Pfeiffer Beach
Within the Big Sur region of California, Pfeiffer Beach is known for its stunning Keyhole Rock. Every year, photographers from all over the world flock to the beach during the chilly months of December and January to capture the breathtaking sunset that peeks through the arch.
The steep cliffs that surround the Big Sur coastline offer a unique view, making it one of the few spots you can easily access the ocean.
Los Padres National Forest
The road and beach are located within the Los Padres National Forest. The road is named after the Western Sycamores that line its path and are close to the beach.
In the summer, from June to August, you can expect frequent fog and cool temperatures, a local phenomenon called “June Gloom.”
A Brief History
The Pfeiffer family first settled in Sycamore Canyon, near the coast, in the winter of 1869. Michael and Barbara Laquet Pfeiffer were traveling to the southern coast of Big Sur when they stopped in Sycamore Canyon. The area was so captivating that they decided not to move south again the following spring. Their eight children married and lived there for many generations. In 1910, the family opened the Pfeiffer Ranch Resort at their original home. Plus, there’s an Esslen midden site nearby.
Back in 1884, John Swetnam and his wife, Zulema Florence Swetnam, built a cabin right by the Big Sur River. John was so kind that he gave away the first 700 acres (280 hectares) of land, which later became Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
In the video below, I briefly show how I painted a sunset at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. The colors in this scene are just amazing! You can see the deep crimson red, warm orange, cool teal blue, vibrant ultramarine blue, and rich purple sand. I wanted to share a step-by-step guide on picking and mixing colors to make such a beautiful picture right there on the Big Sur coastline. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAhR0uI22CQ
