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Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach
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Highway 1, 26 miles south of Carmel
Turn west on Sycamore Canyon Road
Big Sur, CA 93920
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
Beach
Campground
Swimming
Surfing
Pfeiffer Beach Description
The most popular beach access in Big Sur and long a local best-kept secret, Pfeiffer Beach is world famous for its sunsets. A wide sandy beach protected by dramatic arched rock formations, it's good for walking, playing and picnicking because it's protected from the wind. There's ample parking in a big lot at the end of Sycamore Canyon Road, and the day use fee is a nominal $5 per car.
Kid Tips
School-Age Kids: No swimming for kids under 10 if the surf's up. The Pacific surf can be very strong at all Big Sur beaches, with a powerful undertow. Don't let small children play in or near the water without close oversight. And younger children or kids who aren't strong swimmers should stay in the shallows and close to mom or dad.
Planning Notes
- Getting here is the hard part. Sycamore Canyon Road is very hard to spot, and very narrow once you're on it. Drive carefully and watch for children on the two-mile drive down to the beach.
Just the Facts
Hours: 9 a.m - 8 p.m, seven days a week.
Fees: Less than $10
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
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