Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is an incredibly scenic beach.
The Doorway Arch at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. Warm sunshine, dark purple sand, and a few sea lions makes for a beautiful day at the beach.
Keyhole...
We had a whale of a time going for a swim during a moody sunset at Pfeiffer Beach close to Big Sur. Violett sand and a natural bridge complete this idyllic scenery. Spotted some sea lions as well. #AquaTrove #roadtrip #sunsetlovers #outdoors #sunset #California
Also known as 'Purple Sand Beach', Pfeiffer Beach is 2 miles off of Hwy 1, in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park area. There is a long stretch of beach, dotted with small rocky islands in the surf, with natural caves. It's very windy! Bring your jacket. Beautiful sunsets!

Plan a trip to see Pfeiffer Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Carmel Mission Inn

Carmel Mission Inn

3.5 out of 5
Price was £1,805, price is now £1,480 per person
£1,480
per person
5 Jun - 12 Jun
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
London (LON) to Monterey (MRY)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,743 reviews)
Kinda loud, thin walls but still overall good stay. Staff was very helpful.

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026

Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Hyatt Carmel Highlands

4 out of 5
Carmel Highlands
Save 100% on your flight
Price was £3,444, price is now £2,212 per person
£2,212
per person
5 Jun - 12 Jun
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
London (LON) to Monterey (MRY)
8.4/10 Very Good! (877 reviews)
Great time with adult children

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn

Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn

4 out of 5
Carmel Highlands
Save 100% on your flight
Price was £2,865, price is now £1,889 per person
£1,889
per person
5 Jun - 12 Jun
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
London (LON) to Monterey (MRY)
8.8/10 Excellent! (234 reviews)
This hotel was so nice !!! The views are amazing and the location is perfect. It was like a beach cabin. Loved it so much. 10/10 recommend

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Popular places to visit

Point Sur Lightstation State Historic Park

Big Sur Station

4/5(1 review)

After visiting Big Sur Station, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Big Sur. Amble around this romantic area's seaside or seek out the yoga studios.

Big Sur Station
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing mountains, landscape views and a beach

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

4.5/5(38 reviews)

Hike, camp or picnic among the redwood trees, waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs that have inspired artists, poets and writers for the past century.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
On our last day in Big Sur and in Cali, we wanted to *hit the beach*. This was one of the closer ones to our campsite and was well worth the little hike! It was covered in cool driftwood sculptures and this amazing view. #LifeAtExpedia

Andrew Molera State Park

You can take time to visit Andrew Molera State Park during your travels to Big Sur. Stroll along the seaside or seek out the hiking trails.

Andrew Molera State Park
Point Sur Lighthouse which includes a sandy beach, mountains and general coastal views

Point Sur State Historic Park

Explore the great outdoors at Point Sur State Historic Park, a lovely green space in Carmel. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out its hiking trails.

Point Sur State Historic Park
Point Sur Lighthouse which includes a sandy beach, mountains and general coastal views

Point Sur Lighthouse

Spot sea life and admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Big Sur region from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse.

Point Sur Lighthouse
Partington Cove showing rocky coastline and mountains

Partington Cove

Follow a winding trail through a scenic canyon to a remote bay, which served as a loading harbor for tanbark in the late 1800s.

Partington Cove

Top Hotel Deals

Big Sur Lodge

Big Sur Lodge

3 out of 5
47225 Highway One Big Sur CA
Big Sur Lodge
Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn

5 out of 5
47900 Highway 1 Big Sur CA
Post Ranch Inn
Alila Ventana Big Sur

Alila Ventana Big Sur

4.5 out of 5
48123 Highway One Big Sur CA
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Carmel Valley Lodge and Resort

Carmel Valley Lodge and Resort

3.5 out of 5
8 Ford Rd Carmel Valley CA
Carmel Valley Lodge and Resort
Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Hyatt Carmel Highlands

4 out of 5
120 Highland Dr Carmel CA
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Bernardus Lodge & Spa

4.5 out of 5
415 W Carmel Valley Rd Carmel Valley CA
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn

Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn

4 out of 5
120 Highlands Drive Carmel CA
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

4 out of 5
One Old Ranch Road Carmel CA
Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
The Quail

The Quail

4 out of 5
8205 VALLEY GREENS DRIVE Carmel CA
The Quail
See all 1,242 properties in Pfeiffer Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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