Attractions and Places To See in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Top 7

The park is renowned for its dramatic natural beauty. You can witness the iconic McWay Fall — Julia Pfeiffer-Burns State Park, an 80-foot waterfall cascading onto the beach or directly into the Pacific. Explore picturesque Partington Cove, discover towering redwood groves, and enjoy sweeping views of the rugged Big Sur coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean, which is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Yes, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has a rich history. You can find the remnants of the 'Tin House' (Brown's House), a historic structure built in 1944 on a ridge high above the fog. The park also features the site of a Pelton Wheel, installed in 1932 to generate the first electricity in the Big Sur area for the Brown's residences. Partington Cove itself has historical significance as a former tanbark shipping port.

Popular trails include the Partington Cove Trail, a moderate 1-mile round-trip descent to the cove, and the Ewoldsen Trail, which offers a more challenging hike through redwood forests with ocean glimpses. The Tanbark Trail allows you to trek through dense forest and can be combined with the Tin House Fire Road for a longer loop. For more options, check out our guide to hiking in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

As of March 4, 2026, the Waterfall Overlook Trail (McWay Falls Overlook Trail) is closed for long-term repairs. Viewing of McWay Falls is currently limited to a small area directly on Highway 1. However, you can still get great views from the View of McWay Fall viewpoint.

While the main McWay Falls Overlook Trail is currently closed, the park offers other experiences. The Condor Big Sur coastal viewpoint 🌊 is family-friendly and offers panoramic views with nature info panels. For easy hikes, you can explore options listed in our easy hikes guide, such as portions of the Partington Cove Trail.

The park is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, so you might spot diverse marine life, including kelp greenling and cabezon if you're scuba diving (with special permits). From coastal overlook points, visitors can also enjoy whale watching, especially gray whales migrating from December to April.

Yes, the park offers two environmental hike-in camping areas. These campsites are noted for their exceptional views of the Pacific Coast, providing a unique overnight experience amidst the park's natural beauty.

Beyond hiking, you can explore cycling routes in the area. Our guide to cycling in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park features several routes, including challenging loops like the Big Creek Bridge – Gamboa Point Beach loop. The park also has picnic areas for day use.

The park offers beauty year-round. However, for whale watching, the migration season from December to April is ideal. It's always advisable to check current conditions before visiting, as some trails, particularly east of Highway 1, may be closed due to fire damage and debris flows.

Absolutely. Besides the famous View of McWay Fall, the Condor Big Sur coastal viewpoint 🌊 offers dramatic panoramas of the rugged Big Sur coast, complete with historic and nature info panels. The Partington Cove area also features short paths around a grassy promontory with excellent coastal views.

Parking is available within the state park. While general entry to the park does not typically require special permits for day use, specific activities like scuba diving in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns Underwater Area do require special permits. Always check the official California State Parks website for the most current information on fees, parking, and permits.