Pfeiffer Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
Dangerous Surf
Dangerous Surf: High waves present from 10 AM-3 PM — swimming not recommended
About This Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is a stunning coastal gem in Big Sur, renowned for its unique purple sand, dramatic rock formations including the iconic Keyhole Arch, and often-turbulent waves. Accessing the beach requires navigating a narrow, winding road, and parking is limited, resulting in varying crowd levels throughout the day. Despite these challenges, visitors consistently praise its scenic beauty and secluded ambiance, making it a popular destination for photographers and those seeking a memorable coastal experience.
*Click a parking icon on the map to draw the shortest path to the nearest entrance.
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Weather Forecast
Updated: 10/2/2025, 9:15:00 AM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | 66° | 0 | 6 mph | 0.01 |
| 10:00 | 65° | 2 | 4 mph | 0.02 |
| 11:00 | 64° | 2 | 3 mph | 0.02 |
| 12:00 | 64° | 2 | 2 mph | 0.02 |
| 13:00 | 63° | 3 | 6 mph | 0.01 |
| 14:00 | 63° | 3 | 7 mph | 0 |
| 15:00 | 63° | 3 | 8 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 10/2/2025, 9:15:00 AM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | 66°F | 8.9 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +1.4 ft |
| 10:00 | 66°F | 8.8 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +1.1 ft |
| 11:00 | 66°F | 8.7 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +0.8 ft |
| 12:00 | 66°F | 8.7 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +0.4 ft |
| 13:00 | 66°F | 8.6 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +0.3 ft |
| 14:00 | 66°F | 8.5 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +0.5 ft |
| 15:00 | 66°F | 8.5 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +0.8 ft |