is especially appealing for families because it offers a memorable Big Sur landscape without requiring a long hike.

History

The viewpoint is associated with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which was created to protect this stretch of the Big Sur coast and the surrounding redwood and canyon landscape. McWay Falls itself is named for the McWay family, early landowners in the area, and the overlook became widely known as a signature Big Sur vista after the land was preserved as part of the state park system.

Expert notes

• Stay on marked paths and overlooks; the area is protected and the cliff edges can be hazardous.
• Expect a short, easy stop rather than a full beach access visit, since the cove below is not generally reachable from the viewpoint.
• Bring layers, as coastal wind and fog can make the overlook feel much cooler than inland Big Sur.