Pfeiffer Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
Storm Warning
Storm Warning: Heavy rain expected from 1 AM-4 AM — indoor activities recommended
High Wind Warning
High Wind Warning: Dangerous conditions from 5 AM-6 AM — beach activities not recommended (27mph)
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: 2/16/2026, 12:45:00 AM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00 | 55° | 0 | 19 mph | 0.45 |
| 01:00 | 55° | 0 | 7 mph | 0.58 |
| 02:00 | 54° | 0 | 5 mph | 0.19 |
| 03:00 | 54° | 0 | 7 mph | 0.06 |
| 04:00 | 56° | 0 | 15 mph | 0.19 |
| 05:00 | 56° | 0 | 27 mph | 0.03 |
| 06:00 | 55° | 0 | 21 mph | 0.05 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 2/16/2026, 12:45:00 AM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00 | 58°F | 9.4 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +1.1 ft |
| 01:00 | 58°F | 9.4 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +0.7 ft |
| 02:00 | 58°F | 9.6 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +0.4 ft |
| 03:00 | 58°F | 9.6 ft | 10s | ← W | +0.5 ft |
| 04:00 | 58°F | 9.8 ft | 10s | ← W | +0.9 ft |
| 05:00 | 58°F | 9.6 ft | 10s | ← W | +1.7 ft |
| 06:00 | 58°F | 9.4 ft | 10s | ← W | +2.6 ft |