Pfeiffer Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
Dangerous Surf
Dangerous Surf: High waves present from 1 PM-6 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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Beach Overview
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Weather Forecast
Updated: 1/16/2026, 12:30:00 PM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | 69° | 4 | 1 mph | 0 |
| 13:00 | 69° | 4 | 2 mph | 0 |
| 14:00 | 68° | 3 | 4 mph | 0 |
| 15:00 | 67° | 3 | 6 mph | 0 |
| 16:00 | 63° | 1 | 6 mph | 0 |
| 17:00 | 59° | 0 | 8 mph | 0 |
| 18:00 | 58° | 0 | 9 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 1/16/2026, 12:30:00 PM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | 59°F | 4.8 ft | 11s | ← W | -0.7 ft |
| 13:00 | 59°F | 4.7 ft | 11s | ← W | -1.8 ft |
| 14:00 | 59°F | 4.7 ft | 11s | ← W | -2.7 ft |
| 15:00 | 59°F | 4.5 ft | 11s | ← W | -3.0 ft |
| 16:00 | 59°F | 4.5 ft | 11s | ← W | -2.9 ft |
| 17:00 | 59°F | 4.4 ft | 11s | ← W | -2.3 ft |
| 18:00 | 59°F | 4.3 ft | 11s | ← W | -1.4 ft |