big sur beach california

Pfeiffer Beach

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.

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Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 1,393 reviews
5-star
61%
4-star
10%
3-star
3%
2-star
8%
1-star
18%
Recent reviews
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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
Oct 15, 2024
It was not difficult to find at all & the road to the beach, narrow, windy but drivable. I had wanted to visit Pfeiffer beach for its purple sand. Wow, I was disappointed to say the least. There were… Full review by Sue P
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Articles

Visit a popular beach in Big Sur with amazing rock formations. It's part of a state park, which is nicknamed "mini Yosemite". Swimming here i…
sygic.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
Pfeiffer Beach located in Big Sur may truly be one of the most awesome beaches in California...if you can find it. I lived within 40 …
theoutbound.com
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Questions & answers

Q:
What is the trick to finding Pfeiffer Beach?
A:
No trick, it’s sign postered
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Q:
What time does parking fill up on summer weekends?
A:
I don’t know. We were there in April. I suspect earlier is best. There are three different parking lots, so maybe 50 or so slots. But getting there is such a commitment you should go early.
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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:
Yes, its Pfeiffer beach which is accessed off route 1 via Sycamore Canyon Road. This is private and you have to pay to go on the road. Its narrow and winding and over 2 miles to …
A:
Yes, its Pfeiffer beach which is accessed off route 1 via Sycamore Canyon Road. This is private and you have to pay to go on the road. Its narrow and winding and over 2 miles to the beach where you can park. Its a great beach and there are rock arches which I imagine you could see the sunset through though I've not been there in the evening. As suggested check opening times.
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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:
Hi. I don't think you can make a parking reservation. It's first come first serve. I went there around 5 which was just before sunset and I didn't have a problem.
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