Purple Sand Beach Facts
- Perhaps most notably, the incredibly picturesque Purple Sand Beach truly ranks as an astonishing sight to see. The magnificent location also bears the alternate name of Pfeiffer Beach, which some people prefer. This gorgeous site derives its name from John Pfeiffer. This family immigrated from France, and represented some of the first settlers in the region.
- However, and perhaps to its benefit, this wonder of geology formed in a rather hard to reach locale. Due to this, although not far from Big Sur, this marvel of geology fortunately remains little-known. This remains a helpful fact, however, as it aids conservation efforts. In fact, not even road signs announce the presence of the site to non-locals.
- Interestingly, the quite unique color of the beautiful beach also appears most noticeable in the winter, after the passing of the seasonal storms. As a result of the effects of these storms, the newly moistened sand glistens in the light like at no other time. This spectacular effect occurs due to the specific mineral composition of the particles forming the beach.
Where to Stay Near Pfeiffer Beach
Alila Ventana Big Sur: I have been dreaming of staying here for years! A gorgeous 5-star hotel in Big Sur with fantastic views of the Pacific coast and so many amazing amenities. They also offer a luxury glamping experience! Ventana Big Sur is 4 miles from Pfeiffer Beach.
Book your stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur
Big Sur Lodge: 3-star hotel located in Big Sur, CA, and only 1.9 miles from Pfeiffer Beach. Big Sur Lodge is a great option for a family with amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant, and hiking trails.
Book your stay at Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur River Inn: Located in the heart of Big Sur, The Big Sur River Inn offers accommodations in their riverside suites and roadside motel.
At Big Sur River Inn, you will also find a restaurant, pool, general store with a burrito and pizza bar, and the only gas station in town.
Book your stay at Big Sur River Inn
Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins: If you are looking for a more rustic stay and an adventure in nature, Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins may be the perfect option for you.
Their options for stay are an RV site, glamping cabins, tent sites, and cabins. To stay here you will need to book your stay in advance. Campgrounds in California typically book up months and months in advance.
Book your stay at Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins
Pfeiffer Beach Purple Sands
Adventure starts with trying not with wishing.
After finding the challenging one way narrow road with no name, we were led to a hidden secret Nature wonder, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur.
Wife said, “No.” Husband said, “Yes.” Son gets to break the tie. In the end, everyone was glad adventure and spontaneity won.
Purple Sand? Is that even real or possible? It is in this California Dream.
People can’t help themselves. They step on and ruin what is beautiful.
Purple minerals from the mountain rocks find its way into the shore mixing it with the golden white sand.
We picked some pebbles and threw it back to the Sea. I drew a heart. He wrote a word that starts with B. Told him it’s not nice nor appropriate. I was laughing however while erasing the word because it is true that people act like it in the real world.
Some sand areas looks ordinary like any other beach we’d been, others magic. Settling is not an option.
The last several months, he became my adventure Buddy. He became my best friend that I could trust wholeheartedly. Something I don’t have much nowadays except my wife.
It’s our comeback visit after 5 years. First was visually more incredible because almost everywhere was purple. Second, not much. So finding more purple needed more walking, climbing and discovery which means more adventure. Thrill wise, much better!
It’s feels good to still be surprised and be lost in a moment that reminds you magic is real and possible.
We climbed the sharp rocks and steep sands. We dreamed and had nice Father and Son conversations while sitting on the safest top. When he smiles and laughs, it outshines everything around him. We made each other happy. This place made us happy. This is why Family Roadtrips matters to me and him. These are what my happiest moments and memories are made of. I will never trade it for the World or people, not after what they taught me.
Got few cuts and bruises but the experience, moments and memories are so worth it. No pain, no joy.
Happiness and Freedom are one of the best gifts we could ever give to those we love. They are rare and precious as the extraordinary Purple Sand. They are also the hardest to give and let go.
He is beautiful and he doesn’t even know it. He gives me and his mom happiness like it’s the most natural thing to do and give. Children are a wonder because they still have that genuine generosity, kindness innocence and purity many adults have already lost. They are a vision of hope and goodness. They are the real angels and heroes in this very messed up, broken World. Always protect and love them no matter what. Never exchange them for anything or we will regret it for the rest of our lives. That’s guaranteed!
But don’t we owe it to ourselves to discover and try happy? Don’t the people we care deserve them? Don’t we deserve them?
Keyhole Arch that turned into a door. Nature saw the need to be bigger to welcome everyone. Many Humans saw an opportunity to use and abuse Nature like it’s inexhaustible. Common, we all did it!
Our life, our choice. Our story, our magic.
It only took 2 days to remind me how selfishly cruel and stressful people can be after a week of being away from work. Then I look at the pictures and remember the good and the blessings. I do still dream to win the lotto or a skyrocket stocks jackpot, so I can quit a system that just enslaves people with unhappiness and misery. Nothing wrong in wishing to be free to do what we love and answer what God has been calling us to do. We may feel like slaves to something or someone, but we are not. The promise land of everything we hope is better is real and possible. At the right time, all it needs is our choice to take another leap of faith. Don’t let the lie and fear be the truth.
Our time, our adventure, our new beginnings.
Never settle for less for what makes us happier. We deserve what we believe we deserve. We stop worrying of what others may say. Our heart, our joy.
No stress life is a constant work in progress. To say it isn’t? Hello?
Like Nature, we are meant to be free. Like the Purple Sand, we are a beautiful wonder, every grain of magic and imperfection.
Discover The Beauty of Pfeiffer Beach
The drive to Pfeiffer Beach is a winding road along the California coast mountainside. If you get car sick as I do, prepare yourself. Fortunately, it’s a scenic drive, and you will have plenty of ocean views to distract you.
I am still blown away each time we drive on Highway 1 and how beautiful the pacific coast is. With rugged mountains on one side and the sapphire blue water on the other. There are plenty of vistas and nearby towns along the highway for you to stretch your legs and take some epic photos. Such as:
- Bixby Creek Bridge (popular vista point): 16 miles from Pfeiffer Beach, approximately 30-minute drive
- Point Sur Lighthouse: A nice pit stop just off of Highway 1. 12 miles from Pfeiffer Beach, approximately a 25-minute drive.
- Carmel by Sea: 31 miles from Pfeiffer Beach, approximately 1 hour drive
- Monterey: 34 miles from Pfeiffer Beach, approximately 1 hour drive
Best Things to Do Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
You do not need to be a professional photographer to take gorgeous photos of Pfeiffer Beach. When you first walk onto the beach, you feel like you are entering an exclusive oasis. The stretch of sandy beach and jagged rock formations look straight out of a postcard!
Admire The Keyhole Arch or Keyhole Rock Formation
The Keyhole Rock formation is a natural spectacle that draws many photographers, amateur and professional.
The keyhole arch is the main attraction at Pfeiffer Beach. The waves crashing through this massive rock formation is mesmerizing. You will be in awe witnessing this unique and breathtaking moment.
On certain days of the year, you can catch the sun setting perfectly through the keyhole rock formation. This of course depends on the time of year and weather forecast. However, your best chances of seeing the sunset at Keyhole arch are from mid-December till mid-January.
Take a Stroll Along the Beach
Take your shoes off and take a peaceful walk along the beach and bring your dog with you! Dogs are allowed on leash at Pfeiffer Beach.
The farther you walk down the beach, the fewer people around. We let our dog off-leash to run off some energy and play in the ocean. Needless to say, the pup was psyched.
Pfeiffer Beach Sunset
If your schedule allows it, Pfeiffer Beach is the ideal location for watching the sunset. Bring along a blanket and picnic to enjoy the sun slowly setting on the Pacific Ocean.
During low tide, explore the many tide pools along Pfeiffer Beach. You can find them near the rock formations.
Pfeiffer Beach Swimming
Swimming at Pfeiffer Beach is not recommended and could be dangerous. First off, the water is freezing, even in the summer months. Also, there are jagged rocks and a strong current.
Major Airports Near Big Sur
A visit to Big Sur, California is a great option as a stop on a California road trip. Or it is a destination to visit in itself. Big Sur offers numerous hiking trails, camping, hotels, and restaurants.
The closest airport to Big Sur is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). It is a small airport 32 miles from Big Sur, however, it has limited flights and depending on where you are flying from, may not be the best option for you.
The Closest Airports to Big Sur:
- Monterey Regional Airport: 32 miles, approximately 45-minute drive to Big Sur, CA.
- San Francisco International Airport: 128 miles, approximately 2.5-hour drive to Big Sur, CA.
- Oakland International Airport: 133 miles, approximately 2.5-hour drive to Big Sur, CA.
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport: 102 miles, approximately 2-hour drive to Big Sur, CA.
- Los Angeles International Airport: 314 miles, approximately 6-hour drive to Big Sur, CA.
️ Use Skyscanner to search for the best prices for flights
Renting a Car for Big Sur
The most convenient way to travel to Big Sur is by car. The only other option would be to book a shuttle, but then you would have a difficult time getting around Big Sur. It is a remote area, and you will not find Uber or shared cars in Big Sur. If you are traveling from out of state, I highly recommend you rent a car for your visit.
Regardless of which airport you chose to travel from, make sure to get the best deal on your rental car here.
Other Attractions Near Pfeiffer Beach
Planning a road trip? Here are other awesome locations to add to your itinerary. Find the best price for a car rental in California here.
- Big Sur Station: 2.8 miles from Pfeiffer Beach. Start your trip to Big Sur here at the visitor center for Los Padres National Forest
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: 2.5 miles from Pfeiffer Beach
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park & McWay Falls: 10 miles south of Pfeiffer Beach
- Garrapata State Park: 22 miles north of Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur.
- Monterey: 34 miles south of Pfeiffer Beach. A popular destination along California’s rugged coast. Find out the Top 21 Romantic Things to do in Monterey before your visit.
- Santa Cruz: 75 miles north of Pfeiffer Beach. A beach town is famously known for some of the world’s best off-shore breaks and surf culture. 15 Best Things To Do With Dogs Santa Cruz
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How to Get to The Purple Sand Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is off the beaten path, nestled on the central coast of California. Once you arrive in Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach is only about one mile away on Sycamore Canyon Road.
It is unmarked, so have your eyes peeled for the entrance because it is not the easiest to spot. Look for the large yellow “Narrow Road” sign along Highway 1, the turn to Pfeiffer Beach’s entrance is just after that.
Be aware it is a very sharp turn and a steep road into Pfeiffer Beach. After you make that turn, you still need to drive an additional two miles down a one-way narrow dirt road.
Since the road is narrow and a one-way road, you may have difficulties driving a trailer or RV to the Pfeiffer Beach parking lot.
Know Before You Go: There are other locations in Big Sur with Pfeiffer Beach in the name. Do not get confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns Park or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Pfeiffer Beach is not a state park, but it is located in Los Padres National Forest.
The correct address to Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur is: Sycamore Canyon Road, Big Sur, California 93920, US
Once you arrive at the parking lot, the beach is just a short walk along a scenic trail. The covered trail opens up to picturesque views of the wide expansive beach and waves crashing along the rugged rock formations. It is absolutely stunning.
However, remember when I said all good things are worth waiting for? Well, there’s one more catch. I will explain more below.
Important: Plan Accordingly Before Your Trip
I’ve noticed that many people don’t talk about this, but I think it is important to know when planning your trip, especially if you are on a limited schedule.
When you arrive at Pfeiffer Beach, getting into the park can be a little challenging. There is limited parking. Therefore, the park rangers only allow a certain amount of cars into the beach at a time. They are very strict about this. If the parking lot is full, the park ranger will force you to turn around and come back at a different time.
You cannot stay and wait in line because you are also located in a residential area and will block traffic. Visitors are not allowed to walk into the park either. So what do you do?
The first time we attempted to visit Pfeiffer Beach during a summer road trip, we, unfortunately, could not get in. On this trip, we were determined to see Pfeiffer Beach. After we got turned away, we waited close by and noticed how many cars got rejected or what cars were leaving the beach.
Sounds creepy, right, but hey it worked! We waited about 10 minutes before trying again. We got in! It helped that we went later in the day and in December, but I also like to think it was our top-notch detective skills.
My advice to help you avoid what happened to us the first time around would be, to give yourself extra time to wait for available parking, do not give up after being turned away the first time, and try visiting in the off-season.
Visiting The Purple Sand Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is open to visitors. However, you should always check their website before your visit. The park is open from 9 am to sunset. It is best to arrive early because the parking lots fill up typically before 11 am.
Try to avoid the busiest time of day at Pfeiffer Beach, which is between 12 pm to 2:30 pm, when the parking lot is already full. The entrance fee into Pfeiffer Beach has gone up to $12. Dogs are welcome at Pfeiffer Beach on leash.
Looking For Other Dog-Friendly Locations and Itineraries In California? Dog-Friendly Guide to Visiting Death Valley Best Dog-Friendly Wineries Paso Robles, CATop 10 Dog Friendly Restaurants in Half Moon Bay
Pfeiffer Beach Accessibility: Accessible parking and restrooms are available. They also can provide a beach wheelchair if needed, ask one of the staff at the entrance kiosk for assistance.
Purple Sand Beach Location and Geology
Located in North America, the lovely Purple Sand Beach does not merely represent a one-hit wonder of geology. This beach forms part of the Los Padres National Forest, in California, United States. Its brilliantly colored sand, however, is not the only distinctive feature found in this one location.
In addition to the incredible marvel of the beach itself, several marvelous sea caves also appear just along the shoreline. Quite understandably, these natural features remain extremely difficult to access, however. The ocean waves typically remain strong enough to make entering these extremely hazardous.
Additionally, just offshore sits the locally famous Keystone Arch, with a naturally occurring hole near its center. Due to its angle and placement, an incredible coincidence of Nature takes place here. That’s because the setting sun shines directly through the keyhole only during the weeks of the Winter Solstice.
When to Visit Pfeiffer Beach, California
The beautiful thing about California is you can make plans to visit any time of the year. We often take road trips during the winter and early spring because you have fewer crowds. It is also easier that time of year to get off a couple of days from work.
Before you visit Big Sur or your road trip, always check for road closures. Fire season in California is from summer to mid-fall and often will cause road closures. Here you can find updated information on road closures for Highway 1 and Big Sur.
To avoid the big crowds, fire season, and cheaper lodging options, I would suggest visiting in November to December.
Pfeiffer Beach Weather
The weather in Pfeiffer Beach is pretty mild and predictable. Usually, you have foggy mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly nights.
The warmest month of the year in Big Sur is in August with an average of 81 degrees Fahrenheit. While January is the coldest month, with an average of 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
I always encourage people to pack layers when visiting the coast because of the drastic dip in temperature once the sun goes down.
Purple Sand Beach Physical Description
First of all, the dazzling and unique Purple Sand Beach actually owes its distinctive color to the nearby mountains. This holds true partly due to the fact that these formed in extremely close proximity to the seashore. This extremely unusual placement represents only the first in a series of factors that created the unique beach.
Secondly, playing yet another part in that chain of factors, these mountains also remain especially rich in mineral deposits. Further, in a most unusual occurrence, the mountains contain vast amounts of the mineral manganese garnet. As you probably guessed, this delicate mineral also forms a purplish-colored silicate.
Thirdly comes the final step in the remarkable process. Local rains wash fine crystals of the mineral down to the nearby seashore. This, therefore, provides a naturally and continually renewing pigmentation of the beach. However, while pure purple predominates, traces of lilac and magenta can also be seen.
Source: https://bit.ly/3wlJmhmPhotographer: Kace RodriguezPublic Domain Image