Pfeiffer Beach, Beach on California's central coast in Monterey County, US.
Description
Pfeiffer Beach stretches along the Pacific Ocean with steep rocky cliffs and a large rock formation featuring a natural arch with a distinctive opening. This opening, known as the Keyhole Arch, frames waves flowing through it and creates a striking visual feature of the location.
History
The area came under Los Padres National Forest management in the mid-20th century to preserve its natural state. This protection measure allowed public access to this stretch of coastline.
Culture
Photographers gather here to capture the light beaming through the natural opening in the large rock formation. The sunset lighting creates a special display that draws many visitors to this spot.
Practical
The beach is reached via Sycamore Canyon Road branching off from Highway 1, leading to a fee-based parking area. Good planning helps since the paths to the shore cross uneven terrain and weather can change quickly.
Did you know?
The sand displays purple sections due to manganese garnet deposits from the surrounding rock cliffs. This natural coloring appears as the cliffs erode and release their mineral content into the sand.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Monterey County).
California offers more than its well-traveled routes. Across the state, locations exist that few visitors reach, even though they show landscapes and histories found nowhere else. This collection includes natural areas, abandoned structures, and stretches of coast that lie beyond the usual travel...
California's beaches stretch from the southern coast to the northern shores, each with its own character. Santa Monica features a historic pier and boardwalk, while Venice Beach buzzes with artists and street performers. Laguna Beach impresses with its cliffs and hidden coves, and Pfeiffer Beach...
Big Sur
22.6 km
Bixby Creek Bridge
16.6 km
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
35.1 km
McWay Falls
15.8 km
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
15.4 km
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
3.3 km
Tassajara Zen Mountain Center
25 km
Tassajara Hot Springs
24 km
Mrs. Clinton Walker House
35.5 km
Point Sur Lighthouse
10.4 km
Garrapata State Park
27 km
Andrew Molera State Park
5.2 km
Tor House and Hawk Tower
35.3 km
Ventana Wilderness
13.6 km
Butterfly House
35.2 km
Carmel River State Beach
34.1 km
Point Sur State Historic Park
10.5 km
Driftwood Cottage
35.1 km
Rocky Creek Bridge
17.4 km
Big Creek Bridge
27.1 km
Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Big Creek State Marine Conservation Area
21 km
San Clemente Dam
24 kmPalo Corona Ranch
33.7 km
Geological history of Point Lobos
33 km
Palo Corona Regional Park
21.9 km
Whalers Cabin
32.9 km
Point Lobos State Reserve
33 km
Keyhole Arch
51 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes