Keyhole rock arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur

How To Get To Pfeiffer Beach In Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach is a beautiful purple sand beach tucked along the rugged coast of Big Sur. It’s only a short 10-15 minute detour off of Highway 1, so it’s well worth a visit if you have the time.

The beach is located one mile south of Pfeiffer State Park, so you’ll be driving through a redwood forest before arriving at the beach. This article will cover how to get to the beach, updated entrance fees, the best time to visit, and more.

Here is everything you need to know to visit Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. 

Welcome to Pfeiffer Beach sign in Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach

How To Get To Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is located just south of Pfeiffer State Park, and a short 10 minute detour off of Highway 1 to get to the parking lot.

You’ll have to drive down a narrow, single one lane road (Sycamore Canyon Road) to get to the parking lot. It’s a relatively easy drive, as long as you yield to oncoming traffic, and it’s safe to drive any vehicle (no 4×4 necessary).

There’s a $12/vehicle fee to access the beach, which you will pay at an entrance station before entering the parking lot (cash and credit cards both accepted). This entrance fee covers access to the beach only, and there’s a separate entrance fee if you want to visit Pfeiffer State Park.

If the parking lot is full, you can park along the street, and hike to the beach instead (~3 miles roundtrip). 

There are restrooms and trash cans at the parking lot, and it’s a short 5 minute walk to the beach area.

The beach stretches 1 mile, and is fringed with steep rugged cliffs. This was one of the most beautiful California beaches I’ve visited, and the area was super quiet. 

 Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach
Keyhole rock arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur
Keyhole rock arch at Pfeiffer Beach

In the middle of the beach, you’ll see the famous keyhole rock arch formation, and the unique purple sand.

Keyhole rock arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur

This sand gets its color from manganese garnet rocks that erode from the cliffs, and it has a deep purple color that closely resembles an acai smoothie!

Purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach

Most of the beach has golden sand, but there was a significant portion of purple sand in front of the keyhole rock formation when I visited.

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

The keyhole rock sea arch is another major draw to this beach. It’s a large sea arch where you can watch the waves crash through, and potentially the sun shine directly through the arch at sunset. 

From December to late January, the sun shines directly through the keyhole rock arch, and is referred to as the “keyhole rock arch light show”.

If you visit during this time, you’ll likely see dozens of photographers trying to snap the perfect picture at sunset. However, I visited during the day in January, and had no issue finding parking. 

Best Time To Visit Pfeiffer Beach

The best time to visit Pfeiffer Beach is in the fall or winter, to avoid the crowds, as Big Sur’s most popular during the summer.

If you visit during December to late January, you may also be able to see the keyhole rock arch light show at sunset.

Just remember to arrive at least 1 hour before sunset so you can secure parking. I visited midday in January and there were only a few other people at the beach.

Keyhole sea arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach

Tips for visiting Pfeiffer Beach

  • Download offline google maps so you don’t miss the turnoff 
  • Visit 1-2 hours before sunset for easy parking
  • Pack snacks, drinks, and flip flops/sandals
  • Watch the sunset over the keyhole rock arch 

Things to do near Pfeiffer Beach

Mcway Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Mcway Falls

Pfeiffer Beach is just south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where you go hiking in the redwood forest to see Pfeiffer Falls or the Big Sur River.

Here are some other fun things to do near Pfeiffer Beach:

  • Hike to Pfeiffer Falls and Big Sur River in Pfeiffer State Park ($10/vehicle fee)
  • Enjoy lunch with a view at Nepenthe
  • Hike to Partington Cove and Mcway Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (free if you park along the street)

Pfeiffer Beach Map

Pfeiffer Beach FAQs

When is Pfeiffer Beach open?

Pfeiffer Beach is open daily from 8am-9pm. To check if there’s any potential road closures, view the Big Sur State Parks Facebook page for up to date information. 

Why is the sand purple at Pfeiffer Beach?

The sand is purple at Pfeiffer Beach because of manganese garnet rocks that erode from the surrounding cliffs.

Most of the sand is golden, but a good portion of the sand is a beautiful deep purple color, right in front of the keyhole rock arch.

Additionally, if you visit after it’s been raining, you may be able to see more purple sand dotting the shore. 

What is the Keyhole Arch light show?

The keyhole arch light show is a natural phenomena where the sun shines directly through the sea arch at Pfeiffer Beach during golden hour, from December to late January.

Keyhole sea arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach

It creates a gorgeous photo of the sun peeking out of the sea arch, and it’s especially popular amongst photographers.

If you want to catch the light show, plan on arriving at least 1 hour before sunset so you don’t have to struggle finding parking. 

Is Pfeiffer Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Pfeiffer Beach as long as they’re leashed. 

Can you swim in Pfeiffer Beach?

It’s not ideal to swim in Pfeiffer Beach because the water is cold and there’s very dangerous currents.

One of the best places to swim safely, just a few miles north of Pfeiffer Beach is the Big Sur River Gorge.

This river is located in Pfeiffer State Park so there’s a separate entrance fee of $10/vehicle, and the swimming hole is accessible by a 1.1 mile round trip hike. 

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