Trip Planner: USA / California / Big Sur / Partington Cove

Partington Cove, Big Sur

4.9

#3 of 9 in Outdoors in Big Sur

Hiking Trail · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park

Create an itinerary including Partington Cove

Offering pristine views of the ocean, Partington Cove is a raw, unspoiled rocky beach at the end of a steep hiking trail that cuts through a tree-lined canyon, crosses a wooden bridge, and goes through an 18 m (60 ft) tunnel. The entrance to the downhill dirt path can be easily missed, so study the directions carefully before you go. If you wish to have the immaculate cove just for yourself, go early in the morning. Plan your Partington Cove visit and explore what else you can see and do in Big Sur using our Big Sur planner.

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Partington Cove

FROM $15 BOOK WITH VIATOR Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour in California (Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway) Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour in California (Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway)

3.9

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Tours from $15 ›

FROM $25 BOOK WITH VIATOR Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway) Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway)

3.5

Duration: 5 to 7 hours

Tours from $25 ›

FROM $10 BOOK WITH VIATOR Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.0

Duration: 120 to 150 minutes

Tours from $10 ›

Partington Cove reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor traveler rating

95 reviews

Google

4.9

By Ashley L

This is one of my favorite places in the world. It is so gorgeous and is a great place to have a picnic. The pictures don't do it justice at all. It is definitely worth the hike down to it.

This is one of my favorite places in the world. It is so gorgeous and is a great place to have a picnic. The pictures don't do it justice at all. It is definitely worth the hike down to it. more »
By DAD11

Really great hike on both sides of Highway 1. Absolutely no signage on the road, so need to look for large dirt turnouts near the 38 mile markers. Great hike for all ages.

Really great hike on both sides of Highway 1. Absolutely no signage on the road, so need to look for large dirt turnouts near the 38 mile markers. Great hike for all ages. more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Daniel Oot

What an AWESOME low key spot. It’s roughly +/- 300’ elevation drop down to the cove. There’s 3 trails, the main one leading to a rocky beach with a fresh water small river running into the ocean. The sunlight plays with the cove so it’s great for photos. Another trail leads through a TUNNEL out into another awesome cove! You can see otters from time to time, awesome awesome spot

more less
By Miguel June

Easy hike. However don’t forget that going down to the cove is the east part. Coming back up can be difficult. Nice views throughout. The payoff is at the cove. Tunnel to get there is pretty cool. Parking is like all the other sites in Big Sur. At times crowded other times there is space available. Enjoy

more less

See more on Google ›

Plan your trip to Big Sur

Compose it!

Your own itinerary for your car vacation, beach vacation, city trip, any near or distant journey ... ready within 10 minutes.
Customize it.

Refine your plan. We find the best routes and opportunities.
Book it.

Choose from the best accommodations (Expedia, AirBnB), airlines and activities, by yourself or share with travel professionals for the utmost experience. Up to 50% discount!
Do it yourself.

Or share your plan with travel professionals for a customized trip