Jade Cove is a picturesque beach located at the southern end of Big Sur, just north of the town of Gorda. It is renowned for its rugged beauty, featuring pinnacles, arches, and fascinating rock formations composed of raw jade stone. The cove offers clear waters due to the lack of sand, making it a popular spot for divers who seek to collect jade specimens from below the waterline. However, accessing the cove can be challenging, and it is often visited by locals and experienced adventurers. The surrounding area is part of the Los Padres National Forest, offering a dramatic backdrop of forested bluffs and rocky cliffs.
The beach itself is a small, rocky cove with strong currents and unruly waves, making it more suitable for experienced swimmers or divers rather than casual beachgoers. Despite the challenges, Jade Cove remains a unique and captivating destination for those drawn to its natural beauty and mineral riches.
Visitors to Jade Cove often combine their trip with exploration of nearby attractions like Sand Dollar Beach and Limekiln State Park, which offer more accessible and family-friendly environments.