Beach Beauties at Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach

www.fs.usda.gov
4.5/5
(1.4K) · Beach in Big Sur, United States
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Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is a photographer's paradise! See the sunset through an amazing rock formation and glisten on the purple sand.

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 1,393 reviews
5-star
60%
4-star
10%
3-star
3%
2-star
9%
1-star
18%
Recent reviews
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Mar 2, 2025
I visited Pfeiffer Beach while traveling to Big Sur for a unique André 3000 concert, and I was excited to check it out after hearing about its supposedly purple sand. While I didn’t see any purple or…Full review by 1VictoriaTheTraveler
Dec 19, 2024
Keyhole Arch around winter solstice is amazing. The sun sets through the arch. Check the weather and the tide (2 foot is ideal). Not to be missed.Full review by michaelvB9845PS
Nov 2, 2024
To get to this beach you need to drive down a sharp turn (if coming from north) and head through the woods on a one lane road. Remember drivers coming uphill have the right of way. It will lead you t…Full review by jointfilms
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Articles

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a state park in Monterey County, California near the town of Big Sur on the state's Central Coast. It cover…
touristlink.com
Pfeiffer Beach is a remote and pristine beach nestled along California's Big Sur coastline. Best known for its surreal rock formations an…
cityseeker.com

Questions & answers

Q:
What is the trick to finding Pfeiffer Beach?
A:
Use Googlr Maps, Apple Maps or Waze. Extremely sharp turn off of Highway 1 if coming from the north.
A:
Q:
What time does parking fill up on summer weekends?
A:
We were there in mid August and the parking person said to get there before 11am to have no problem parking.
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Q:
Are dogs allowed on this beach in the day area?
A:
Yes! We saw many peppers there! You just need to be careful because on some of the rocks are sea urchins,that can possibly harm your pet's paws and yourself for that matter!
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Q:
What beach is the key hole located on described as being best at sunset?
A:
Pfeiffer Beach is where the keyhole is. During winter solstice the key is activated at dusk
A:
Q:
Can we make a reservation for parking? I have heard on many occasions people could not visit the beach for lack of parking.
A:
No.pick a non peak time to visit and I think you’ll be okay.In January we had plenty of parking spots.
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