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
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Top Attractions Inside Pfeiffer Beach
- Keyhole Rock 鈥� Iconic rock formation with a natural arch framing ocean waves and sunsets.
- Purple Sand Beach 鈥� Unique shoreline with distinctive purple-hued sand caused by manganese deposits.
- Beach Access Trails 鈥� Scenic paths through coastal forests leading to the beach and viewpoints.
- Photography Spots 鈥� Popular areas for capturing dramatic rock formations and coastal scenery.
- Tide Pools 鈥� Explore marine life in shallow pools along the rocky shoreline.
- Sunset Viewing 鈥� Breathtaking views as the sun sets behind the iconic rock formations.
- Picnic & Relaxation Areas 鈥� Secluded spots for enjoying the natural beauty and ocean ambiance.
Pfeiffer Beach Facts
| Official Name | Pfeiffer Beach |
| Location | Big Sur, Monterey County, California, USA 鈥� Pacific Coast along Big Sur coastline |
| Latitude & Longitude | 36.2397掳 N, 121.7798掳 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) 鈥� UTC鈭�8 Standard / UTC鈭�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鈥�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鈥揊all for clear weather and photography; sunset visits recommended for Keyhole Rock light effect; summer can be crowded |
| Nearby Airport | Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) 鈥� 30 miles (48 km); San Jose International Airport (SJC) 鈥� 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 鈥� 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park 鈥� 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Bixby Creek Bridge 鈥� 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Point Sur Lighthouse 鈥� 20 km (12.4 mi)
- McWay Falls 鈥� 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Garrapata State Park 鈥� 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Andrew Molera State Park 鈥� 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Henry Miller Memorial Library 鈥� 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Partington Cove 鈥� 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Big Sur Village 鈥� 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park 鈥� 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Ventana Wilderness 鈥� 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Coastal Trail 鈥� 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Rocky Point 鈥� 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Pacific Coast Highway Scenic Overlook 鈥� 0 km (0 mi)
- Sand Dollar Beach 鈥� 8 km (5 mi)
- Esalen Institute 鈥� 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Glen Oaks Big Sur 鈥� 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve 鈥� 40 km (24.9 mi)
- Carmel-by-the-Sea 鈥� 45 km (28 mi)
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