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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 454 reviews
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit