Sunday, June 19, 2016

Finding The Stretch of Purple Sand at Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, CA

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Dusk @ Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, CA
Big Sur is one of our favorite nature escapes in California. We had been to this place for a relaxing vacation for about three times now, however, our last vacation was our first time at Pfeiffer Beach. 
Purple Sand at Pfeiffer Beach
Though located at the heart of Big Sur, yet Pfeiffer Beach is not that easy to find. It is probably the favorite beach of the locals, but oftentimes missed by tourists, just like us before. Thankfully, before coming to Big Sur this 3rd time, I did some local search of Big Sur's interesting places to explore and hike. I found Pfeiffer Beach at the top of the list, described as " every photographers dream".
 Cypress Grove @ Pfeiffer Beach
The beauty of Pfeiffer Beach is that it is not simply a beach! There are hiking trails to take amid the cypress groves. Then, there are rocks to climb, sea stacks to admire, and of course, there is that very powerful sound of the splashing waves.
Sea Stacks @ Pfeiffer Beach
We had so much fun here playing with the waves and marveling at the purple sand. 
 Purple Sand @ Pfeiffer Beach 
Purple Twirl
Though Pfeiffer Beach is listed in most travel magazines as one of the world's strangest beaches for its purple sand from the manganese garnet fragments of rocks on cliffs, however, finding this beach is not easy at all. First, the road to Pfeiffer Beach does not have a sign, the very narrow one way road can be easily missed because of the giant trees of Big Sur. Thankfully, internet these days has Revolutionize local listings that helped me find the road that would lead me to this dream-like beach. Aside from finding Pfeiffer Beach, I was also able to find a more affordable lodging to stay at the heart of Big Sur, all thanks to local search optimization that really helped me a lot in planning for this trip.
Happiness @ Pfeiffer Beach
Unlike the cypress groves, sea stacks, and rocks which are obvious and easily seen once at Pfeiffer Beach, the purple sand however does not greet the tourists by the entrance. Thankfully, internet search has helped me also locate this half mile stretch of purple sand! From the entrance, we walked a little bit North where there were fewer people. Most people stay only near the entrance of the beach. There, it felt we had the beach all to ourselves, and it sure spelled FUN!
Sea Stack Close to the Entrance
Sunset at Pfeiffer Beach
Maybe, without the internet, I would have not reached this quiet and naturally beautiful beach despite it is just in Big Sur, a place we love to visit and explore. 
Now, through the internet, I am also sharing the joy, the peacefulness, the inspiration I found at Pfeiffer Beach.
One Last Look @ the Sea Stacks As We Left Pfeiffer Beach @ night


Location of Pfeiffer Beach at Big Sur, CA: The road to Pfeiffer Beach is Sycamore Canyon Road from PCH 1. If you are driving South, it is maybe a mile past Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. If you are driving South, you will turn right or head west on Sycamore Canyon Road, if you are driving North, you will turn left. Once you are on Sycamore Canyon Road, it is 2 miles of one way windy road, that drops down to the ocean. Landmark to turn right is when you are near mailboxes if coming from North, and when you are past the small bridge when you are coming from South. 

The purple sand: The purple sand does not dominate the landscape of Pfeiffer Beach. There is a small stretch of purple sand to the left of the entrance ( left side of the last picture above), and there is a longer stretch of deeper shade of purple when you walk to the North. What is striking however are the rock formations and sea stacks at Pfeiffer Beach.
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28 comments:

  1. Glad that you could make it here, betchai. The purple sand is spectacular, I loved the twirl. The place that you have captured, in entirety, is an absolute wonder and so purely magical! I just feel like losing myself in all the solitude.

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  2. Pfeiffer Beach sounds elusive, and wonderful. I am glad you found it and enjoy its beauty. Your photos made me dream to be there :-)

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  3. oh my, this is such a beautiful place! the purple sand is awesome Betchai! our purple loving friends will find so much joy there! I kept saying wow until the last photo where I whispered oh am gee! sigh....sigh again....thanks to internet indeed I am able to see he beauty of the world through your wondrous eyes :)

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  4. such a paradise! You took wonderful photos!

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  5. I'm so glad you post beautiful pictures such as the ones you posted here because that way, I feel like I am already standing where you are, taking the beauty of nature in awe :)

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  6. The purple twirl is great.

    And I have the feeling that you have your hairs cut. Am I right?

    Have a good day.

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  7. That sand is so amazing. It is beautiful.

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  8. Amazing photos. I must include that beach in my top places to go to list.

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  9. One of the many things we miss being in California -- BEACHES! We left San Diego 3 years ago.. We would love to go visit CA again!

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  10. Breathtaking photos as always. Indeed , this haven is a dream beach. Sana, makita ko rin ito.

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  11. I got stuck at the photo with the purple sand and as I read along, it was the Manganese garnet that made it that way:)so that's saves me from asking you teh Betchai:) I always love your photos! just amazing! Looks like it's a hidden haven but yeah, ain't it wonderful how internet can make it such a breeze when getting directions gets too hard?:)

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  12. Betchai, this beach looks pristine and just gorgeous. Probably because it is so hard to find. These are spectacular shots.

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  13. Oh man that is beautiful! I have never seen purple sand before. Thank you!

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  14. Oh boy! I am held speechless as always! What a sight to behold! You are so lucky to live in an area that's so blessed with these beautiful seascape, Betchai. I can only wish I'd get to visit the place too one of these days (in my dreams! hehehe!) Thanks for the online tour and inspiring my morning with these lovely creations of God.

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  15. as always.. awesome captures of such awesome sceneries... thanks for sharing :)

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  16. wow, that purple sand is really fascinating...great shots!

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  17. awesome sceneries, i would want to spend one romantic sunset out there to just stare at the horizon in a dreamy mode.lol

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  18. Wow! I never seen purple sand till you post it. Thanks for the virtual tour Betchai.All your images are simply beautiful.Love it

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  19. Lovely beach! :)

    I'd like to do the same thing like ate fallenrhainnes.. ♥

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  20. left with an awe once again, you make photography so easy... jealous much :P

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  21. Purple sand, how wonderful! Also incredibly beautiful sunset and night pictures, what an awesome place!

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  22. thanks for sharing about the purple sand. para na rin akong nakarating dyan by reading your post and looking at your pictures. all photos are great, but the first one was really awesome for me. :) keep exploring and keep sharing.

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  23. wow sis ha, ang ganda lahat nga photography ninyo pang professional na talaga, i'm so happy that while you are doing this shoots you guys are also having blast and memorable moments to experience this wonderful nature...

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  24. the beauty of nature is just endless ha?

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  25. wow this place is beautiful! total relaxation! i love it!

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  26. I want a handful of that purple sand! What a wonderful place, and stunning images!

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  27. What an amazing view! The internet is indeed a great source of information that led you discover this hidden paradise. Thanks for sharing your journey with us :)

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  28. Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Hiking, swimming, and admiring the purple sand--what more could one want from a day's trip like this one? :)

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THANK YOU SO MUCH!!