Pfeiffer Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
Dangerous Surf
Dangerous Surf: High waves present from 9 AM-2 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: 10/6/2026, 8:45:00 AM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | 66° | 0 | 5 mph | 0 |
| 09:00 | 72° | 1 | 4 mph | 0 |
| 10:00 | 75° | 3 | 4 mph | 0 |
| 11:00 | 76° | 4 | 5 mph | 0 |
| 12:00 | 76° | 5 | 5 mph | 0 |
| 13:00 | 76° | 6 | 5 mph | 0 |
| 14:00 | 75° | 6 | 6 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 10/6/2026, 8:45:00 AM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | 66°F | 4.3 ft | 11s | ↖ NW | +2.7 ft |
| 09:00 | 66°F | 4.3 ft | 11s | ↖ NW | +2.5 ft |
| 10:00 | 66°F | 4.4 ft | 11s | ↖ NW | +1.9 ft |
| 11:00 | 66°F | 4.4 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +1.2 ft |
| 12:00 | 66°F | 4.4 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +0.6 ft |
| 13:00 | 67°F | 4.4 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +0.2 ft |
| 14:00 | 67°F | 4.4 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +0.2 ft |