Pfeiffer Beach is located in California, USA. It lies between Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea and is situated in the Monterey County coastal area. It is famous for its purple sand, unique rock formations, and scenic sunsets.
Pfeiffer Beach Location Map,Big Sur, California
California Related Links
Top Attractions Inside Pfeiffer Beach
- Keyhole Rock – Iconic rock formation with a natural arch framing ocean waves and sunsets.
- Purple Sand Beach – Unique shoreline with distinctive purple-hued sand caused by manganese deposits.
- Beach Access Trails – Scenic paths through coastal forests leading to the beach and viewpoints.
- Photography Spots – Popular areas for capturing dramatic rock formations and coastal scenery.
- Tide Pools – Explore marine life in shallow pools along the rocky shoreline.
- Sunset Viewing – Breathtaking views as the sun sets behind the iconic rock formations.
- Picnic & Relaxation Areas – Secluded spots for enjoying the natural beauty and ocean ambiance.
Pfeiffer Beach Facts
| Official Name | Pfeiffer Beach |
| Location | Big Sur, Monterey County, California, USA — Pacific Coast along Big Sur coastline |
| Latitude & Longitude | 36.2397° N, 121.7798° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 20 acres of beach area with adjacent coastal cliffs and parking access |
| Established / Opened | Publicly accessible since mid-20th century; maintained by California State Parks / private land easements |
| Managed By | California State Parks (access via Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park / Sycamore Canyon area) |
| Region | Big Sur / Central California Coast / Monterey Peninsula |
| Address | Pfeiffer Beach, Sycamore Canyon Road, Big Sur, CA 93920, USA |
| Zip Code | 93920 |
| Area Code | 831 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Scenic coastal beach, purple sand, unique rock formations, arches, photography, tide pools, nature observation |
| Main Sections / Areas | Beach access via Sycamore Canyon Road, Keyhole Rock viewpoint, tide pools, sand and coastal bluff areas, parking lot & picnic area |
| Famous Attractions | Keyhole Rock (sea arch), purple sand patches, tide pools, sunset photography, rugged coastal cliffs, Big Sur scenic views |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 100,000–150,000 visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid parking and access via Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or nearby parking areas |
| Ticket Price Range | Parking: ~$15 per vehicle; day-use fee may apply |
| Ticket Options | Vehicle day-use parking, guided tours, photography excursions, nearby state park access passes |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring–Fall for clear weather and photography; sunset visits recommended for Keyhole Rock light effect; summer can be crowded |
| Nearby Airport | Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) – ~30 miles (48 km); San Jose International Airport (SJC) – ~100 miles (160 km) |
| Transportation | Car via Highway 1 and Sycamore Canyon Road, walking along beach and cliffs, guided tours available, parking at designated lots |
| Official Website | https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570 |
Distances from Pfeiffer Beach to Nearby Landmarks
- Big Sur River Gorge – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Bixby Creek Bridge – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Point Sur Lighthouse – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- McWay Falls – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Garrapata State Park – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Andrew Molera State Park – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Henry Miller Memorial Library – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Partington Cove – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Big Sur Village – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Ventana Wilderness – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Coastal Trail – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Rocky Point – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Pacific Coast Highway Scenic Overlook – 0 km (0 mi)
- Sand Dollar Beach – 8 km (5 mi)
- Esalen Institute – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Glen Oaks Big Sur – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – 40 km (24.9 mi)
- Carmel-by-the-Sea – 45 km (28 mi)
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