Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach
4.5
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16 within 3 miles
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10 within 6 miles
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- richey76New Albany, Mississippi72 contributionsWorth $12It’s a bit hard to find because there are no sign, but it’s definitely worth the trip down the narrow road to visit the beach. My family visited during early March so there was plenty of parking, but I can see how it would fill up fast. The road is narrow but there are plenty of places to pull to the side when meeting oncoming traffic. It appears that the rule is for cars coming back up the hill tend to pull over for those coming down. Right before you get to the small parking area, there is a National Park booth where they collect the $12 parking fee. My family loved the views from the beach. There is a small freshwater stream feeding into the ocean and streaks of purple sand. It was a great place to visit.Visited March 2020Traveled with familyWritten March 9, 2020
- Kira G105 contributionsgo earlyone of the ONLY ways to get to a beach in Big Sur - it has a limited amount of parking spots and costs to enter. Sunset is the most popular time and is extraordinarily crowded (parking lot). But the beach itself is long and can accomodate lots of folks.Visited July 2022Written September 1, 2022
- PatrickMc1Durham, North Carolina6 contributionsPfeiffer State Park and Big Sur Area ReviewJust got back from trip to see my daughter who is out in Big Sur working at one of the campgrounds. I won't say which one. We really enjoyed our time in the area and it is beautiful! But, I would have given it a 5 star rating except for a few things. I have no issues with staying in places as long as it is clear what is available when you are staying someplace. Here are some tidbits: for 90 miles of the US 1 Hwy, there are very few places that have cell service. We stayed at Big Sur Lodge and they don't have WiFi but also no land lines in the rooms and very spotty cell service. This was not stated. Our daughter did warn us of the cell service but thought the lodge would have WiFi or something. Nothing. Second expect to pay a premium on gas along that section of the road as well as food. No issues but definitely something to consider. Camping is quite expensive if you can't get a site at the state park. Also consider what you won't get at most of those private sites. The views along the Hwy 1 are gorgeous but there are many areas that are privately owned land that limits your access to the beach even if the beach is not privately owned. Even the Pfeiffer State Park Beach is problematic to get to. You have to drive down. You can't park somewhere else if the parking lot is full. You are not allowed to walk down the road. It is dangerous even if you wanted to. The lot gets full pretty fast so this is probably not the best choice if you have to make sure you are able to get on the beach. I would suggest going to Monterey and going to Lover's Point. It is great and there is a beach that is quite accessible. As someone from NC, I was quite taken with the ocean and mountain views. Just thought I would provide some valuable info for others that want to see those sites.Visited June 2021Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,381 reviews
Excellent
1,054
Very good
227
Average
57
Poor
18
Terrible
25
Backpacker
San Luis Obispo, CA1,071 contributions
Jan 2020
It's ridiculous that they charge $12 to park. AND they had such flooding right before the gate, that there was a jam up of cars, as some of them didn't want to try going through the flooded canal. I saw a ranger pick the front end of a car that was in the flooded area. $5 parking fee would be reasonable.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SleeplessInMontreal0
Montreal, Canada23 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Visited on August 3 at 5:30 pm. A sign near the parking entrance said we couldn’t get our money back for the parking if the beach was too windy. A warning sign before the beach mentioned “life-threatening waves”. This beach is not for the faint of heart. If you manage to walk along this beach in a straight line, survive the sand slapping you across the face and the wind pulling you in different directions - congratulations! It has beautiful views and perhaps it’s no so bad on other days, but they could provide some idea of the weather conditions prior to accessing the beach and paying for parking.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean_Amy-2004
Gettysburg, PA5,788 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Different from the east coast beaches we are accustomed to, it is beautiful to see the rocky shore and shaded purple sand. The water was COLD but just had to dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean.
Thanks to other posts with directions we had absolutely no trouble dining it, but you definitely have to know what to look for and where to look or you will miss it- it is NOT marked.
I was a bit concerned we’d have an issue getting in based on other reviews. We went on a Wednesday and arrived before 11 am. We were the 3rd car in the furthest lot but just 30 min later it was almost full. Moral of the review, go early and you should be fine.
Thanks to other posts with directions we had absolutely no trouble dining it, but you definitely have to know what to look for and where to look or you will miss it- it is NOT marked.
I was a bit concerned we’d have an issue getting in based on other reviews. We went on a Wednesday and arrived before 11 am. We were the 3rd car in the furthest lot but just 30 min later it was almost full. Moral of the review, go early and you should be fine.
Written June 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N4246LIlauram
Peoria, AZ13 contributions
Apr 2022
Pfeiffer Beach is quintessential Big Sur. It is iconic. It is beautiful. The sand is purple is some spots. It is usually very windy and cold so dress for that and expect that. It is unmarked, but if you travel down Highway 1, it is about 3-5 minutes drive from the Big Sur Lodge. Look for a Yellow diamond road sign..the turn is just after that, and is a sharp turn down a very narrow road. You will drive this road for two miles through a wooded area where you will see deer and other wildlife. The parking area is just past the pay booth. Parking is limited and it is always crowded. Go early or in the off-seasons. Weekends are really crowded. If you are staying at the Big Sur Lodge, you would walk to it if you don't mind a long walk. For photographers, it is best to photograph this area at sunset, that is when light shines through the keyhole/doorway and makes for magical photographs.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam
3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
We drove 2 1/2 hours to see the beach. We were extremely disappointed to deal with the very much surly attendant. I had been reading the reviews about him and was prepared for his rudeness but this took the cake. The first thing out of his mouth was “turn around and go home”. There is no need to be as rude, dismissive and condescending as he was.
When just trying to ask questions such as “is there a better time to return” or “May we wait here” or “how many cars need to leave before we may enter” all he kept yelling was “don’t tell me how to do my job and why don’t you come stand out here for 8 hours”. Being in a tourism position, it would help him greatly if he got some customer service skills. Or better yet, if he would make an effort to do his job and use his walkie talkie to radio down to the other attendant in the parking lot to see if there were any open parking spots, which he refused to do. He fit the description of the same blonde guy people have described in previous reviews.
This seems to be a standard practice for these parking attendants since about 2015 when reading the past reviews. Consistent rudeness.
For many this beach is a long drive to arrive to. I understand there is limited space and people will be disappointed if they can’t get it. It doesn’t help to have someone that rude not even making an effort to do his job. Telling us he doesn’t bother counting cars as the neighbourhood down below cars come and go from.
I’ve been to many of the other state parks where their employees are more than happy to give out information and helpful tips.
We never got to see the beach. A 5 hour round trip (plus added traffic on the way home) to be yelled at and scoffed at for even attempting trying to visit this place.
When just trying to ask questions such as “is there a better time to return” or “May we wait here” or “how many cars need to leave before we may enter” all he kept yelling was “don’t tell me how to do my job and why don’t you come stand out here for 8 hours”. Being in a tourism position, it would help him greatly if he got some customer service skills. Or better yet, if he would make an effort to do his job and use his walkie talkie to radio down to the other attendant in the parking lot to see if there were any open parking spots, which he refused to do. He fit the description of the same blonde guy people have described in previous reviews.
This seems to be a standard practice for these parking attendants since about 2015 when reading the past reviews. Consistent rudeness.
For many this beach is a long drive to arrive to. I understand there is limited space and people will be disappointed if they can’t get it. It doesn’t help to have someone that rude not even making an effort to do his job. Telling us he doesn’t bother counting cars as the neighbourhood down below cars come and go from.
I’ve been to many of the other state parks where their employees are more than happy to give out information and helpful tips.
We never got to see the beach. A 5 hour round trip (plus added traffic on the way home) to be yelled at and scoffed at for even attempting trying to visit this place.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
prashant_newaskar
Dallas, TX555 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
The entrance from the highway leading to the beach is without signage of the Pfeiffer beach. One could easily miss it. The two mile connecting road is quite narrow for two way transportation. One has wait for a short while to let the oncoming vehicle pass. The beach is supposed to have purple sands. What you actually see is faint shades of purple. The beach is quite outstanding. There are big rock formations standing in the water. Portions of rocks have been eroded by the constant pounding by the waves. Waves from the ocean gushing in through these holes look mesmerising. The weather was cool and nice. You can spend hours at the beach enjoying the beauty.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zach Y
Anthem, AZ1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Couples
The residents of California do not want visitors here.
The gatekeepers of the State Park are aggressive, rude, and forbid entry to the park. You will waste hours of your life driving to this state park to be informed you must leave. You will not be asked, will not be welcomed; if you are lucky, the gatekeeper will tell you the residents of the road en route to the beach do not want you there.
Stay away. Do not waste your time.
The gatekeepers of the State Park are aggressive, rude, and forbid entry to the park. You will waste hours of your life driving to this state park to be informed you must leave. You will not be asked, will not be welcomed; if you are lucky, the gatekeeper will tell you the residents of the road en route to the beach do not want you there.
Stay away. Do not waste your time.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amaruss
Atlanta, GA6 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
If I were rating the service upon entry, I’d rate it a 0. BUT, this is a must do if driving the coast. It’s not part of the state park system so you do have to pay for entry. It’s down a narrow unmarked road off the main road. There’s a beach, beautiful rocks, and some areas with purple sand. The only negative I will say is the guy working the entrance gate when we arrived is the rudest, most miserable person we encountered during the trip. He wasn’t in the gate building when we arrived, so we pulled forward to where he was to ask if we needed to pay. He immediately accused us of trying to get in without paying, yelled at us to back the car up, and refused to talk after that. Any questions we asked, he dramatically pointed to the sign(s) with info. Biggest jerk.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MCaru
Aosta, Italy10 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I don’t doubt that the beach might be nice, but it’s definitely not worth being treated the way my family and I got by the parking security in order to see it. Extremely rude, dude clearly hated his job and turned us away several times in bad manners because supposedly the parking was full (and I know for sure that it was not true). That is not the way to do business and to treat tourists. I’d rather spend hundreds dollars to rent a kayak and reach the beach by sea than pay 12 miserable dollars to support that business. Do better, be better.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L B
Bloomfield Hills, MI23 contributions
Aug 2021
You must get here well before noon in order to get a parking space or else you will be turned away. Very limited parking for the amount of people that want to go to this beach (during peak tourist season). Look for the large yellow "Narrow Road" sign on West side of Hwy 1. There are no signs that actually say Pfeiffer Beach before the road. It is well worth the 2 mile drive down the narrow winding road to get there. Amazing rock formations with waves crashing through carved holes in rocks, wide expansive beach with plenty of room, very picturesque. A must see in the Big Sur area!
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drkumarmp
Bangalore District, India107 contributions
Can we make a reservation for parking? I have heard on many occasions people could not visit the beach for lack of parking.
Jennifer V
Saint Charles, IL53 contributions
I don't believe there is reserved parking. It seems to be your average "first come first served" here. Worth it, even if you have to wait a bit for a spot!
Ravi S
4 contributions
Hi, Is the drive to Pfeiffer beach open on Dec 23 (Sunday)? After turning right from CA-1 at Sycamore Canyon Rd, to reach the Pfeiffer beach there is 2.2 mile drive. Is this drive open?
Vinter85
Long Island, NY174 contributions
I think you can call the parks dept and ask. I would before making that trip.
Looking for suggestions around a medium-large size wedding on this beach. I've seen one or two wedding with dinner being served on the beach, but not sure how common or easy this would be.
colleen643
San Jose, California, Usa78 contributions
can I use parking fee ($10) from Julia Peiffer Burns state park in Peiffer beach? or do I have to pay separate fee?
SN5
5 contributions
Pfeiffer state park is a state park, you pay once and can use all state parks.
Pfeiffer Beach is private, you have to pay separately and no in/out privileges
Randison13
Dallas, TX
Can you bike to the beach from Riverside Campground and Cabins??
Rawa13
San Jose, CA379 contributions
For a 100% reliable answer, please call the tourist center but I think they do allow bikes. Restriction on number of vehicles is mainly is due to parking spaces and restriction on pedestrians is due to absence of any safe sidewalk.
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Claim your listingPfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Pfeiffer Beach
- We recommend booking Pfeiffer Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Pfeiffer Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Pfeiffer Beach:
- (1.47 mi) Post Ranch Inn
- (1.50 mi) Glen Oaks Big Sur
- (0.93 mi) Big Sur Lodge
- (2.07 mi) Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort
- (1.64 mi) Ripplewood Resort
- Restaurants near Pfeiffer Beach:
- (1.49 mi) Sierra Mar
- (1.45 mi) Big Sur Bakery
- (1.60 mi) Big Sur Roadhouse
- (2.94 mi) Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant
- (2.36 mi) Nepenthe
- Attractions near Pfeiffer Beach:
- (0.87 mi) Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- (0.62 mi) Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- (2.35 mi) Big Sur Tours and More
- (0.59 mi) Ewoldsen Trail
- (0.84 mi) Big Sur Station
Pfeiffer Beach Information
| Excellent Reviews | 1,054 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 227 |
| Pfeiffer Beach Photos | 1,122 |

















































































