Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur
Discover California's magical purple sand beach and the iconic Keyhole Arch, a dramatic Big Sur gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for parking
Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur
Best Time
Beat the crowds for parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover California's magical purple sand beach and the iconic Keyhole Arch, a dramatic Big Sur gem.
"This beach literally has purple sand and a keyhole rock that glows at sunset—how is this not on everyone’s bucket list?!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Limited parking fills fast. Aim for before 11 AM or try waiting across the road. :car:
🧥 Dress in Layers
Big Sur weather is unpredictable; be prepared for wind and cooler temps. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Purple Sand
North side of the beach
Discover the unique purple hues caused by manganese garnet runoff, especially visible after rain.
+1Keyhole Arch
Shoreline rock formation
Marvel at this iconic rock formation with a natural arch, especially stunning at sunset during specific times of the year.
+2
Dramatic Rock Formations
Along the coastline
Explore the rugged boulders and sea stacks that create a dramatic and picturesque coastal landscape.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Limited parking fills fast. Aim for before 11 AM or try waiting across the road. :car:
🧥 Dress in Layers
Big Sur weather is unpredictable; be prepared for wind and cooler temps.
💜 Uncover Purple Sand
Gently brush away the top layer of sand to reveal the vibrant purple hues.
🚗 Navigate the Narrow Road
The access road is winding and single-lane; use turnouts and drive cautiously.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Limited parking fills fast. Aim for before 11 AM or try waiting across the road. :car:
🧥 Dress in Layers
Big Sur weather is unpredictable; be prepared for wind and cooler temps.
💜 Uncover Purple Sand
Gently brush away the top layer of sand to reveal the vibrant purple hues.
🚗 Navigate the Narrow Road
The access road is winding and single-lane; use turnouts and drive cautiously.
🚫 Leave No Trace
Respect the natural environment and pack out everything you bring in.
📸 Keyhole Arch Timing
For the best Keyhole Arch photos, visit during sunset around the winter solstice.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pfeiffer Beach is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its unique purple sand and the iconic Keyhole Arch, offering incredible photo opportunities. However, visitors frequently mention the significant challenges with extremely limited parking and basic, poorly maintained facilities, which can detract from the overall experience.
"Beautiful, expansive beach!! Parking is controlled due to the limited number of parking spots. $15 for each entrance. Get there before 11:00 am on any day for a better chance to get parking. Plan at least an hour to walk along the beach to see it all. I would love to come back and stay all day. No water bathrooms available at parking lot, none near the beach."
Sarah Carsello
"This is a really nice beach, but it's difficult to access. The parking lot is small, so there are times (usually in the summer) when they will turn you away if the lot is full. If you get turned around, I recommend waiting just across from the road from Sycamore Canyon Road and counting cars. +1 for every car that goes in and -1 for every car that comes out. Once the count gets to -3, you can make your move and you will have a higher chance to be let in. We had to do this for about 10 minutes and we were able to get in. The road that goes to Pfeiffer Beach is also a single-lane road, so you will have to use the turnouts to let others pass and be very careful of the edges. The beach reminded me of Koopa Troopa Beach in the N64 Mario Kart game. The main attraction (the rock with the keyhole arch) is nice, but the rest of the beach is also worth exploring. Keyhole Arch is overrated unless you go at a very specific time of the day during a very specific time of the year. The purple sand is real! you have to remove the top layer of sand to be able to see it. Removing just the first inch or so of sand will expose the purple sand underneath. There are many interesting compositions for pictures. My favorite ones were with the large rock formations as soon as you get to the beach."
Ariz Himani
"Overall, a pretty cool beach, but I think it's only amazing when you visit during the right time.
DO NOT visit if it's foggy. It's not worth it. Only visit if the weather is good. I or you can't control the weather, and although I didn't experience good weather during my visit... that is not why I am only giving it 3/5 stars.
The reason is infrastructure. Parking is extremely limited, which I understand, but the facilities next to the parking are some of the worst and dirties bathrooms I've ever seen in my life. If you want to charge people to park and have facilities... use my money and hire someone to look after them.
Additionally, the actual entrance gate where you pay is right before the beach, and to get there you have to drive down this narrow winding road which is kind of cool, but if they don't have spots available (which is common) then you have to turn around and drive all the way back up. The main road entrance needs major reconstruction and widening, signage needs to be way better, and the facilities need major attention and cleaning."
Neil Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pfeiffer Beach is accessed via Sycamore Canyon Road, a small, often unmarked turnoff about a mile south of Big Sur Station. Look carefully as there are no large signs. The road is narrow and winding, requiring cautious driving and use of turnouts.
The road to Pfeiffer Beach is paved but narrow and winding. Drivers should be prepared for single-lane sections and use turnouts to allow other vehicles to pass.
After heavy rain, there may be warnings about conditions on the access road, including potential shallow water. Check official sources before your visit.
Pfeiffer Beach is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from San Francisco via Highway 1. Plan for scenic stops along the way.
While often associated with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach is a separate day-use area managed by Los Padres National Forest and has its own entrance fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a parking fee of $15 per vehicle for day use. This fee helps maintain the facilities and access to the beach.
Pfeiffer Beach is open for day use. While specific hours can vary, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's always best to check official park information for the most current hours.
Yes, due to extremely limited parking, visitors may be turned away if the lot is full, especially during peak times. Arriving early or on a weekday is highly recommended.
Advance parking reservations are typically not available for Pfeiffer Beach. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restroom facilities at Pfeiffer Beach are reported to be very basic and sometimes poorly maintained. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving or be prepared for limited options.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic view of Keyhole Arch, with sunlight streaming through, occurs during sunset around the winter solstice (mid-December to mid-January).
To best photograph the purple sand, gently brush away the top layer of sand to reveal the vibrant manganese garnet underneath. It's most visible after rain.
Besides Keyhole Arch, the large rock formations near the entrance and the unique purple sand patches offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, Pfeiffer Beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets, especially when the light aligns with Keyhole Arch. The dramatic rock formations also add to the photographic appeal.
For capturing the dramatic coastal scenery and potential sunset light, consider using a wide-angle lens. For the purple sand, macro shots can highlight the garnet particles. Experiment with aperture for depth of field.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
Swimming at Pfeiffer Beach is generally not recommended due to strong waves and currents. It's more suited for walking, exploring, and photography.
Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its unique purple sand, caused by manganese garnet runoff. While not the entire beach is purple, patches are visible, especially after rain.
Pfeiffer Beach can get very crowded, particularly on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. Limited parking exacerbates this, so arriving early is key to avoiding the worst crowds.
While not a primary wildlife viewing spot, you might see seabirds along the coast. The main draw is the unique geological features and coastal scenery.
Yes, Pfeiffer Beach is excellent for a leisurely walk along its expansive shoreline. The dramatic rock formations and unique sand provide plenty to see.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
+1 Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the unique purple sand, which is best revealed by gently brushing away the top layer. The rugged rock formations and the expansive coastline provide endless compositions. Be prepared for changing light conditions and potentially strong winds. 🚗 Road Trippers
+1 Be aware of the limited parking; consider it a potential bottleneck for your itinerary. If the lot is full, some visitors suggest waiting across the road and monitoring car traffic. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Purple Sand
+1While the purple sand is a major draw, it's important to manage expectations. The intensity and visibility of the purple color can vary depending on recent rainfall and tidal conditions. To best appreciate it, gently brush away the top layer of sand to reveal the deeper purple beneath.
Keyhole Arch: A Natural Wonder
+2The true magic of Keyhole Arch is revealed during a specific natural event: the Keyhole Arch Henge. Around the winter solstice, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the arch, creating a breathtaking spectacle of light. This alignment is a prime reason many plan their visit during the winter months, hoping to capture this once-a-year photographic opportunity.
+1 Even outside of this alignment, the arch is a striking feature, especially when bathed in the warm glow of sunset. Navigating the Big Sur Coastline
+1 It's a single-lane road in many sections, necessitating the use of turnouts to allow oncoming traffic to pass. Travelers should be prepared for varying road conditions, especially after heavy rain, which can sometimes lead to shallow water on the access route.
The drive itself is part of the adventure, offering stunning ocean vistas. However, the limited parking at the beach means that even reaching the entrance can be a challenge, with visitors sometimes being turned away if the lot is full. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit