Pfeiffer Beach
California's magical Pfeiffer Beach boasts rare purple sand and the iconic Keyhole Arch, a photographer's dream.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant purple sand after rain
Pfeiffer Beach
Best Time
Vibrant purple sand after rain
Highlights
Must-see attractions
California's magical Pfeiffer Beach boasts rare purple sand and the iconic Keyhole Arch, a photographer's dream.
"This beach literally has purple sand and a keyhole rock that glows at sunset—how is this not on everyone’s bucket list?!"
🚗 Access Road Caution
The 2-mile road to the beach is narrow & windy. Drive carefully, especially in the dark.
💰 Cash for Entry
Bring cash for the parking fee ($12-$15). It's not always manned, so cash is preferred.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Purple Sand
North side of the beach
Witness streaks of violet sand, a rare natural wonder caused by manganese garnet runoff.
Keyhole Arch
Shoreline
A dramatic rock formation with an archway, especially stunning when sunset light shines through.
Dramatic Rock Formations
Shoreline
Explore unique sea stacks and coastal rock formations sculpted by the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Pfeiffer Beach
Best Time for Purple Sand & Keyhole Arch
+2 Sunset is also a popular time for photography. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Access Road Caution
The 2-mile road to the beach is narrow & windy. Drive carefully, especially in the dark.
💰 Cash for Entry
Bring cash for the parking fee ($12-$15). It's not always manned, so cash is preferred.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
Pfeiffer Beach is known for being windy. Bring layers and secure your belongings.
💜 Purple Sand Magic
The purple hues are best seen after rainfall. Look for them near tidal pools.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Access Road Caution
The 2-mile road to the beach is narrow & windy. Drive carefully, especially in the dark.
💰 Cash for Entry
Bring cash for the parking fee ($12-$15). It's not always manned, so cash is preferred.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
Pfeiffer Beach is known for being windy. Bring layers and secure your belongings.
💜 Purple Sand Magic
The purple hues are best seen after rainfall. Look for them near tidal pools.
📸 Sunset Photography
Sunset through Keyhole Arch is magical. Arrive early for the best spots.
🚽 Pit Toilet Facilities
Restrooms are basic pit toilets with no sinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pfeiffer Beach is a stunning natural wonder, celebrated for its unique purple sand and the iconic Keyhole Arch, especially magical at sunset. Visitors praise the breathtaking views and the helpfulness of staff. However, the narrow access road, limited parking, and windy conditions are common drawbacks.
"I’m a Big Sur wedding and elopement photographer and definitely would recommend this spot for couples wanting to get sunset portraits for their elopement or wedding! It’s 100% worth the detour if you’re getting married in Big Sur and it’s a sunny day. Just be prepared for wind - this beach is known for being windy (they even have signs for it!) Bring cash for the entry fee as well as it’s not always manned."
Lynn Lewis (Lynn Lewis Photography)
"Definitely worth $15 entry fee. The views are so amazing and holes are unique.
They do have limited parking spots but over weekend if you don’t get entry then wait for a few mins and you ll get spot for sure . Usually people spend avg 30-40 mins"
INDERPREET SINGH
"No signage from Highway 1, but a 2 mile drive off of Sycamore Cannon Road. The road down to the beach is windy and narrow so be careful! The beach is secluded and feels untouched. We came in the morning, saw the purple stained sand, and just sat down to enjoy the waves for an hr. A nice stip after a hike at Pfeiffer State Park. I bet sunset /sunrise is beautiful here but that 2 mile drive seems a bit dangerous in the dark~"
Jamie Kim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pfeiffer Beach is located off Highway 1 in Big Sur. Look for the unmarked Sycamore Canyon Road turnoff, about 2 miles south of the Big Sur River Inn. The road is narrow and winding, so drive with caution.
Highway 1 can experience closures due to landslides. Always check current road conditions before your visit. +1
Parking is available but very limited. It's a small lot that fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Yes, Pfeiffer Beach is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from San Francisco, depending on traffic and Highway 1 conditions.
Public transport options are very limited in Big Sur. It's best to have your own vehicle to reach Pfeiffer Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a parking fee, typically around $12-$15 per vehicle. It's recommended to bring cash as the payment station may not always be staffed.
Pfeiffer Beach is generally open from 8 am to sunset. Always check for any temporary closures or changes in hours before you go.
No, advance booking is not typically required for Pfeiffer Beach. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis via the parking fee.
Pfeiffer Beach is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation but is a separate entrance from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. The primary cost is the per-vehicle parking fee.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is particularly magical, especially when the light shines through Keyhole Arch.
The purple sand is most visible near the tidal pools on the north side of the beach. Look for it after rainfall for the most vibrant colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the dramatic landscapes and Keyhole Arch. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in California State Parks and beaches. It's best to check specific regulations before flying.
This natural phenomenon occurs during winter when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Keyhole Arch, creating a glowing effect.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the unique purple sand, explore rock formations, watch the waves, and photograph the iconic Keyhole Arch. It's a great spot for a relaxing beach experience.
Yes, there are basic pit toilets available. They do not have sinks, and the doors may not lock securely.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents and large waves. It's more of a scenic beach for walking and enjoying the views.
Most visitors spend around 30-40 minutes to an hour, taking in the sights and capturing photos.
It can get very crowded, especially on weekends, holidays, and during sunset. Weekdays and early mornings are less busy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While swimming isn't recommended due to strong currents, kids can enjoy exploring the shoreline, building sandcastles, and marveling at the rock formations. 📸 Photographers & Elopers
+1 The purple sand adds an otherworldly quality to any shot, making it stand out. Photographers should be prepared for wind and potentially challenging light conditions, bringing a tripod and appropriate lenses. For elopements, the dramatic coastal scenery provides an unforgettable backdrop. Remember to bring cash for the entrance fee and be aware of the limited parking. 🚗 Road Trippers
+1 Its unique features, like the purple sand and Keyhole Arch, offer a memorable break from driving. Plan your visit to coincide with lower crowds, perhaps on a weekday morning or late afternoon. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Purple Sand
+2 The intensity of the purple hue can vary depending on recent weather patterns, making each visit a potentially different visual experience. For the most vibrant display, aim to visit after a good rain. While the purple sand is a major draw, it's important to manage expectations. The purple color is often most prominent in small areas and can be mixed with regular sand. However, even in subtle shades, it adds a unique charm to the already stunning coastal scenery. Many visitors find the sight of the purple sand to be a highlight of their Big Sur road trip, a truly memorable and photogenic natural phenomenon.
Capturing Keyhole Arch at Sunset
This alignment is most pronounced around the winter solstice, when the sun dips perfectly through the arch, casting a warm, golden glow. +1To capture this magical moment, photographers often arrive well before sunset to secure a good vantage point. The beach can become quite crowded during this time, so patience and strategic positioning are key.
Even outside of the solstice, the Keyhole Arch provides a stunning backdrop for photos, with the waves crashing around it and the vast Pacific Ocean stretching beyond. Navigating Big Sur's Coastal Roads
Parking at Pfeiffer Beach is notoriously limited. The small lot fills up rapidly, particularly on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. Visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to increase their chances of finding a spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit