Follow a winding trail through a scenic canyon to a remote bay, which served as a loading harbor for tanbark in the late 1800s.
Visit Partington Cove to discover a landmark of rugged beauty and historical significance to the Big Sur region. Hike along dirt trails to a beach and lookouts, which offer spectacular views of Big Sur’s Pacific Ocean coastline. Partington Cove takes its name from John Partington, a tanbark harvesting entrepreneur who settled in the area in 1874. He dug a tunnel through a hill to create an easy access route for transporting tanbark from the mountain slopes to the sea.
Set off on the path leading down toward the ocean from Highway One. It follows the course of Partington Creek, which itself flows through the cliffs of Partington Canyon. Walk until you reach a fork in the trail. Cross a wooden bridge and then walk through the tunnel cut in the hill. At the height of the bark harvesting era, mules frequently lugged bark back and forth via this route.
Step out the opposite end of the tunnel and enjoy a top-down view of the cove. Continue on a trail to the waterfront and historic loading bay. Legend says that alcohol smugglers also used the bay as a distribution point during the Prohibition years. Look out over the glistening water, watch condors fly high above the cliffs and scan the ocean for dolphins.
An alternate route is to take the other trail at the fork, which travels down a flower-filled slope to a rocky beach. Sit and collect your thoughts while you listen to the soothing sound of the waves breaking onto the rocks.
Allow at least 1 hour to visit the cove and beach. If you have the time for additional adventures, explore the Tanbark Trail. Hike amid a canyon draped in soaring redwoods and interesting rock formations. Visit the remains of the Tin House, built in 1944 by a former New York congressman. Marvel at the uninterrupted views from ridge tops.
Partington Cove is a 20-minute drive south from Big Sur Village. Use free parking at Partington Cove Turnout on Highway One. Tanbark Trail begins on the opposite side of the highway to the cove trail.