What is the water and sand quality of the McWay Beach?

The coastline of McWay Beach is covered with golden sand. It's very clean, the surface has a mixed fraction. Turquoise and clear water sparkles in the sun. The entrance to the water is sandy, which makes it very comfortable.

What are the key activities at McWay Beach?

For the main activity - sunbathing, there are no sun loungers on the McWay Beach, so you need to take personal items with you and there is a natural shade that can become a lifesaver on a hot day.

Is the McWay Beach good for swimming?

The entrance to the water is gentle, the bottom is comfortable. The area has the high prevalence of sharks so all swimmers should be very careful.The waves in the McWay Beach are usually strong.

Is the McWay Beach good for families?

Family travelers should consider the following features of the beach. This is the natural virgin beach with minimal amenities. It's covered with sand and the entrance to the water is gentle.

Is the McWay Beach secluded and good for relaxing?

The beach is located in a natural area. During the high season, the occupancy of the beach is moderate, which is very good for lovers of a relaxing holiday.The following features add extra points:<ul><li>Picturesque views of the sea and the surrounding nature </li><li>Mountains/hills in the vicinity</li></ul>

What are the key audiences of McWay Beach?

McWay Beach can be a good place for the following groups of travelers:<ul><li>Hiking adventurers</li></ul>

Is there any food or beverages in the area of McWay Beach?

There is no restaurant or bar directly on McWay Beach.

What is the closest accommodation to the McWay Beach?

There are 5 places to stay in the McWay Beach area.Some of the best hotels in the area of McWay Beach include:<ul><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=533820&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Big Sur Lodge</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=2288142&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Fernwood Resort</a></li></ul>

How far is the McWay Beach from parking?

The McWay Beach has no parking spot

Are there any attractions nearby McWay Beach?

There are 1 attractions near McWay Beach that are popular with travelers. The nearest are McWay Falls View Point located in 0.2 km. <a href="#attractions-section">See the attractions section for details.</a>

What is the best time of the year to visit McWay Beach?

The month with the highest temperature in McWay Beach is September. Its average value reaches 19°C. The warmest sea is in September, the average value is 16°C. The coldest month is February with air temperature 13°C and water 13°C. <a href="#weather-section">See more details in weather section.</a>

Photo of McWay Beach with bright sand surface

Photo of McWay Beach with turquoise pure water surface

Photo of McWay Beach with very clean level of cleanliness

Photo of McWay Beach located in natural area

Closed for visiting

McWay Beach

Big Sur, United States

8.2

#21 out of 385 in California 2

Free entrance Virgin beach Picturesque Bright sand Sand bottom

Click on any feature to view all similar beaches in area

Located outside the settlement

Slates Hot Springs • 5 km

Map of beach

Park McWay Cove

110m

Hiking Area McWay Waterfall Trailhead

300m

Hiking Area Ewoldsen Trailhead

370m

Park Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

1.1km

Park Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point

1.6km

Hiking Area Partington Cove Trailhead

2.8km

Park The California Sea Otter State Game Refuge

3.4km

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About

McWay Beach is located on the Pacific ocean and it is in the 21th place out of 385 beaches in the California region 269.3 km away from its center, the city of Sacramento. It is one of the beaches of Slates Hot Springs settlement, just 5 km from its center. The beach is located in a natural place with very picturesque views, among the mountains, surrounded by the cliffs. It is partially covered by trees which give natural shade.

Weather

history

+18 ^o C +14 ^o C

Air temperature

5 M/S

Wind

+15 ^o C

Water temperature

1.7 M

Wave height

Located outside the settlement

Slates Hot Springs • 5 km

Map of beach

Park McWay Cove

110m

Hiking Area McWay Waterfall Trailhead

300m

Hiking Area Ewoldsen Trailhead

370m

Park Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

1.1km

Park Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point

1.6km

Hiking Area Partington Cove Trailhead

2.8km

Park The California Sea Otter State Game Refuge

3.4km

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Stays nearby

2 accomodations nearby

14.8km from the beach

7.7 Very good

Big Sur Lodge

Lodge

Located at nearest locality

Slates Hot Springs • 19.8km from center

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15.7km from the beach

7.8 Very good

Fernwood Resort

Motel

Located at nearest locality

Slates Hot Springs • 20.7km from center

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Area

Average rating of nearest beaches is 7.4 (Good)

View map

Nearest Beaches

13.7km

Gamboa Point Beach

7.4 Good

15.7km

Pfeiffer Beach

7.5 Very good

19.1km

Molera Beach

6.9 Good

27.7km

Little Sur River Beach

7.8 Very good

31.9km

Sand Dollar Beach

7.7 Very good

36.5km

Garrapata Beach

8 Very good

45.5km

Gibson's Beach

7.2 Good

46km

Hidden Beach

7.2 Good

Localities

Nearest

Slates Hot Springs • 5km

Main locality of province

Sacramento • 269.3km

Transport

Airport

HGT • 43.2km

Bus Station

Rippling River / Carmel Valley Rd • 35.6km

Train Station

Salinas • 57.9km

All nearest beaches

You can set the search radius & filter nearest beaches by features

Travelers reviews

Average Reviews rating

8.2 Very good

Travelers reviews

Contribute

Share your experience with other travelers

Average Reviews rating

8.2 Very good

Nathan_Navarro

Novice Beachgoer • 1 year ago

10 Exceptional

The sight of McWay Falls is truly breathtaking, and it's definitely worth experiencing in person. The natural beauty of the beach is simply awe-inspiring, and there's nothing quite like seeing it with your own eyes.

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Adam Kessler

Novice Beachgoer • 1 year ago

8 Very good

Although McWay beach is undeniably stunning, I wouldn't go out of my way to visit it. It's a quick 15-30 minute stop to snap some photos and take in the scenery, but there's not much else to do. Plus, everyone takes the same picture from the same spot, so it's hard to get a unique shot. However, if you're looking for a different perspective, hike up the southern road towards the campground. You'll find a dirt road on the opposite side of the beach where you can get an up-close view of the waterfall. It's only a five-minute walk and well worth it for the breathtaking view.

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Aarav Patel

Novice Beachgoer • 1 year ago

6 Pleasant

I was disappointed that there was no way to access the waterfall, and even if you could see it, there were too many tourists around. Additionally, the trail next to it has been closed for some time now, leaving little to do on the spot. However, if you happen to be camping in the area, it's a nice place to take a picture. There are also a few nice campgrounds with better views of the ocean. Enjoy!

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Rishabh Singhal.

Novice Beachgoer • 1 year ago

10 Exceptional

The waterfall has been cascading for over a hundred years, and despite its slender flow, the interplay of the fresh water falling and mingling with the salty waves of the Pacific is a breathtaking sight to behold. As far as I know, the beach is not easily reachable, but the vista from the cliff is absolutely stunning and truly all that is required.

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Ani Patoa

Novice Beachgoer • 1 year ago

10 Exceptional

This spot in California is truly stunning, with a freshwater waterfall cascading into the Pacific Ocean. It's definitely worth a visit if you're driving along Highway One. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see it for yourself!