Driving along Highway One in Big Sur is like flipping through a photo book of California’s greatest hits. On this particular day, the skies were impossibly blue, the hills were lush and green from recent rains, and the Pacific Ocean seemed to stretch forever into the horizon. There were four of us packed into the car, road-tripping without much of a plan—just friends looking for adventure.
I was behind the wheel, enjoying the rhythm of the winding road, when someone in the backseat shouted, “Hey, this looks awesome, stop here!”
By the time the words registered, I’d already missed the pullout. A few turns later, I managed to find a safe spot to turn around and headed back, curious about what had caught my friend’s eye. We didn’t have a set itinerary for Big Sur that day; our only goal was to embrace the journey, and that’s exactly what led us to Paddington Cove.
The jagged ridges of Big Sur. Photo by Dalton Johnson
A Dirt Road to Mystery
The pullout didn’t look like much—just a dirt path disappearing down the hill. But it called to us. We grabbed our daypacks, shrugged, and started down. The trail was steep, and at first, all we could see was a towering, tree-covered ridge. The trail twisted and turned, occasionally offering brief glimpses of what lay ahead.
Each peek was more stunning than the last, revealing flashes of turquoise water and jagged rocks below. The farther we walked, the more the sounds of the highway faded, replaced by the distant crashing of waves and the rustling of leaves in the breeze. With every step, anticipation grew. Where were we headed?
Hanging out on the bridge just before heading into the tunnel. Photo by Dalton Johnson
A Cove Fit for Pirates
At the bottom of the trail, we found ourselves standing in a small, secluded bay. The area felt untouched, like a place that had been hidden in plain sight for centuries. Someone joked it looked like the perfect hideout for smugglers or pirates, and I couldn’t help but agree. The sense of mystery was palpable, like we’d stumbled into a secret world.
We spent a few moments exploring the cove. The rocky shoreline was dotted with tide pools, each one brimming with tiny sea creatures. Crabs scuttled between the rocks, and starfish clung to the edges of the pools, their colors vibrant against the gray stone. The air smelled of salt and seaweed, adding to the feeling that we had entered another time and place.
Then came another shout: “Over here, there’s a bridge that leads to a tunnel!”
We all rushed over, finding a narrow footbridge spanning a rocky crevasse. On the other side was a dark, inviting tunnel cutting straight through the hillside. Golden light glowed faintly from the far end.
“Should we go in?” someone asked.
“Yeah, let’s do it,” I replied.
Big Sur’s Hidden Gem; Paddington Cove
Emerging from the tunnel felt like stepping into a sanctuary. The cove stretched out before us, framed by towering cliffs and the endless ocean. Sea otters floated lazily on their backs, cracking open shells, while waves crashed rhythmically against the rocks, creating a natural amphitheater.
There were a few weathered park benches, perfectly positioned to take in the view. We sat down, letting the sound of the waves drown out everything else. The golden afternoon sunlight bathed the cliffs, making the whole scene feel like a painting come to life.
This was Paddington Cove, a hidden gem in Big Sur that we hadn’t planned to find but felt incredibly lucky to experience. We spotted a lone seagull perched on a rock, staring out at the horizon as if it, too, was mesmerized by the beauty of the place.
Paddington Cove just after the tunnel. Photo by Dalton Johnson
A Place to Pause
For a while, we simply sat in silence, soaking in the beauty of this unexpected discovery. It felt like the kind of place that doesn’t need much fanfare—it speaks for itself. The steady rhythm of the waves and the occasional bark of a sea lion in the distance created a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.
One of us decided to explore a little farther, climbing up a small ridge to get a better view of the cove. From up there, the ocean seemed even more expansive, and we could see the trail winding back toward the road. We all took turns taking in the view from the higher vantage point, each of us quietly reflecting on how lucky we were to have found this spot.
As much as we wanted to linger, the steep dirt trail and the rest of Big Sur called us back. Reluctantly, we made our way up the hill, grateful for the detour that had led us to such a magical spot.
Exploring the rugged shoreline of Paddington Cove in Big Sur, CA. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Paddington Cove wasn’t on our map, and we wouldn’t have found it if we hadn’t decided to explore a random pullout along Highway One. That’s the beauty of Big Sur—its surprises are as awe-inspiring as its iconic landmarks.
If you’re planning your own road trip down the Big Sur coastline, keep an eye out for Paddington Cove because it is certainly one of Big Sur’s best hikes. It’s not just a destination; it’s an adventure waiting to happen. Stop often, explore trails that catch your eye, and don’t be afraid to let curiosity guide you. Sometimes, the best moments on a road trip come from the unplanned stops.
The memory of Paddington Cove stayed with us for the rest of the trip. Even now, I can picture the way the sunlight reflected off the water and hear the distant crash of the waves. It’s a place that reminds you of the magic of discovering something new, of following the road less traveled, and of the joy that comes from sharing those moments with friends.
