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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State ParkvsPfeiffer Beach
Both are rated highly by expert reviewers. Overall, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park ranks significantly better than Pfeiffer Beach. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is ranked #4 in Central California Coast with approval from 4 reviewers like Fodor's, Lonely Planet and Travel + Leisure.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure
State Route 1, Milepost 37 south (52.7 north), Big Sur, CA 93920
From $0/night
Fodor's "The park provides fine hiking, from an easy ½-mile stroll with marvelous coastal views to a strenuous 6-mile trek through redwoods." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Deep within Los Padres National Forest, Pfeiffer Beach is a surreal mix of purple sand, giant redwoods, sycamores, and oaks." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"If you're chasing waterfalls, swing into this state park named for a Big Sur pioneer." Full review
Afar Magazine "We parked on the side of the highway in Big Sur and took a short hike to the overview in Julia Pfeiffer Park. Waterfalls, alcoves and ocean, oh my!" Full review
Afar Magazine "The water's color is an unreal sea blue/green that I have never seen before. The best part- the hike and view is free. " Full review
Travel + Leisure "Similarly named Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another beautiful site with plenty of tall trees and a famous 80-foot waterfall that flows directly into the Pacific Ocean below"
Big Sur Travel Guide
March 10, 2022
Pfeiffer Beach Fodor's Lonely Planet Afar Magazine Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure
Sycamore Canyon Road, Right off Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
From $0/night
Fodor's "Through a hole in one of the gigantic boulders at secluded Pfeiffer Beach, you can watch the waves break first on the sea side and then on the beach side." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"This phenomenal, crescent-shaped and dog-friendly beach is known for its huge double rock formation, through which waves crash with life-affirming power." Full review
Afar Magazine "Pfeiffer Beach is located in the heart of Big Sur 1/4 mile south of the Big Sur Ranger Station." Full review
Afar Magazine "It is not a beach for swimming, but definitely a place to take in the beautiful rock formations, purple sand, and feel like you are on your own private island!" Full review
Travel + Leisure "Thousands of years of quartz and manganese from nearby rock formations have given this beach an almost purple color."
11 Most Beautiful Pink-sand Beaches Around the World
April 3, 2023
