Pfeiffer Beach
A secluded beach famous for its purple sand and keyhole arch rock. Around the winter solstice, the setting sun shines through the arch, making it a renowned photography spot.
Pfeiffer Beach lies at the end of an unmarked narrow road west of Highway 1 (Sycamore Canyon Road, about 3 km; RVs are prohibited). It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and vehicle entry costs about $15. Manganese garnets give some of the sand a purple tint, and the keyhole arch in the offshore rocks glows golden as the sun sets around the winter solstice. Parking is limited, and queues form in peak season. The waves are strong and the rip currents are dangerous, so swimming is not advisable.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–20:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Andrew Molera State Park
- Nepenthe
- Henry Miller Memorial Library
- Point Sur Lighthouse
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- McWay Falls
- Garrapata State Park (Soberanes Point)