Phiffer State Beach Purple Sand

Pfeiffer Beach

4.6/5
(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
4.6/5 · 1,395 reviews
Recent reviews
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May 1, 2025
Don't get us wrong. Pfeiffer Beach is pretty. But the hype is overblown. We've been to prettier beaches, and not of them was as stinky or as freezing as this one. So if you're short on time, you can …Full review by JonKIsrael
Apr 4, 2025
Pfeiffer Beach was a serene escape that offered a perfect mix of beauty and tranquility for our family. The beach’s purple sand and dramatic rock formations were a sight we’ll never forget. We spent …Full review by Jonathan P
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

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.
Q:
What time does parking fill up on summer weekends?
A:
Rangers control the traffic from the highway to the beach. They make you wait till the parking lot has empty places..
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!
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.
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:
To the beat of my knowledge it’s first come first serve, no reserved parking
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