Pfeiffer Beach
Purple sand and the Keyhole Arch sunbeam
A hidden Big Sur cove with streaks of purple-pink sand (from manganese garnet in the cliffs) and Keyhole Rock, a sea arch that — for a few weeks each winter — catches the setting sun in a blazing beam straight through the hole. A photographer’s pilgrimage.
The shot
The sunset beam through Keyhole Arch.
Nearby & worth pairing
- Big Sur
- McWay Falls nearby
- Highway 1
- Bixby Bridge
Access, fees, permits, and tour availability change with the season and the managing agency (tribal park, state park, BLM, or NPS) — confirm current rules and reservations before you go, tread lightly on sacred and fragile sites, and pack out everything you bring.
Build a trip around landmarks like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: