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Partington Cove ( Monterey County)

Address: 57100 CA-1 Big Sur, Ca. 93920

Partington Cove is a remote inlet with a wooden tunnel, rugged beach, and a dirt trail located in Big Sur, California. The Cove is named after John Parrington who owns a tanbark transporting business in the 19th century. The cove is a conveniently accessible place to load and unload a cargo of Lumbar.

It took us about 2 hours and 45 minutes (151 miles) drive from San Francisco to get to Partington Cove via US 101 South, SR 156, and Highway 1. The drive was very beautiful, scenic, winding, and relaxing once we got to Highway 1 which is also called Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). We arrived at Partington Cove at around 12:30 pm and there were a lot of cars parked on the side of the road. We parked our car a few feet away from the gated entrance along Highway 1 since it’s our only option.

The hike to Partington Cove trail is open from 8 am until sunset about 1.1 miles out and back moderate hike. It took us about 2 hours since we took pictures and explored both the Cove and beach area. You can easily miss the gated entrance to the Cove Trailhead so look to your right when driving downhill coming from the North. A good indicator is when you see a lot of cars parked on the side of the road near a bridge. And if you reached McWay Falls that means you have gone too far. The trailhead is made up of dirt, up and downhill, zig-zag, and short steep uphill climb on your way back. The Partington Cove trail is used for nature trips, hiking and is accessible year-round.

When we reached the bottom of the trail, we then proceeded to the right and saw a “danger” signage stating that wading and swimming are unsafe. If you proceeded to go straight or to the right after the danger signage it will lead you to the beach area. But we made a left, passed through the wooden bridge, a creek, and went through a short wooden tunnel. We came out of the tunnel and were mesmerized by the amazing view of the Cove, the clear blue-green color of the water, and a great view of the Pacific Ocean. At the end of the trail is a wooden bench facing the ocean waters that is a great place for a photo opportunity but be careful as you walk through the rocks.

The other trail leads to the beach area with big rocks, a creek, and small running waterfalls. As a reminder to watch out for strong or sleeper waves for safety. You have to go through some big rocks to navigate your way through and can enjoy the ocean water. It’s also a great place to have a picnic or take great pictures.

Tips: When parking on hwy 1 watch out for oncoming cars as you don’t have enough space on the side of the road and try to park your car properly or correct orientation. It’s easy to get side-swiped when getting out of your car or walking on the side of the road. Bring a hiking or comfortable shoes, hiking poles as needed, drinking water, and sunblock. Be prepared to walk on a short, steep uphill dirt mountain trail. Arrived at the Cove earlier on weekends to avoid the large crowd.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about Partington Cove after your visit in the comments below. And kindly subscribe, comment, and share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

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Point Sur Lighthouse (Monterey County)

Address: Monterey Ca. 93940

The Point Sur Lighthouse was built in 1889 and it is 40 feet tall and 360 feet above sea level. The lighthouse is part of the Point Sur Historic Park. It is situated atop a dramatic Volcanic Rock just offshore in Big Sur. The navigation beacon at Point Sur Lighthouse has warned the sailors away from the craggy shores of the foggy Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse’s lens is about 4,330 pounds of glass and brass that was activated in August 1889. The Point Sur lighthouse and its scenic grounds are surrounded by beautiful native plants, sealions, and relaxing panoramic ocean views. There is also a former Naval Facility situated near the lighthouse and within the Point Sur Historic Park. The famous Bixby Creek Bridge is about 6 miles away (14 minutes drive) from the Point Sur Lighthouse.

It took us about 3 hours (136 miles) to drive from San Francisco to Point Sur Lighthouse via US 101 South, CA-156 West, and CA-1 South. My family and I enjoyed the relaxing coastal scenic drive to Point Sur Lighthouse via Ca-1. We passed through several beautiful beaches situated along the coast, small coastal towns, and winding roads with switchbacks. The tour is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost of the tour is $15 for an adult, $5 for ages 6-17, and below 5 years old is free. As of now, they only allow 40 people per tour group due to Covid restrictions.

We arrived at the lighthouse at around 9:15 a.m. and parked in front of the main iron gate. There were already 4 cars parked ahead of us on the side of the road waiting to get in. The volunteer tour guides opened the main gate at around 9:50 a.m. and guided all the visitor’s cars inside. We were informed by the tour guide about the rules and regulations prior to driving our car inside. We then drove slowly for a few minutes on a long dirt road that led us to the parking area at the bottom of the hill. There were about 20 of us in our tour group and were greeted by friendly volunteer tour guides. We had to descent on an uphill paved pathway to the top of the lighthouse. The walk or hike to the top of the hill is about half a mile and slightly steep. The tour guides stopped for about 4 times on our way up the hill and educated us about the history of Point Sur lighthouse. Each stops gave us some time to rest, take pictures, enjoy the view and drink some water. The volunteer tour guides even showed us where all the sea lions hang out to bask in the sun.

Our first stop was the Point Sur Lighthouse which we had the opportunity to go inside and explore the lighthouse. We were excited especially my 12 years old daughter as it was our first time exploring the inside of a lighthouse. We had to climb all the way up to the top where the lighthouse lens is located using the original spiral staircase. The best part was when the tour guide opened a small door that led us to the outside of the lighthouse with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding beaches. After the lighthouse, we head into the Museum where we saw all the displays of historical facts and items. My daughter even tested the foghorn that was used in the lighthouse. We then proceeded and climbed a 61 steps stairway that led us to the Carpenter/Blacksmith shop that had all the antiqued and preserved carpenter’s tools displayed. The next building we visited is the head keeper’s and assistant keeper’s quarters. All the room’s old interior designs were preserved, even some of the furniture and household items. My favorite part was that every room in the house has a view of the Pacific Ocean through the windows especially in the bathroom. And lastly, we visited the gift shop where they sell all kinds of souvenirs and paid our admission fee.

At the end of the tour, we were given a few minutes to take pictures and use the public restrooms before our descent to the bottom of the hill. Overall, we enjoyed our 3 hours tour and learned a lot about the history of the Point Sur Lighthouse. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer tour guides answered all our group’s questions. We will definitely visit the former Naval Facility on our next visit which is also located inside the Point Sur Historic Park. Have a great day.

Tips: There are ample free parking available on a dirt road at the bottom of the Lighthouse. Portable Public restrooms are available near the parking area on the bottom of the hill and near the Head/Assistant Keeper’s quarters. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing for cold and windy weather. Try to arrive at the gate at least 30-40 minutes earlier as it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Point Sur Lighthouse tour is only available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You may bring bottled water but there is no food allowed.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Point Sur Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Point Sur Lighthouse in Big Sur.

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McWay Falls(Big Sur)

Address: Highway 1 Julia Pfeiffer State Park Big Sur, Ca. 93920

Mc Way Falls is the most photographed falls in California and is picturesque during sunset. It’s an 80-foot tall waterfall that flows year-round from the McWay Creek located on the coast of Big Sur. It’s one of the tidefalls in California and the only other one is Alamere Falls in Marin. The Cove to the waterfalls is not accessible on foot due to hazardous steep rock on its descent. In 1961, the McWay Falls was designated a park reserve and was donated to the government.

It took us about 3 hours (153 miles) drive from San Francisco to get to McWay Falls via US 101 South, SR 156, and Hwy 1. The drive was very beautiful, scenic, winding, and relaxing once we got to hwy 1 which is also called Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). We arrived at McWay Falls around 10:30 am and found out that Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park parking lot was already full. We were lucky to find an open parking spot along Hwy 1 and saved us $10 for the parking fee. You can either pay $10 to park inside the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park which has easier access to the McWay Falls trail or park along hwy 1 and walk down towards the trail which is a little bit dangerous or safety issue.

From the Ranger Station or entrance, there was a public restroom on site, and across it was a stair that leads to the Mc Way Falls trail. The wide dirt trail to the McWay Falls is about 0.6 miles (out and back) from the State Park parking lot and it took us about a 15 minutes walk. From the stairs, we passed through a short tunnel beneath highway 1 and made a right turn that led us to the waterfalls viewpoint or overlook. There was also a fenced area that is off-limits to visitors due to safety concerns. (soil erosions)

There were a lot of tourists/people at the viewpoint area and we all took turns for a photo opportunity. The view of the waterfall is mesmerizing with the crystal clear blue-green color of the water overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Be careful and watch your step when in the area for safety. The McWay Falls is a good place to see or a quick stop when you are driving through the Big Sur area.

Tips: When parking on hwy 1 watch out for oncoming cars as you don’t have enough space on the side of the road and try to park your car properly or correct orientation. It’s easy to get side-swiped when getting out of your car or walking on the side of the road. McWay Falls is after Partington Cove if you are coming from the North. The $10 parking fee for Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is also good for the other parks along Big Sur. Partington Cove is also a good place to visit while in the area.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about McWay Falls after your visit in the comments below. And kindly subscribe, comment, and share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.