Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- https://www.virginiabeach.com/
- Virginia Beach, VA 23451
About This Beach
Few places on Earth compare to the untamed beauty of Big Sur, where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific Ocean. Among its many coastal treasures, two stand out: McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach — both offering unforgettable views, serenity, and raw California wilderness.
Nestled along Highway 1, Big Sur’s beaches are not about sunbathing or crowds — they’re about awe-inspiring natural drama, coastal hikes, waterfalls that cascade directly into the sea, and purple-tinted sands that glow at sunset. This region embodies the wild heart of California’s central coast, ideal for photographers, adventurers, and travelers seeking peace in nature’s grandeur.
📜 History & Unique Features
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McWay Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that drops straight from a cliff into the Pacific Ocean — one of only two waterfalls in the continental U.S. that flows directly into the sea.
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The site lies within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, named after a local pioneer woman known for her deep love of Big Sur’s wilderness.
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Pfeiffer Beach, located a few miles north, is renowned for its purple-hued sand, created by manganese garnet deposits washing down from the surrounding hills.
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The Keyhole Arch, a natural rock formation just offshore, perfectly frames the setting sun each winter — a favorite of photographers worldwide.
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Big Sur’s coastline has been preserved through strict conservation laws, maintaining its wild and rugged beauty for generations.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar–May): Waterfalls are fullest, wildflowers bloom along cliffs.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Clearer skies but heavier traffic on Highway 1.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Warmest weather, best sunsets, fewer crowds.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Moody skies, powerful surf, ideal for photographers.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Clearer skies but heavier traffic on Highway 1.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Warmest weather, best sunsets, fewer crowds.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Moody skies, powerful surf, ideal for photographers.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Scenic Viewing at McWay Falls: Accessible via an easy 0.6-mile round-trip trail overlooking the cove.
- Photography: Capture world-class seascapes, especially at sunset through the Keyhole Arch.
- Beach Walks: Stroll Pfeiffer Beach’s violet sands and explore tide pools at low tide.
- Hiking: Trails connect to Julia Pfeiffer Burns, Andrew Molera, and Garrapata State Parks.
- Picnicking: Picnic areas with tables and ocean views at both parks.
- Whale Watching: Gray whales and dolphins frequently pass close to shore (Dec–Apr).
- Star Gazing: Limited light pollution makes for extraordinary night skies.
- Meditation & Relaxation: Ideal for peaceful reflection and solitude away from the crowds.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Restrooms at park entrances
- Limited picnic areas
- Paid parking ($10 State Park entry)
- Viewpoint platforms (McWay Falls)
- Seasonal rangers and visitor kiosks
- No food vendors — bring your own snacks
- Small gift shop and maps available at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
Ventana Big Sur: 5-star adults-only resort surrounded by redwoods.
Post Ranch Inn: World-famous cliffside luxury resort with ocean-view infinity pools.
Big Sur Lodge: Comfortable cabins near trails and park access.
Riverside Campground & Cabins: Budget-friendly option near Pfeiffer Beach.
Kirk Creek Campground: Oceanfront cliff camping with unforgettable sunsets.
Post Ranch Inn: World-famous cliffside luxury resort with ocean-view infinity pools.
Big Sur Lodge: Comfortable cabins near trails and park access.
Riverside Campground & Cabins: Budget-friendly option near Pfeiffer Beach.
Kirk Creek Campground: Oceanfront cliff camping with unforgettable sunsets.
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: 8:00 AM – Sunset
Pfeiffer Beach: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal)
Pfeiffer Beach: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (seasonal)
Pricing
Pricing
State Park Entry: $10 per vehicle (covers most nearby state beaches)
Pfeiffer Beach Parking Fee: $15 per vehicle
Camping: $35–$65 per night (available in nearby parks)
No additional cost for hiking or waterfall viewing
Pfeiffer Beach Parking Fee: $15 per vehicle
Camping: $35–$65 per night (available in nearby parks)
No additional cost for hiking or waterfall viewing
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Andrew Molera State Park: Long beach with surfing and hiking trails.
Sand Dollar Beach: Broad sandy beach for picnics and photography.
Bixby Creek Bridge: One of the most photographed spots on Highway 1.
Garrapata State Beach: Coastal cliffs and flower fields.
Henry Miller Memorial Library: A literary landmark surrounded by redwoods.
Sand Dollar Beach: Broad sandy beach for picnics and photography.
Bixby Creek Bridge: One of the most photographed spots on Highway 1.
Garrapata State Beach: Coastal cliffs and flower fields.
Henry Miller Memorial Library: A literary landmark surrounded by redwoods.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
There are no restaurants directly at the beaches, but several excellent dining options nearby:
Nepenthe: Iconic cliffside restaurant with panoramic ocean views.
Big Sur Bakery: Rustic café known for pastries and wood-fired pizza.
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant: Cozy, historic inn serving farm-to-table cuisine.
The Sur House (Ventana Big Sur): Fine dining with breathtaking terrace views.
Fernwood Grill: Casual bites and local beer beneath the redwoods.
Nepenthe: Iconic cliffside restaurant with panoramic ocean views.
Big Sur Bakery: Rustic café known for pastries and wood-fired pizza.
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant: Cozy, historic inn serving farm-to-table cuisine.
The Sur House (Ventana Big Sur): Fine dining with breathtaking terrace views.
Fernwood Grill: Casual bites and local beer beneath the redwoods.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Big Sur Marathon (April): World-famous marathon along Highway 1.
Big Sur Food & Wine Festival (November): Local vineyards and chefs celebrate coastal cuisine.
Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series (Summer): Outdoor screenings beneath the stars.
Big Sur Folk Festival (historical): Iconic concerts once featuring Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell.
Big Sur Food & Wine Festival (November): Local vineyards and chefs celebrate coastal cuisine.
Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series (Summer): Outdoor screenings beneath the stars.
Big Sur Folk Festival (historical): Iconic concerts once featuring Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Fog is common in the mornings — late afternoons offer the best photo conditions.
Cell service is extremely limited; download maps ahead of time.
Pack water, snacks, and layers — there are no concessions.
Arrive before 9 AM to secure parking.
Swimming is not recommended — currents are extremely strong.
Visit McWay Falls Overlook during golden hour for magical lighting.
Bring cash — some lots don’t accept cards.
Cell service is extremely limited; download maps ahead of time.
Pack water, snacks, and layers — there are no concessions.
Arrive before 9 AM to secure parking.
Swimming is not recommended — currents are extremely strong.
Visit McWay Falls Overlook during golden hour for magical lighting.
Bring cash — some lots don’t accept cards.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
No swimming — currents and surf are dangerous.
Stay on marked trails; cliffs are unstable.
No fires or barbecues allowed.
Dogs allowed only on leash at Pfeiffer Beach (not at McWay Falls).
No drones without permit.
Pack out all trash — no bins along trails.
Observe posted closures (rockslides and erosion zones common).
Stay on marked trails; cliffs are unstable.
No fires or barbecues allowed.
Dogs allowed only on leash at Pfeiffer Beach (not at McWay Falls).
No drones without permit.
Pack out all trash — no bins along trails.
Observe posted closures (rockslides and erosion zones common).
FAQs
Can you go down to McWay Falls Beach?
No — beach access is closed for safety and conservation reasons.
Why is Pfeiffer Beach sand purple?
The color comes from manganese garnet crystals eroded from surrounding hillsides.
Is it safe to swim?
No, strong undertows and rocks make swimming dangerous.
Do I need a reservation?
Not for day visits, but nearby campgrounds and lodges require advance booking.
Is it dog-friendly?
Only Pfeiffer Beach allows dogs on leash; McWay Falls does not.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
Cabrillo Highway, Big Sur Village, Monterey County, California, United States
Access Points
McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park):
52801 California State Route 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Pfeiffer Beach:
End of Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920 (off Highway 1 near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park)
Getting There:
Both locations are roughly 40 miles south of Monterey and 100 miles north of San Luis Obispo.
Access via Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) — one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Limited parking; arrive early, especially on weekends.
Pfeiffer Beach access road is steep and narrow — RVs and trailers not recommended.
52801 California State Route 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Pfeiffer Beach:
End of Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920 (off Highway 1 near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park)
Getting There:
Both locations are roughly 40 miles south of Monterey and 100 miles north of San Luis Obispo.
Access via Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) — one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Limited parking; arrive early, especially on weekends.
Pfeiffer Beach access road is steep and narrow — RVs and trailers not recommended.
Cabrillo Highway, Big Sur Village, Monterey County, California, United States
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