Pfeiffer Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
Dangerous Surf
Dangerous Surf: High waves present from 9 AM-2 PM — swimming not recommended
High Tide Alert
High Tide Alert: Extreme high tide at 12:30 PM — beach access very limited
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.
Plan Your Visit
Beach Overview
Amenities
Activities & Rentals
Beachgoers Reviews
Average Rating
There are no reviews yet.
Weather Forecast
Updated: 10/14/2026, 8:30:00 AM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | 59° | 0 | 1 mph | 0 |
| 09:00 | 63° | 1 | 2 mph | 0 |
| 10:00 | 69° | 2 | 3 mph | 0 |
| 11:00 | 71° | 4 | 4 mph | 0 |
| 12:00 | 72° | 5 | 4 mph | 0 |
| 13:00 | 71° | 6 | 5 mph | 0 |
| 14:00 | 71° | 6 | 5 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 10/14/2026, 8:30:00 AM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | 67°F | 5.4 ft | 12s | ↙ SW | +1.4 ft |
| 09:00 | 67°F | 5.4 ft | 12s | ↙ SW | +2.0 ft |
| 10:00 | 67°F | 5.3 ft | 12s | ← W | +2.6 ft |
| 11:00 | 67°F | 5.3 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +3.0 ft |
| 12:00 | 67°F | 5.2 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +3.1 ft |
| 13:00 | 67°F | 5.2 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +2.9 ft |
| 14:00 | 67°F | 5.2 ft | 12s | ↖ NW | +2.4 ft |