description Partington Cove Overview
Partington Cove is a coastal inlet located in the Big Sur region of central California, situated within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The cove is accessed via a historic trail and a hand-dug tunnel that leads down to the rocky shoreline. In the late 19th century, the site was utilized by John Partington to load tanbark for shipment to local lime kilns. Today, the surrounding area is preserved for its ecological value, and the cove is frequented by hikers, scuba divers, and kayakers.
help Partington Cove FAQ
Where is Partington Cove located?
Partington Cove is a coastal inlet located in the Big Sur region of California, accessible directly off the iconic Highway 1. It sits within the Point Sur State Historic Park and offers a rugged landscape where the redwood forest meets the Pacific Ocean.
How do you access Partington Cove?
Visitors access the cove by hiking down a steep, 1.5-mile round-trip trail that descends from the highway. The most unique feature of the trail is a hand-dug tunnel that hikers must pass through to reach the rocky shoreline.
What is the historical significance of Partington Cove?
In the 1880s, the cove was utilized by a man named John Partington to ship tanbark by sea to leather tanneries in San Francisco. The protected cove provided a safe place to load cargo onto ships anchored in the inlet.
Can you scuba dive at Partington Cove?
Yes, the cove is a popular, though advanced, scuba diving site known for its kelp forests and diverse marine life. Divers must carefully navigate the rocky entry points, but they are often rewarded with sightings of sea otters and colorful nudibranchs.
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