You don’t have to travel to the Caribbean to sink your toes into a pink sand beach – there’s a gorgeous one right here in America. California’s Pfeiffer Beach is a stunning stretch of purplish-pink sand that is one of the West Coast’s best hidden gems.
Pink sand beaches are a rarity; there are only a few in the world. Luckily, California’s Pfeiffer Beach is one of them.
Flickr/Michael Matti
So what makes the sand here so colorful? It gets its beautiful tint from garnet in the cliffs surrounding the beach.
Tripadvisor/PC Shelley
That’s right – this beach is infused with crushed gems.
Google/Veruree Apisitamornkul
The sand here actually hovers somewhere between purple and pink depending on the light.
Flickr/Kelly The Deluded
And the pink colouring isn’t always visible, so seeing it is even more special.
Google/Hamed Khorasgani
Since it’s located off the main Big Sur route, Pfeiffer Beach is usually pretty deserted.
Flickr/Jonathan Dinh
There are a few picnic tabes and a small parking lot, but other than that it’ll likely be just you, the sea and an expanse of stunning sand.
Tripadvisor/Rebecca E.
As you might expect, sunsets here are truly unreal.
Tripadvisor/rewyanc
The turquoise hue of the water perfectly sets off the color in the sand.
Tripadvisor/CTB
To find this special cove, head to Sycamore Canyon Road in Big Sur. You’ll find the path to the beach just past the mailboxes.
Tripadvisor/Sarah A.
This spot is seriously magical.
Tripadvisor/Rebecca E.
Everything about Pfeiffer Beach is worthy of exploring. For more stunning beaches across America, check out our list of the best here.
Flickr/Michael Matti
Tripadvisor/PC Shelley
Google/Veruree Apisitamornkul
Flickr/Kelly The Deluded
Google/Hamed Khorasgani
Flickr/Jonathan Dinh
Tripadvisor/Rebecca E.
Tripadvisor/rewyanc
Tripadvisor/CTB
Tripadvisor/Sarah A.
If you’re visiting this beautiful area, or planning to, check out the video below for more info on breathtaking Big Sur, California. There’s so much to see and do!
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