Partington Cove
Discover a hidden Big Sur gem: a short, steep hike leads to a rugged cove with a historic tunnel and dramatic ocean vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and fog
Partington Cove
Best Time
Beat the crowds and fog
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden Big Sur gem: a short, steep hike leads to a rugged cove with a historic tunnel and dramatic ocean vistas.
"An absolute must-visit location. Absolutely gorgeous sunset views along an easy hike from the shoulder of US-1 down to the water."
🚗 Roadside Parking
Park on the shoulder of Highway 1; look for the green gate marking the trailhead.
💧 Bring Water!
The trail is steep and has little shade. Stay hydrated on your hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Tunnel
Partington Cove Trail
Descend through a unique 60-foot tunnel carved into the rock, leading to a secluded cove.
Rugged Coastal Cove
Partington Cove
Discover a dramatic, rocky beach with stunning ocean views and a small freshwater stream.
Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Partington Cove Trail
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Big Sur coastline, perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Hidden Gem
Trail Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Roadside Parking
Park on the shoulder of Highway 1; look for the green gate marking the trailhead. 
💧 Bring Water!
The trail is steep and has little shade. Stay hydrated on your hike.
👟 Sturdy Footwear
The trail is dirt and can be uneven. Good shoes are a must for the descent and ascent.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; this trail is not pet-friendly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Roadside Parking
Park on the shoulder of Highway 1; look for the green gate marking the trailhead.
💧 Bring Water!
The trail is steep and has little shade. Stay hydrated on your hike.
👟 Sturdy Footwear
The trail is dirt and can be uneven. Good shoes are a must for the descent and ascent.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; this trail is not pet-friendly.
📸 Photographer's Dream
The cove offers incredible light play and dramatic scenery for stunning photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Partington Cove is lauded as an under-rated gem with stunning coastal views and a unique historic tunnel. Visitors appreciate the short, adventurous hike and the dramatic scenery, though some note the steep climb back up and the lack of amenities like restrooms or direct beach access. It's a highly recommended stop for its natural beauty and historical intrigue.
"Came here with my family early morning to do a small hike to check out the coast for the first time. It was very foggy out early morning and there were some rock slides going on in the area. We originally went to check out the trail across from the Julia Pheiffer Burns State Park, but it was closed. We ended up stopping here at the cove and it was awesome. Got to see some squirrels and all kinds of birds and more. I also appreciate seeing all of the native flowers along the trail, very pretty. This trail had a cool tunnel to walk through and had a cool view and area to walk on the other side. A good spot to come and check out!!😎"
Marcella Ramos
"Absolutely stunning views. Note this does NOT have beach access - we got confused seeing other photos on here. Worth the trek down the hill though!"
Carsen Greene
"Beautiful hike, but exhausting walking down and up to get to the view!! Bring water!!"
Savannah Pontiff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Partington Cove is located about 2 miles north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Look for a green gate on the west side of Highway 1, which marks the trailhead. Parking is available on the roadside.
The trail itself is short (about 1 mile roundtrip), but it is steep, especially the climb back up. It's considered doable for most, including families with kids.
Yes, roadside parking is available, and some travelers have successfully parked RVs on the side of the road.
No, Partington Cove is located a couple of miles north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It's a separate, distinct stop along Highway 1.
You can use Google Maps and search for 'Partington Cove Trailhead'. The key is to look for the green gate and roadside parking along Highway 1.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for Partington Cove. It's a free public access point along Highway 1.
Partington Cove is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor natural area. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
No advance booking is required. Partington Cove is a natural attraction with open access.
Dogs are not allowed on the Partington Cove Trail.
The best experience involves hiking down the trail, exploring the tunnel, and enjoying the rugged cove and coastal views.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a historic tunnel to walk through, a rocky beach, a small freshwater stream, and stunning Big Sur coastal scenery.
While there's a cove, direct beach access for swimming can be tricky due to the rocky terrain. It's more for exploring and enjoying the views.
Absolutely! The dramatic cliffs, tunnel, and ocean vistas make it a prime spot for photographers, especially during golden hour.
No, there are no public restrooms available at the Partington Cove trailhead or cove.
Visitors have reported seeing squirrels, various birds, and occasionally otters.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Partington Cove is a natural attraction with no food services. You'll need to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after your visit in nearby towns.
You can bring your own food for a picnic, but be sure to pack out all trash. There are no designated picnic areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic tunnel, the rocky beach with the stream, and the viewpoints along the trail offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for coastal shots. Early mornings can also be stunning, though sometimes foggy.
Experiment with capturing the contrast between the dark tunnel and the bright cove, and use the rugged landscape to frame your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and ensure children wear appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain. The lack of restrooms means planning ahead is key. While there isn't direct beach access for playing in the waves, the exploration of the cove, the tunnel, and the surrounding natural beauty provides plenty of engagement for younger visitors. It's a chance to introduce them to the rugged charm of the Big Sur coast in a manageable way.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The light can be magical, especially during sunrise and sunset, creating dramatic shadows and highlights. Be prepared for a short but steep hike to reach the best vantage points. The tunnel itself provides a unique framing device for your shots, and the cove offers opportunities to capture the raw power of the Pacific. Don't forget your wide-angle lens for those sweeping coastal panoramas.
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Short Adventures
The steepness of the return hike is the main challenge, so be prepared for a good workout on the way back up. It's a perfect stop for a quick exploration, offering a unique historical element with the tunnel and stunning coastal views. Combine it with other nearby Big Sur attractions for a well-rounded day trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Partington Cove
Exploring the tunnel, carved through solid rock, offers a tangible connection to this era. It's a reminder of the ingenuity and hard work that went into utilizing this remote stretch of coastline. The remnants of its past use are subtle but present, inviting visitors to imagine the bustling activity that once took place here.
Navigating the Partington Cove Trail
Upon descending, you'll encounter a fork in the trail. Taking the left path leads you over a wooden bridge and through the iconic 60-foot tunnel. Emerging from the tunnel, you'll find yourself in the main cove area, a rugged beach with a small freshwater stream that often flows into the ocean. Another trail may lead to a different, equally scenic cove.
Photography at Partington Cove
For the best shots, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon. The soft, warm light can enhance the textures of the rocks and the vastness of the ocean. The tunnel also offers a unique perspective, framing the cove beyond. Be prepared for varying light conditions, as fog is common in Big Sur and can add a mystical quality to your photographs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit