Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park(McWay Falls Cove, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Beach)

Located on the coastline of the Big Sur region, Pfeiffer Beach is a rugged beach situated within the Los Padres National Forest area. The beach has been named the 6th Best Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach". The beach is popular for its magnificent rock formations and exquisite purple-colored sand. The sand in Pfeiffer Beach gets its purple color from the manganese garnet rock deposits which erode down to the beach from nearby hills. It has a rocky shoreline and a variety of rock formations are present near the beach. A massive rock formation known as the "Keyhole Arch" due to its natural archway is present just offshore. The Sycamore Canyon Creek meets the Pacific Ocean near Pfeiffer Beach and sometimes pools up and forms a lagoon on the beach. The water near the beach is extremely cold throughout the year.

If you’re looking for a short hike with spectacular views, the Waterfall Overlook Trail offers a stunning view of the Big Sur coastline. This short walk, located a mile south of Pfeiffer Beach, features wooden bridges and overlooks that provide breathtaking vistas of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. However, please note that parts of the trail may be closed due to maintenance or weather conditions.

Pfeiffer Beach does not have lifeguards, but it does have restrooms and some picnic tables. There are many Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park photos in the header to view McWay Falls' associated amenities.

Pfeiffer Beach offers many fun activities including tidepooling, wildlife watching, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, skimboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, boogie boarding, bodysurfing, boating, beachcombing, swimming, and sunbathing.

Pfeiffer Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.

Getting to Pfeiffer Beach can be a little bit difficult - the beach is located near 9100 Sycamore Canyon Road, which is easily accessible from Cabrillo Highway/ California State Highway 1 (The access road for the beach is marked clearly near the highway). However, the part of Sycamore Canyon Road leading to the beach is narrow, full of potholes, and winding, making it especially difficult for visitors with large vehicles to access the beach. It is important to note that you have to pay an entrance fee for accessing the beach. There is a paid parking lot near the beach. However, we recommend visiting early as the small parking lot often fills up early.

Fun facts about Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park include that it is named after Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a pioneer woman who lived in the area in the early 1900s, and that it is home to the famous McWay Falls, which is a must-see attraction for visitors.

There are many attractions near Pfeiffer Beach. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is situated at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains and has a variety of hiking trails that offer a memorable way to explore the vibrant flora and fauna of the Big Sur region. Another attraction is Pfeiffer Falls which is situated in the Los Padres National Forest and offers some great Instagram-worthy photos, along with a unique insight into coastal California's interesting topography. If you are looking for another attraction near Pfeiffer Beach, Henry Miller Memorial Library is dedicated to the memory of the renowned author Henry Miller and also serves as a gallery/performance space, hosting many exciting events throughout the year (particularly between May and October) including film screenings, live music performances, the Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series, and the Esalen Gazebo School Benefit. Additional nearby attractions include Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park camping grounds nearby – be sure to get a reservation (reserve here) in advance of your stay!

If you get hungry, there are many restaurants near Pfeiffer Beach. Sierra Mar is an upscale restaurant that offers a pleasant oceanfront dining experience and serves excellent gourmet dishes. Additionally, the restaurant was awarded Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice award in 2020 and has been praised in a variety of publications including the MICHELIN Guide. Big Sur Bakery features a homely dining area and offers a range of delicious pastries, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Pfeiffer Beach, the modestly priced Big Sur Deli offers excellent sandwiches served in generous portions.

There are many great hotels near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The 5-Star Post Ranch Inn offers many amenities including a restaurant, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a spa with two infinity pools, complimentary breakfast, a car loaner facility, and complimentary classes for stargazing, yoga, and meditation. The 3-Star Big Sur Lodge offers many amenities including a pool, a bar, a general store, a coffee shop, and a restaurant. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Pfeiffer Beach, the modestly priced 3-Star Fernwood Campground and Resort offers accommodation in a motel and log cabins and also offers sites for RV and tent camping. The campground and resort offer a variety of amenities including restrooms, showers, a restaurant, and a general store.