Partington Cove

Located in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Partington Cove is situated in the Big Sur region of California. The rocky beach is small and has clear water. Since the beach is composed of uneven jagged rocks, we recommend wearing appropriate footwear while visiting. The beach is also surrounded by rocky cliffs composed of granite. 

Partington Creek meets the ocean near the beach. Partington Cove does not have any lifeguards or other amenities except walking trails, so plan your trip accordingly. There are also two tent-only environmental campsites present in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and both of them offer restrooms, a fire ring, picnic tables, and a food box. However, they do not have any showers.

Partington Cove offers many fun activities including fishing, tide-pooling, hiking, sunbathing, wildlife watching, surfing, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, boating, diving, snorkeling, skimboarding, and swimming. If you are planning to go in the water near Partington Cove, we recommend being careful, since the water here is known for strong waves and rip currents. Nevertheless, the water near the beach is popular among snorkelers and divers as the clear water near the beach is perfect for exploring the underwater kelp beds and rock formations present near the beach. The beach has vibrant underwater biodiversity and apart from a large array of fish, you can see a variety of marine mammals here including seals, sea lions, dolphins, and otters. However, we recommend this spot for experienced divers and snorkelers as the beach here has a rocky bottom, making it dangerous for beginners. It is important to note that diving at Partington Cove requires a special permit, which can be arranged by contacting the authorities at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (contact details are available at the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s website). You can also fish in Partington Cove - surfperch, rockfish, salt, and rockfish are some of the popular catches here.

Getting to Partington Cove is easy - the access trail for Partington Cove starts through a separate entrance, which is a couple of miles north of the main entrance of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along Cabrillo Highway / California State Highway 1. From the entrance to the beach, follow the access trail until it splits into two in front of a tree. From this junction, you need to take the path towards the right to access the beach. There are street parking spaces near the entrance for Partington Cove along Cabrillo Highway/ California State Highway 1.

The state park area around Partington Cove also offers a unique insight into the vibrant biodiversity and interesting history of the Big Sur region. There is a hiking trail near Partington Cove which leads to another smaller cove and remnants of a Tan Bark shipping operation that was active in the area around Partington Cove in the early 20th century. As an interesting fact, it is also rumored that the area around Partington Cove was also used for rum-running operations during the Prohibition era. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is also a great bird-watching site - it is home to a variety of rare bird species including double-crested cormorants, peregrine falcons, and California condors. 

There are many attractions near Partington Cove. Henry Miller Memorial Library is dedicated to the memory of the renowned author Henry Miller and also serves as a gallery/performance space, hosting many exciting events throughout the year (particularly between May and October) including film screenings, live music performances, the Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series, and the Esalen Gazebo School Benefit. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is situated at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains and has many hiking trails which offer a memorable way to explore the vibrant flora and fauna of the Big Sur region. Moreover, it also has a campground which accommodates both RVs and tents. If you are looking for another attraction near Partington Cove, the Pfeiffer Falls is a waterfall situated in the Los Padres National Forest and offers some great Instagram-worthy photos, along with a unique insight into coastal California’s interesting topography.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Partington Cove. Nepenthe is a renowned upscale restaurant that offers a dining area with a pleasant view of the Big Sur coastline and serves delicious California cuisine with Mediterranean influences. In addition, the restaurant has hosted a number of famous actors, writers, and artists including Ernest Hemmingway, Clint Eastwood, and Man Ray. Big Sur Bakery features a homely dining area and offers a range of delicious pastries, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Partington Cove, the COAST Big Sur is an art gallery with a modestly priced cafe that offers an excellent variety of sandwiches and pastries.

If you are looking for a hotel to stay near Partington Cove, there are many great options within a 17-minute drive. The 5-Star Post Ranch Inn offers many amenities including a restaurant, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a spa with two infinity pools, complimentary breakfast, a car loaner facility, and complimentary classes for stargazing, yoga, and meditation. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Big Sur Lodge, which offers many amenities including a pool, a bar, a general store, a coffee shop, and a restaurant. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Partington Cove, the modestly priced 3-Star Fernwood Campground and Resort offers accommodation in a motel and log cabins and also offers sites for RV and tent camping. The campground and resort offer a variety of amenities including restrooms, showers, a restaurant, and a general store.