Pfeiffer Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
Surf Caution
Surf Caution: Strong waves expected from 4 PM-9 PM — not ideal for kids (4.6ft waves)
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: 3/2/2026, 3:45:00 PM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15:00 | 62° | 4 | 13 mph | 0 |
| 16:00 | 61° | 3 | 14 mph | 0 |
| 17:00 | 59° | 1 | 14 mph | 0 |
| 18:00 | 57° | 0 | 14 mph | 0 |
| 19:00 | 55° | 0 | 14 mph | 0 |
| 20:00 | 54° | 0 | 12 mph | 0 |
| 21:00 | 54° | 0 | 9 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 3/2/2026, 3:45:00 PM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15:00 | 58°F | 4.5 ft | 9s | ← W | -3.3 ft |
| 16:00 | 58°F | 4.5 ft | 9s | ← W | -3.3 ft |
| 17:00 | 58°F | 4.5 ft | 8s | ← W | -2.6 ft |
| 18:00 | 58°F | 4.6 ft | 8s | ← W | -1.4 ft |
| 19:00 | 58°F | 4.6 ft | 8s | ← W | -0.2 ft |
| 20:00 | 58°F | 4.6 ft | 8s | ← W | +0.9 ft |
| 21:00 | 58°F | 4.6 ft | 8s | ← W | +1.6 ft |