73°
Mostly Sunny
0%
70
Monterey County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)
Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920
The Big Sur beach with the famous Keyhole Arch and the purple-streaked sand (manganese garnet from the cliffs above). Reached via the narrow Sycamore Canyon Road off Highway 1 — easy to miss. Sunset through the arch is the photograph everyone wants.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
9.5ft waves · NWS alert active · 73°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 68 in the afternoon. West northwest wind 2 to 12 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. North northwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Weather
- 73°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 66°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
Safety
- 9.5ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
- NWS alert active — coastal flood advisory issued november 6 at 6:31pm pst until november 13 at 4:00pm pst by nws san francisco ca
70 /100
great
15 Swim
79 Sunbathe
84 Walk
81 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.8 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued November 6 at 6:31PM PST until November 9 at 10:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1.6 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards Statement, an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 12 to 16 ft expected. * WHERE...Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM PST Friday November 13. For the Beach Hazards Statement, until Monday evening. * IMPACTS...High tides will result in flooding of low-lying infrastructure, isolated road closures, and coastal erosion. Rising tides will bring water and waves farther up the beach than normal, restricting escape from beaches and coastal areas. Waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tide gauge, high tide is expected to be: 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:38 AM Saturday 11/7, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:06 AM Sunday 11/8, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:35 AM Monday 11/9, 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:04 AM Tuesday 11/10, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 11:35 AM Wednesday 11/11, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 12:10 PM Thursday 11/12, 1.2 ft above normal (7.0 ft MLLW) at 12:49 PM Friday 11/13. These predictions include up to 1.5 ft of surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
Coastal Flooding Coastal Flood Advisory
Coastal Flood Advisory issued November 6 at 6:31PM PST until November 13 at 4:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1.6 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards Statement, an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 12 to 16 ft expected. * WHERE...Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM PST Friday November 13. For the Beach Hazards Statement, until Monday evening. * IMPACTS...High tides will result in flooding of low-lying infrastructure, isolated road closures, and coastal erosion. Rising tides will bring water and waves farther up the beach than normal, restricting escape from beaches and coastal areas. Waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from beaches, jetties, and rocks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tide gauge, high tide is expected to be: 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:38 AM Saturday 11/7, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:06 AM Sunday 11/8, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 10:35 AM Monday 11/9, 1.5 ft above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:04 AM Tuesday 11/10, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 11:35 AM Wednesday 11/11, 1.4 ft above normal (7.2 ft MLLW) at 12:10 PM Thursday 11/12, 1.2 ft above normal (7.0 ft MLLW) at 12:49 PM Friday 11/13. These predictions include up to 1.5 ft of surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
73°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind
2 to 12 mph
WNW
Rain
0%
Today
Air Quality
36 Good
PM2.5 (fine particles) · Carmel Valley
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
75°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
66°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
9:52 PM
4.0 ft · in 3.3h
Wave Height
9.5 ft
15s · WNW swell
Barometer
30.09 inHg
1019 hPa · buoy 46028
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PZZ565)
The MTR office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- CAZ505 SONOMA AND MARIN COUNTY COASTAL AREAS n/a
- CAZ509 SAN FRANCISCO AND SAN MATEO COUNTY COASTAL AREAS n/a
- CAZ529 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY COASTAL AREAS n/a
- CAZ530 MONTEREY BAY AND BIG SUR COASTAL AREAS n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:36 AM
Sunset
5:05 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:12 AM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 8:28 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 3:30 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 9:52 PM | High | 4.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:44 AM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 8:56 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:09 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 10:44 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:15 AM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| 9:24 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 4:47 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 11:36 PM | High | 3.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:46 AM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 9:52 AM | High | 5.8 ft |
| 5:26 PM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:28 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 4:17 AM | Low | 3.2 ft |
| 10:23 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 6:06 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:25 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 4:51 AM | Low | 3.3 ft |
| 10:56 AM | High | 5.4 ft |
| 6:49 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:26 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 5:30 AM | Low | 3.4 ft |
| 11:34 AM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 7:35 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9413450, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
75°
Sunny
0%
81
75°
Sunny
0%
79
75°
Sunny
0%
81
71°
Sunny
0%
80
67°
Mostly Sunny
12%
73
65°
Chance Light Rain
30%
56
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 66°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Forest Service lot, $15/vehicle. Fills by mid-afternoon; arrive early or in the off-season.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed.
Entry Fee
$15/vehicle Forest Service day-use fee.
Address
Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) today?
Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed.
Is there an entry fee at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)?
$15/vehicle Forest Service day-use fee.
Are there lifeguards at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)?
No lifeguards are stationed at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)?
Amenities at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) include picnic tables, no restrooms or potable water on-site.
When is the water warmest at Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur)?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) located?
Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur) is in Monterey County, CA, at Sycamore Canyon Rd, Big Sur, CA 93920.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS