Title: Partington Cove in Big Sur | Expedia.co.uk [Partington Cove Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Partington-Cove-Hotels.0-l6327640-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Big Sur](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Big-Sur.d177505.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Big Sur](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Big-Sur.d177505.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Partington Cove Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Partington-Cove.d6327640.Car-Hire-Guide)[Big Sur Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Big-Sur.d177505.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Partington Cove ![Partington Cove showing rocky coastline and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327640/eba95e67-61c1-4885-a5e0-39b627d527d1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Partington Cove showing rocky coastline and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327640/eba95e67-61c1-4885-a5e0-39b627d527d1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Partington Cove which includes general coastal views and rugged coastline as well as a family](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327640/ba133bae-db65-4fac-9bdf-6d5d95c9ae93.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Partington Cove showing forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327640/212caaf8-e36d-4f04-abb5-09da1ac21ea9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Partington Cove featuring general coastal views, a gorge or canyon and hiking or walking](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327640/ec430797-ebe2-4f75-96a8-8d77181b958b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Partington Cove Activities [Big Sur travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Big-Sur.dx177505) --- --- #### Follow a winding trail through a scenic canyon to a remote bay, which served as a loading harbour 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. ### Popular places to visit ![Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089197/74635c53-27a2-44b8-9aef-42b9c2744a13.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park You can take time to visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park during your travels to Big Sur. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out its hiking trails. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Julia-Pfeiffer-Burns-State-Park-California.d6089197.Attraction) ![McWay Beach in Big Sur is a picturesque beach in a small cove. A waterfall of the same name is the big attraction here, although it can't be seen in this picture. #LifeAtExpedia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634966080149/bfa77dbd-bc9c-4037-b08b-3ba6d462c451.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### McWay Cove Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at McWay Cove during your travels in Big Sur. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside or seek out the hiking trails. [](https://expedia.co.uk/McWay-Cove-California.d553248634966080149.Attraction) ![McWay Falls featuring a sandy beach and a waterfall](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327636/9894090d-e81a-4e20-832d-2293f86df6bc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### McWay Falls Walk to this pretty waterfall, stand at viewpoints with superb coastal views and spot varied wildlife in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/McWay-Falls-Big-Sur.d6327636.Attraction) ![Point Sur Lightstation State Historic Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327645/e906354a-80d8-45e0-a104-472fa8a3a83a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Big Sur Station After visiting Big Sur Station, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Big Sur. Amble around this romantic area's seaside or seek out the yoga studios. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Big-Sur-Station-Big-Sur.d6327645.Attraction) ![Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing mountains, landscape views and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089215/74059be5-d573-47d4-8e33-93ed8caa19b7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Hike, camp or picnic among the redwood trees, waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs that have inspired artists, poets and writers for the past century. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pfeiffer-Big-Sur-State-Park-Big-Sur.d6089215.Attraction) ![Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is an incredibly scenic beach.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621533113601/ee05d9c9-c905-423d-a3a7-b9cf5776b088.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Pfeiffer Beach If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Pfeiffer Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Big Sur. Amble around this romantic area's seaside or seek out the hiking trails. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Pfeiffer-Beach-Big-Sur.d553248621533113601.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Partington Cove [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327640&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[7 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327640&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327640&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327640&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327640&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327640&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/580000/574300/574252/c4904d89_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort 48123 Highway One Big Sur CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Hotels-Alila-Ventana-Big-Sur-Adults-Only.h574252.Hotel-Information) ![Big Sur Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/12600/12573/b4e5b370_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Big Sur Lodge 47225 Highway One Big Sur CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Hotels-Big-Sur-Lodge.h12573.Hotel-Information) ![Lucia Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101310000/101307100/101307022/ee4de0c4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lucia Lodge 62400 California 1 Big Sur CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Big-Sur-Hotels-Lucia-Lodge.h101307022.Hotel-Information) ![Carmel Valley Lodge and Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/530000/522200/522174/516b3f26_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Carmel Valley Lodge and Resort 8 Ford Rd Carmel Valley CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Hotels-Carmel-Valley-Lodge-And-Resort.h522174.Hotel-Information) ![Contenta Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11780000/11773600/11773561/77886221_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Contenta Inn 20 Via Contenta Carmel Valley CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Hotels-Contenta-Inn.h11773561.Hotel-Information) ![Hidden Valley Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/40000/34300/34283/6222107b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hidden Valley Inn 102 West Carmel Valley Rd Carmel Valley CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Hotels-Hidden-Valley-Inn.h34283.Hotel-Information) ![Bernardus Lodge & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/180000/170300/170260/0c3afd85_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Bernardus Lodge & Spa 415 W Carmel Valley Rd Carmel Valley CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Hotels-Bernardus-Lodge-Spa.h170260.Hotel-Information) ![Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/430000/423800/423710/0e72ef32_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Carmel Valley Ranch, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt One Old Ranch Road Carmel CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Monterey-Hotels-Carmel-Valley-Ranch.h423710.Hotel-Information) ![Hyatt Carmel Highlands](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/8500/8495/ed62b6eb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hyatt Carmel Highlands 120 Highland Dr Carmel CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-Hyatt-Carmel-Highlands.h8495.Hotel-Information) [See all 809 properties in Partington Cove](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6327640) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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