Keyhole Arch is another famous photo op in Big Sur. What most of you might not know is that the sun only lines up with the keyhole from November to January with the optimal timeframe being late December. Like many other time sensitive photo locations, this causes the crowds to condense into this time frame...aka odds of getting a clean shot of the arch are slim to none. If you are going during this time frame, prepare to be surrounded by photographers vying to take the same exact photo. There will without a doubt be some dude taking a 15 min long exposure so don't you dare move around and explore any kind of different angle 😆. Nevertheless, if you aren't shook by crowds, get there ahead of schedule and figure out where you want to post up when the sun begins to set.

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If you're in Big Sur at a different time of year, Pfeiffer Beach is still a pretty cool beach with some decent waves in the summer time. However, secret beaches are a dime a dozen in Big Sur and this is one of the most crowded beaches along the 1. We recommend checking out Sand Dollar Beach right across from Plasket Ridge where you can camp fo FREE.