Pfeiffer Beach: Big Sur's Coastal Gem
Discover the magic of Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur: iconic Keyhole Arch, unique purple sands, and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Pfeiffer Beach, nestled along the rugged Big Sur coastline, is renowned for its Keyhole Arch, purple sands, and dramatic rock formations. A favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts, this easily accessible beach offers breathtaking views and a unique coastal experience.
A brief summary to Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach
- Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, California, 93920, US
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and during the summer, as the parking lot is small and fills up quickly.
- Bring cash for the entrance fee, as credit card acceptance may be limited.
- Check the tide levels before visiting, as high tide can limit access to certain areas of the beach and affect the Keyhole Arch light show.
- Visit during the winter solstice (December and January) for a chance to see the sun setting through Keyhole Arch.
- Download offline maps, as cell service can be unreliable in the Big Sur area.
Getting There
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Driving
Pfeiffer Beach is located off Highway 1 in Big Sur. From Highway 1, turn onto Sycamore Canyon Road, located between the Big Sur Ranger Station and the post office. The turn is easy to miss, so look for the yellow 'Narrow Road' sign. Sycamore Canyon Road is a narrow, winding road approximately 2 miles long. Drive carefully and yield to oncoming traffic. There is a $15 entrance fee per vehicle to access the beach. The parking lot is small and fills quickly, especially during peak season. If the lot is full, you may have to wait for a spot to open up or return at another time.
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Public Transport
During the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), a shuttle service operates from the Big Sur Station to Pfeiffer Beach. Park at the Big Sur Station for $10, and take the shuttle to the beach for $5 per person. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes. Be aware that the shuttle may not return before sunset.
Discover more about Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fernwood Campground and Resort
3.3 km
Discover the beauty of Big Sur at Fernwood Campground and Resort, where nature meets comfort and adventure awaits around every corner.
Sign | Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
3.5 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, a must-visit destination on California's stunning coastline.
Post Ranch Inn
4.2 km
Experience unparalleled luxury and breathtaking views at Post Ranch Inn, the ultimate retreat in Big Sur, California.
COAST Big Sur
9.2 km
Experience the unique blend of art, dining, and boutique shopping at COAST Big Sur, where creativity meets the stunning California coastline.
Point Sur Naval Facility
9.7 km
Discover the historical significance and breathtaking beauty of Point Sur Naval Facility along California's iconic Big Sur coastline.
Point Sur Lighthouse
10.7 km
Explore California's maritime past at Point Sur Lighthouse in Big Sur: Guided tours, stunning views, and rich history await on this iconic coastal landmark.
Hurricane Point
15.4 km
Explore the stunning cliffs and breathtaking vistas at Hurricane Point, a must-visit coastal gem in California's seaside paradise.
52801 CA-1
15.7 km
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Bixby Creek Bridge
16.6 km
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Hot Springs Creek Bridge
20.4 km
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Kasler Point
21.2 km
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D L James “Seaward” House
31.4 km
Admire the architectural masterpiece of the D. L. James House in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a historic landmark blending seamlessly with the rugged coastline and offering breathtaking ocean views.
Butterfly House
35.3 km
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Clinton Walker House - Frank Lloyd Wright
35.6 km
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Mission Trail Park
35.6 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Pfeiffer Beach
0.1 km
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Redwood Deck
3.2 km
Discover the serenity of Redwood Deck in Big Sur, where towering redwoods and stunning views create an unforgettable hiking experience.
Big Sur Station
3.4 km
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Big Sur River
3.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Big Sur River in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, a natural paradise offering adventure and serenity in California.
Pfeiffer Falls
3.8 km
Hike through redwood forests to a stunning waterfall in the heart of Big Sur's Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. A scenic and revitalizing experience.
Big Sur River Gorge
4.4 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and serene trails of Big Sur River Gorge, a must-see destination on California's stunning coastline.
Henry Miller Memorial Library
6.0 km
Discover the artistic spirit of Big Sur at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a unique cultural haven dedicated to literature and creativity.
Andrew Molera State Park
6.1 km
Experience the breathtaking coastal beauty and diverse ecosystems of Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur, California, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Grimes Point
8.0 km
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Seal Beach Overlook
9.0 km
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Point Sur State Historic Park
10.4 km
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The California Sea Otter State Game Refuge
12.3 km
Discover playful sea otters in their natural habitat along Big Sur's rugged coastline, a haven for marine life and conservation.
Partington Cove
13.0 km
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point
14.1 km
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
15.2 km
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Essential places to dine
Homestead
3.1 km
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Sushi Jawn
3.2 km
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Big Sur Roadhouse
3.2 km
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Cottages Grocery Restaurant
3.3 km
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Fernwood Tavern
3.3 km
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The Village, Big Sur
3.6 km
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Restaurant at Big Sur River Inn
3.7 km
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Big Sur River Inn
3.8 km
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Sierra Mar
4.2 km
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Big Sur Bakery
4.3 km
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Big Sur Smokehouse
4.9 km
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The Sur House
5.3 km
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Nepenthe
5.5 km
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Cafe Kevah
5.5 km
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Deetjen's Restaurant
6.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Big Sur inspirations
3.2 km
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David's Coastal Collections
3.3 km
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Big Sur Goods
3.3 km
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Fernwood General Store
3.3 km
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Studio One - Big Sur
3.6 km
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Big Sur River Inn General Store
3.7 km
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Big Sur Deli
4.2 km
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Mother Botanical & Shop
4.3 km
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Post Ranch Mercantile
4.4 km
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Phoenix Shop
5.5 km
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kiyote of big sur
20.1 km
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The Crossroads Carmel
34.3 km
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The Hearth Shop
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Givingtree Benefit Shop at Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula
34.5 km
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The Barnyard Shopping Village
34.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Big Sur Taphouse
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Sunset Lounge
31.2 km
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O'CALLAGHAN'S IRISH PUB
34.6 km
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Bud's at La Playa
36.3 km
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Wrath Wines- Carmel Tasting Room
36.3 km
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Bar Napoli
36.3 km
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Barmel
36.4 km
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Mulligan Public House
36.4 km
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Galante Vineyards Tasting Room
36.4 km
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Sade's Cocktails
36.4 km
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Del Monte Bar & Grill
39.7 km
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Trident Room
40.2 km
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Alfredo's Cantina
40.5 km
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LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill at Hotel 1110
40.6 km
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Britannia Arms
40.7 km
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