The Unique California Beach Where You Can See Purple Sand
Undoubtedly, California has some of the best beach vacation destinations in the U.S., each with its distinctive qualities. Nevertheless, the state's 840-mile coastline does not include any beaches with pink sand. For that, you'll have to travel overseas to places like Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda or Harbour Island in the Bahamas. There is, however, purple sand. Yes, really. You'll find it at Pfeiffer Beach, an underrated California beach in Big Sur.
Pfeiffer Beach is about 3 hours from San Francisco and 6 hours from Los Angeles in Los Padres National Forest. It should not be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, both located minutes away. The three destinations share a common name that stems from the Pfeiffer family, the first Europeans who made Big Sur their home.
There's a reason behind Pfeiffer Beach's vivid sand. The purple hue results from Manganese garnet from the beach's surrounding hills. Astonishingly, Pfeiffer Beach is not the only beach in the world with purple sand. Notably, there's also one in Canada. Aptly named Purple Sands Beach, garnet is also to blame for its colorful sand. Despite this, Pfeiffer Beach is a rarity and should not be missed.
Know before you go to Pfeiffer Beach
If you decide to visit Pfeiffer Beach, note that the sand is not always purple. If you want to further your chances of seeing this phenomenon, do so after it rains. The rainfall increases the runoff from Manganese garnet, leading to more purple sand. If you're lucky enough to see the purple sand, don't take some with you, as it is illegal to do so in California. No purple sand? No problem. You'll encounter another marvel at Pfeiffer Beach: the Keyhole Arch (pictured). This otherworldly rock structure is a site to see for nature lovers.
The weather in Big Sur can be chilly throughout the year, even in the summer, so dress accordingly. Due to safety concerns, swimming is not recommended at Pfeiffer Beach. However, you can have a picnic (a few tables are available) and enjoy the striking scenery. There are toilets for visitors, and leashed dogs are allowed at the beach. An onsite parking lot is available and charges $15.
Typically, Pfeiffer Beach is open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. However, before you trek to Big Sur, check for any closures due to storms or other issues, such as the temporary closure in January 2024. Sections of Highway 1 are also prone to shutdowns. Thus, depending on when you visit, you might have to find an alternate route to the area.
Where to stay and what to do near Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach and its purple sand is one of many attractions that draw visitors to Big Sur. 13 minutes away is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (pictured). Visitors can hike trails surrounded by redwoods or stay overnight and camp. If you only visit for the day and have a car, admission is $10. Camping ranges from $50 to $60 a night. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset. Need a place to stay but don't want to camp? Big Sur Lodge is located next to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The three-star hotel accommodates its guests in cottages and has a casual but scenic eatery called the Homestead Restaurant. Prices at Big Sur Lodge start at under $300 a night. You can make a reservation online.
If you're a literary enthusiast, head to the Henry Miller Memorial Library. Dedicated to the late controversial author, the library serves as a bookstore and art exhibit. Except Monday and Tuesday, the Henry Miller Memorial Library is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. For even more art, check out the Hawthorne Gallery. The magnificent structure (a work of art in itself) has various works on display from the eponymous Hawthorne family, a famed brood of artists. The Hawthorne Gallery is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the Henry Miller Memorial Libray and Hawthorne Gallery are 13 minutes from Pfeiffer Beach.