Pfeiffer Beach, CA
Beach Alerts
High Tide Alert
High Tide Alert: Extreme high tide at 12:55 PM — beach access very limited
Surf Caution
Surf Caution: Strong waves expected from 1 PM-6 PM — not ideal for kids (6.6ft 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.
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Beach Overview
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Weather Forecast
Updated: 12/9/2025, 12:30:00 PM
Hourly
| Time | Air Temp | UV | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | 73° | 3 | 3 mph | 0 |
| 13:00 | 71° | 3 | 1 mph | 0 |
| 14:00 | 73° | 3 | 4 mph | 0 |
| 15:00 | 74° | 2 | 3 mph | 0 |
| 16:00 | 70° | 1 | 2 mph | 0 |
| 17:00 | 67° | 0 | 3 mph | 0 |
| 18:00 | 67° | 0 | 6 mph | 0 |
Surf Conditions
Updated: Updated: 12/9/2025, 12:30:00 PM
Hourly Surf
| Time | Temp | Wave | Period | Swell | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | 60°F | 6.4 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +2.5 ft |
| 13:00 | 60°F | 6.4 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +2.5 ft |
| 14:00 | 60°F | 6.5 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +2.0 ft |
| 15:00 | 60°F | 6.5 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +1.2 ft |
| 16:00 | 60°F | 6.6 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | +0.1 ft |
| 17:00 | 60°F | 6.5 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | -1.1 ft |
| 18:00 | 60°F | 6.5 ft | 10s | ↖ NW | -2.2 ft |