The Important Information to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Until you are a California native, you may not know that Massive Sur has a secret. Somewhat than being a singular landmark, the area encompasses a wide range of show-stopping vistas, close-knit communities, and state parks alongside Freeway 1. And some of the scenic of these parks is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Named after the legendary Massive Sur feminine pioneer and rancher, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park stands out even among the many remainder of the area’s points of interest. The park options stands of centuries-old redwood timber and supplies a haven for a wide range of California wildlife, although it’s finest recognized for the 80-foot-high McWay Falls, a formidable cascade that drops immediately from a sheer cliff to the sandy seashore under. 

“That’s what most individuals wish to see,” says Stephen Copeland. A former Massive Sur resident and the founding father of Massive Sur Guides and Mountaineering, he has spent many years main guests up and down a number of the space’s finest trails. However, as Copeland factors out, viewing McWay Falls is simply the beginning of issues to do right here. 

This is what you might want to know earlier than planning a visit to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

What to Do

Usually, guests who wish to see McWay Falls have two choices: driving into the park and strolling about half a mile to a viewing platform, or just parking on the aspect of Freeway 1 and snapping pics from there. As of March 2026, nevertheless, you’ll be able to solely see it from the latter choice; the Overlook Path to view McWay Falls is presently closed. Don’t fear about lacking out, although. “For my part, the view from the freeway is healthier,” says Copeland. “It’s really easy to tug over on the west aspect of the freeway on the turnout simply to the north of the doorway. You stroll 10 toes, and there it’s.”

Whereas the park’s crescent-shaped, sandy shore could look engaging, guests ought to be conscious that seashore entry is strictly prohibited at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park; you’ll have to stay to admiring the sights from a distance. Whilst you do, regulate the turquoise waves for passing grey whales, who migrate by way of the world between December and April. There’s even a piece of the park under the waves, the place skilled divers can see underwater rock formations and marine life.

Again on land, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has a formidable roster of mountain climbing trails that may’t be missed. You may wander by way of towering redwoods on the five-mile Ewoldsen Path, Copeland’s high advice. “The Ewoldsen Path is likely one of the most stunning hikes in Massive Sur,” he says. “It is an absolute should for individuals who like mountain climbing. There [are] wildflowers there, old-growth redwood timber, and oak timber. It’s a extremely unbelievable surroundings that lots of people do not learn about, as a result of they solely go there to see the waterfall.”

Different mountain climbing choices embody the mile-long out-and-back path to Partington Cove, the place a tanbark transport port as soon as stood. This brief however steep trek takes you thru a tunnel and ends at a viewpoint with expansive views of the cove. “I’ve seen each sort of wildlife in that cove,” says Copeland. However even when the cove is abandoned, he says, “On day when the waves are sturdy, simply sitting on these rocks and watching the waves hit the rocks is well worth the value of admission proper there. It’s spectacular.”

After mountain climbing and sightseeing in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, you’ll be able to cap off your go to with a meal at one in every of Massive Sur’s best-known eating places, Nepenthe. About 5 miles north of the park, this clifftop eatery dishes up California delicacies made with regionally sourced elements—don’t miss the signature “Ambrosiaburger.”

Greatest Time to Go to

Due to California’s balmy climate, there’s by no means actually a nasty time to go to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Circumstances keep average all 12 months spherical, with temperatures hovering between the 50s and 70s from January by way of December. You could get a few of Massive Sur’s well-known “Could grey” or “June gloom” through the summer season months, however clouds usually clear within the afternoon.

In fact, you too can plan your journey across the park’s wildlife. Grey whales migrate by way of the world between December and April yearly, whereas humpbacks go to within the spring and fall, and blue whales make their look from June by way of October. You’ll seemingly see some kind of animal irrespective of once you go to, but when recognizing a sure species is in your bucket checklist, verify the park’s web site or name for extra info.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to mingle arts and tradition along with your state park expertise by timing your go to to one of many space’s annual occasions. Carmel-by-the-Sea hosts a Culinary Week and Bach Pageant in the summertime, whereas close by Monterey has a fall Jazz Pageant. 

The best way to Get There

The closest airport to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), about an hour north. If you wish to begin from the south finish of Massive Sur, you’ll be able to fly into San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP). A automotive shall be important to get to the park—and the remainder of Massive Sur’s locations—however driving instructions are easy. From the north, merely comply with Freeway 1, previous Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park. “There are large indicators at Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is lower than 10 miles south,” says Copeland. From San Luis Obispo, you’ll be able to decide up Freeway 1 and drive north, passing San Simeon and Hearst Fortress, to succeed in the park.