Pfeiffer Beach Day Use
Pfeiffer Beach is located in the Big Sur region of California. It is one of the most popular beaches on the Central Coast and is well known for Keyhole Rock. Due to the steep terrain prevalent along the Big Sur coast, it is one of the few ocean access points within Big Sur.
With its stunning Keyhole Arch rock and distinctive purple sand beach, Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area is a hot spot in the heart of Big Sur. The arch is one of Big Sur’s most photographed sites. While often dangerous currents deter swimmers, the area is great for surfing and strolling along the beach, admiring the purple sand, caused by manganese garnet deposits washed down from the surrounding hills.
The Pfeiffer Beach Site is managed by the Parks Management Company for the Forest Service.
Active Alerts
General Information
The entrance to Sycamore Canyon Road, is a single-lane, 2.2 miles (3.5 km) long access road. The parking lot accommodates 65 vehicles and is usually full on summer and holiday weekends. Parking is $15 per vehicle.
There are four picnic tables available. Swimming can be hazardous due to the cold water, rocks, and strong currents. The weather from June to August can be foggy and cold.
No overnight camping.
The beach is open 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. No camping or fires are permitted.
January - December
Open daily
- No overnight camping, day use area only.
- For current Fire Restrictions: Check the Alerts and Fire Danger Status menu above and the Current Conditions webpage.
- Pack out what you pack in and Leave No Trace!
Sycamore Canyon Road Use Restrictions Use of Forest Road No. 19S05 (Sycamore Canyon Road) by pedestrian traffic or any other form of traffic other than persons within a motor vehicle, as defined by 40 C.F.R. § 85.1703, between its intersection with State Highway 1 and its terminus at Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area, as shown on the attached map. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(b). Expires January 29, 2027
$15.00 day use fee, or you can purchase and display the Parks Management Company (PMC) Annual Pass $50.00. More info at: www.campone.com .
The Golden Age Pass, Access Pass or the Interagency Senior, Access or Annual Pass cannot be used for day use.
Dogs MUST be on a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control [36 CFR 261.16(j)]. Read more info about pet ethics.
Address: 406 S. Mildred Street King City, CA 93930
Phone: 831-385-5434
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00am-4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.238418
Longitude: -121.810942
Elevation
25
Directions
Highway 1 to Sycamore Canyon Road. The road is difficult to see. It is in between the Big Sur Ranger Station and the Post Office.
Parking
Limited parking especially on weekends and during the summer. $15/parking fee
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
There are 4 picnic tables or you can picnic on the beach
