Pfeiffer Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
Dangerous Surf
Dangerous Surf: High waves present from 10 PM-3 AM — 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: 4/16/2026, 9:15:00 PM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | 59° | 0 | 13 mph | 0 |
| 22:00 | 59° | 0 | 13 mph | 0 |
| 23:00 | 59° | 0 | 12 mph | 0 |
| 00:00 | 58° | 0 | 11 mph | 0 |
| 01:00 | 58° | 0 | 12 mph | 0 |
| 02:00 | 58° | 0 | 11 mph | 0 |
| 03:00 | 58° | 0 | 10 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 4/16/2026, 9:15:00 PM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:00 | 55°F | 7.3 ft | 8s | ↖ NW | +2.9 ft |
| 22:00 | 55°F | 7.2 ft | 8s | ↖ NW | +3.0 ft |
| 23:00 | 55°F | 7.2 ft | 8s | ↖ NW | +2.5 ft |
| 00:00 | 55°F | 7 ft | 9s | ↖ NW | +1.5 ft |
| 01:00 | 55°F | 7 ft | 9s | ↖ NW | +0.1 ft |
| 02:00 | 55°F | 6.8 ft | 9s | ↖ NW | -1.3 ft |
| 03:00 | 55°F | 6.8 ft | 9s | ↖ NW | -2.5 ft |