20220327_113042McWay Falls (March 2022)

Big Sur is a massive stretch of coastline along central California, and to be able to experience it all, it’s essential to have a night or two to camp or rent a room at one of the limited lodges in the area. With so much to do and see with its beaches and hiking trails, a day trip just isn’t enough to really take it all in. Unfortunately, my dad and I only had a day in Big Sur last March, but we did our best to hit the highlights along the way.

After our visit at Pfeiffer State Beach, we pulled out of the narrow, two-mile road and onto Highway 1 once more, heading over to our next stop at McWay Falls, another popular icon of Big Sur. It’s an 80-foot/24 meter waterfall that drops off a cliff and during high tide empties into the ocean– however during low tide, it empties onto the sand and flows as a mini-creek into the Pacific. The thin trickle of the waterfall might not look too impressive, but it’s the high-tide, low-tide location that makes it a distinctive landmark and one of the most-photographed sites of Big Sur.

The parking lot was already full by the time we pulled in, but we got lucky and managed to snag a spot just as one of the cars was leaving. Even though McWay Falls gets super-crowded, there are always people coming and going, so it helps to wait a couple of minutes in order to get a space. Getting from the parking lot to McWay Falls is a mere 0.3 miles/0.5 kilometers along the boardwalk trail, and soon enough, you hit the viewing platform. In the past, one could also descend to get right in front of the waterfall, but in recent years it was closed off due to being dangerous, i.e. steep slope, ragged cliffs, etc. I didn’t mind just viewing McWay Falls from above, and we got some good shots in before we went back to our car.

20220327_113308Looking out to McWay Falls

On our way back to Cambria, we made two more stops in Big Sur. One of them was at Gamboa Point, which was one of the many turnouts to get stunning views of the green coastline and the milky-blue waters. We had a brief lunch in our car while admiring the views; I’d definitely recommend bringing your own lunch and picnicking at one of the turnouts– there’s nothing quite like enjoying a boxed meal with views of the ocean right in front of you!

20220327_121220From Gamboa Point

20220327_123544From Gamboa Point

Final stop wasn’t technically in Big Sur, but close enough at the southernmost point in San Simeon: we visited the Elephant Seal Vista Point, where we saw dozens of elephant seals– adults and children alike– lounging on the shore. It was just 13 miles/21 kilometers from Cambria, and it made for a convenient stop just before returning to our accommodation in town. The elephant seals, especially the babies, were just too adorable!

20220327_131722Elephant seals just chilling

…and that’s about it! Big Sur was the end to my extended birthday weekend last March, and I couldn’t have asked for a lovely time. Considering that I’d stayed local for my birthday the previous year, it was great to spread my wings and venture out a bit after COVID restrictions were lifted. Couldn’t have asked for a lovely time spent with my dad while ringing in the last of my twenties, all the while exploring a part of my home state that I hadn’t been to before. Thanks for reading my adventures, and I promise more adventures are coming soon!

— Rebecca

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Published by Rebecca

Blogger, world traveler, poet, foodie, part-time penguin. Welcome!

31 thoughts on “Destination: Big Sur, California (Part 2)”

  9. Wow, these are such beautiful photos and coastal views, Rebecca. Big Sur is so wild and rugged, packed full of the kind of elemental beauty that adventurers and photographers crave. I would love to see McWay Falls and how the cascade falls directly into the Pacific Ocean, or – depending on the tide – onto a pristine little cove. It is such a spectacular spot -the setting of the thin silver ribbon of water, amidst the cliffs and greenery of Big Sur, with the turquoise waters of the cove below, and the blue of the ocean beyond, is simply magical. No wonder it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in California. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You certainly painted a picture of how beautiful Big Sur is, with only words! There’s so much to explore in this part of California, and one’s bound to be dazzled along the way. I didn’t see everything, nor even close to it, so I hope to return to see more! Thanks for commenting, Aiva. 🙂

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    1. McWay Falls is truly a unique cascade! What makes it so distinctive is its tides, which can be higher or lower depending on the time of day you visit. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most-photographed parts of California!

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