McWay Falls: Our most recommended tours and activities

Big Sur California: Pacific Coast Highway Self-Drive Tour

1. Big Sur California: Pacific Coast Highway Self-Drive Tour

Set off on an adventure along the California coastline, between Monterey and Pismo Beach. Explore at your own pace, with this self-guided experience. Simply download the app and begin your road trip. Stop to discover monuments and towns along the route, spending as much time as you like at each location. The app tracks your route and the audio guide plays automatically. Listen to stories and advice at every point of interest. Admire the landscapes of Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Canyon, McWay Falls, and Ragged Point. Drive over the famous Bixby Bridge and spot seals at San Simeon. Enjoy the freedom to skip ahead, take it slow, and snap as many photos as you like.

Big Sur Hwy 1 | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

2. Big Sur Hwy 1 | Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Between Carmel and San Luis Obispo, Big Sur is arguably the most beautiful section of Highway 1 which follows the Californian coast. The drive is punctuated with huge mountains that drop directly into the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Every corner opens a new vista and you will want to stop frequently for the views and photos. Flexible Tour: Follow the suggested itineraries, or divide the commentary and create your own half, full or multi day sightseeing trips. Major Highlights: Bixby Bridge McWay Falls Giant Redwoods Elephant Seal Vista Pfeiffer Beach Hearst Castle* Napenthe Sand Dollar Beach Morro Bay Point Lobos Includes: Big Sur (Between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Luis Obispo) This roughly 130-mile stretch of California’s coast, which can be enjoyed over one to two days, is designated as an America’s National Scenic Byway and and you are going to love it. Known for stunningly beautiful coastal scenery, its road engineering marvels and as a retreat for artists, Hollywood stars and moguls, fantastic opportunities to spot marine animals and some great food and drinks along the way. On the tour we’ll point out the "Seven Not To Be Missed" places of interest: Bixby Bridge, the Giant Redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, Napenthe, McWay Falls, Elephant Seal Vista Point and Hearst Castle. But your journey isn’t a checklist, so you'll also hear many other suggested stops and stories along the route. Then you can decide what you want to prioritize and the pace to set.

Tour Monterey, Carmel, 17 Mile Drive, Big Sur, Mcway Falls

3. Tour Monterey, Carmel, 17 Mile Drive, Big Sur, Mcway Falls

Explore the captivating beauty of California's coastal gems on our private tour from San Francisco. This unforgettable journey takes you to some of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations, ensuring you experience the essence of this remarkable region. Itinerary: Monterey: Your adventure begins in the charming seaside town of Monterey, known for its rich history, vibrant marine life, and picturesque scenery. We'll delve into the heart of this coastal gem, exploring the renowned Cannery Row, where you can observe playful sea otters, sea lions, and a diverse array of marine species. The bustling waterfront offers unique shops, galleries, and delightful dining options. Your time in Monterey sets the stage for the coastal wonders you're about to encounter. Carmel By The Sea: Continue your journey to the enchanting town of Carmel By The Sea. This idyllic village is straight out of a storybook, with its fairytale-like streets, charming cottages, and boutique shops. Stroll along the white-sand Carmel Beach, feel the soft ocean breeze, and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean. Carmel's artistic spirit and serene beauty make it a must-visit destination. Pebble Beach: Our tour then takes you to the world-famous Pebble Beach, known for its luxurious resorts and golf courses. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience the pinnacle of elegance and capture memories against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific coastline. The iconic Lone Cypress and the legendary 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links are just a couple of the highlights. 17-Mile Drive: This scenic route winds through the Del Monte Forest and offers breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you'll encounter iconic landmarks like The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, and Bird Rock. Be sure to keep your camera ready, as every turn reveals a postcard-worthy view. Big Sur: As you venture further south along the Pacific Coast Highway, you'll enter the dramatic and rugged landscapes of Big Sur. This is where California's coastline truly comes to life, with towering cliffs, crashing waves, and pristine natural beauty. The drive through Big Sur is a highlight of the tour, offering panoramic ocean views that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. McWay Falls: Our journey culminates at the enchanting McWay Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls on the Pacific Coast. Set within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, this hidden gem is renowned for its turquoise waters and the stunning sight of an 80-foot waterfall cascading onto the beach below. It's a picture-perfect moment that captures the essence of California's coastal beauty. At the end of this immersive tour, you'll be returned to your San Francisco hotel, carrying the enchantment of Central California's coastal wonders in your heart. Join us on this extraordinary journey, and let the beauty of the Central California Coast create an amazing and unforgettable experience for you.

Santa Maria - Monterey: Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour App

4. Santa Maria - Monterey: Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour App

Explore the stretch of Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Maria and Monterey on a self-guided driving tour. Start anywhere along the route and enjoy a scenic drive along the California coast. Let your audio guide transform your scenic drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure on one of the most scenic drives in the world! Along the way, you’ll pass through and learn about some of the cities and small towns nestled along the coast including Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo and its Bubble Gum Alley, historical Cambria, Morro Bay and the Morro Rock, the super small hamlet of Lucia, Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea & more! Pass through or take a break at some of the amazing coastal state parks and nature reserves like Ocean Dunes Natural Preserve, Monarch Butterfly Groves, San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, Marino Reserve, the Hearst San Simeon State Park and McWay Falls. If you are looking for a museum like no other, there’s the famous Hearst Castle! Hear about, and hopefully see some amazing sea animals at one of the Whale Trail sites and the Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and viewing spots. Make sure to keep an eye out for Sea Otters along the shoreline. Stop and wonder at Morro Rock, Cayucos Pier and one of the most photographed sites in California, the Bixby Creek Bridge. Learn some history of the area and its original inhabitants, and hear about the early settlers at the Piedras Blancas Light Station and Whaler’s Cove. As well as the incredible flora and fauna that make this coastal area home today, you’ll hear about the dangers and challenges nature poses to this incredible highway.

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What people are saying about McWay Falls

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 4 reviews

We had a fun time. Definitely plan extra time to do all the suggested detours. We ran out of time and would have loved to see more. Its amazing