Towering redwoods alongside a rushing stream--this is California. When I visited the main trail to Pfeiffer Falls was closed due to a bridge being out. Instead you are told to take a detour up the Valley View trail. The detour wasn't worth it - you hike way up and then hike down to the falls. The falls themselves are not what make this place special. It's the redwoods. They will let you go halfway up the main Pfeiffer Falls trail (obviously, it doesn't get you all the way to the falls though), and you should do it. The redwoods, the lush green ferns, the babbling water - the beauty is tremendous. In addition, the trail is quite easy. In my opinion, the Valley View trail is strenuous, and the view, while okay, is not worth the effort (see my photo of it). BTW, it's $8 to get into a state park - and then you can get into all other CA state parks free that day. So do Point Lobos and then drive down to Pfeiffer Big Sur - two for the price of one!
From journal 10 Glorious Days in Monterey