USA - Purple Sand, Pfeiffer Beach

USA

Pfeiffer Beach is a beautiful, unspoiled beach that's well-known and loved by locals, somewhat unknown among tourists. It is located in Northern California, USA and is said to be hard to find, but worth the while. Besides beautiful offshore views of rocks and sea stacks and some nice surfing waves, this beach has unusual violet sand, which makes the beach a very attractive tourist destination. Sand derives its color from minerals that compose it, which vary from place to place. Quartz, often clear or translucent, is commonly the dominant ingredient, lending sand its generally light color. Pfeiffer Beach's violet color comes from manganese garnet deposits found in the surrounding rocks that washing down the hillside. Rain washes the tiny bits of color down to the beach. The violet color really stands out right after a storm. When the moonlight bounces off the slowly ebbing tide, the manganese particles that have colored the sand violet become a glowing, rippling aurora in the water. The further north on the beach you go, the more violet the sand gradually becomes. However, you must know the northern tip of the beach is a popular area among nude sunbathers. The beach must be seen early in the morning before crowds walk over the ever-changing sand patterns. Don't forget to bring your jacket. The beach can get windy and chilly in the evening or early in the morning when a sea breeze blows.

Violet sand, Pfeiffer Beach [Photo by Judy H.]

This small, isolated but amazing beach lies at the end of a two-mile unmarked road off Highway 1. There is no sign on the highway, therefore, to get there you must keep a sharp eye for the turnoff, Sycamore Canyon Road, located just pass the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. If you are coming from the north and heading south, the turnoff will be on your right 0.66 miles past the Ranger station. Look for the sharp right turn marked by a row of mailboxes. If you are heading north, the turnoff will be on your left past the post office about 0.6 miles. You'll see a sign that says Pfeiffer Beach shortly after turning onto Sycamore Canyon. It's a very narrow and winding one-lane road through ferns and trees, so you must pull over occasionally to let oncoming traffic pass.  At the end of Sycamore Canyon Road, you will find a nice parking area, restrooms, and the beach only a quarter-mile down a beautiful path.  

If you are touring the beach during summer, it is best to plan a visit to this beach early in the day. The parking lot as well as the beach is small and fills up. By noon on a summer weekend, you'll find the parking lot almost full, and with no other parking nearby, rangers will turn latecomers away or make them wait until someone else leaves. As of this writing, entrance fee was $5 per vehicle.

There are no refreshment facilities on the beach. You’ll need to head back to the nearby settlement of Big Sur where there is a selection of restaurants, cafes, delis and pubs.

Location: Sycamore Canyon Rd, Hwy 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Park Office telephone: (831) 385-5434 (Monterey Ranger District office)
Parking: $5 (annual pass - $15)
Hours: 9am - 8pm, Day-use only
Swimming: Not recommended due to rocks and strong currents. Call park office for information.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on the beach.
Accessibility: Parking, restrooms (chemical toilets located in the parking lot, quite a walk back from the beach).