There is no specific visitor center mentioned for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. However, the park itself is open from 8am to sunset. For more detailed information, you might want to check the park’s main office or nearby facilities like the Big Sur Station, which is open from 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week.
The entrance fee at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is $10 per car, per day, allowing access to all California state parks until sundown. Seniors over 62 get a $1 discount, while disabled and distinguished veterans pass holders enter free. Annual passes are also available.
Drive along California’s Highway 1, 37 miles south of Carmel and 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. There is no public transit; most visitors arrive by car or organized tour.
Parking at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is limited, with spots for vehicles up to 22 feet long. No overnight parking. Park on Highway 1 if lot is full. $10 parking fee. No RVs over 22 feet. Motorcycles allowed. No overnight parking.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Located along California’s iconic Big Sur coastline, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park spans over 3,000 acres of redwoods, cliffs, and waterfalls. It’s home to McWay Falls, an 80-foot “tidefall” that spills directly onto the beach. Hiking trails offer sweeping views and wildlife sightings, all in a tranquil natural setting dedicated to Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a Big Sur pioneer.
- Area (mi²)
- 4
- Established year
- 1962
Top 3 Facts about Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The park is home to 300-foot redwoods, some of which are over 2,500 years old, making them among the oldest and tallest trees in the region. These ancient trees stand at heights of up to 90 meters.
The park’s mix of redwoods and ocean views makes it a rare place to see towering coastal redwoods so close to the sea.
The park honors Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a pioneering woman of Big Sur, whose legacy helped preserve this stunning landscape.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Arts & Crafts.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy popular viewpoints before crowds.
Pack Appropriately
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes—some trails are steep or rocky.
Respect Wildlife
Stay on trails and observe animals from a distance. Don’t disturb the redwood ecosystem.
Stay Informed
Check Highway 1 for closures due to rockslides or maintenance before heading out.
Seasons
Spring offers mild weather (50–70°F) and blooming landscapes. Hike to McWay Falls, watch for wildlife, and enjoy longer days with lighter crowds. Ideal for photography and nature walks.
Summer brings warmer temps (60–80°F), perfect for sunlit hikes and coastal exploration. It’s the most popular season, so arrive early for parking and enjoy dry weather with iconic Big Sur views.
Fall (50–70°F) offers fewer crowds, golden tones in the landscape, and excellent light for photography. It’s cooler and may bring early rains—perfect for peaceful hikes and relaxed sightseeing.
Winter temperatures (40–60°F) and possible rain create a quieter atmosphere with dramatic ocean views. Trails may be slick, but you’ll enjoy a serene park experience with fewer visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
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The easiest hiking trail is the Waterfall Overlook Trail, which is 0.5 miles round-trip, with only a 40-foot elevation gain, and takes about 30 minutes to complete. This trail is fully accessible and offers amazing views of McWay Falls. It starts from the parking lot for the day use area.
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Dogs are not allowed beyond the day-use parking lot. They cannot go on trails, to the Big Sur River, or other natural areas. Dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long if they are in allowed areas.
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There is no specific maximum RV length mentioned for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, but nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has limits, which might be a consideration. However, for Julia Pfeiffer Burns, the day-use area has a maximum vehicle length of 22 feet.
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The top attraction is McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs directly into the Pacific Ocean. This waterfall, one of only two tidefalls in California, can be viewed from the Waterfall Overlook Trail. It was a favorite sight of Julia Pfeiffer Burns, the park’s namesake.