Pfeiffer Beach
9100 Sycamore Canyon Rd.
Parking: $10.00
Get Directions
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms: Yes, pit toilets
If you’re in Big Sur, this should be on your list of iconic attractions to visit. This is the famed purple sand beach in California with the hole in the rock that looks even more gorgeous during certain hours of the day. The purple sand is all natural and caused by deposits of manganese garnet particles from rocks. Although I arrived during high tide and late morning, I’d recommend low tide so you’ll be able to get closer to arch rock. Unlike other beaches, this one was a long drive to get to the parking lot. The road is not paved, winding, and it is only one lane for two cars.