Jade Cove is a small bay in southern Big Sur on California’s central coast, notable for the world’s only concentrated underwater deposit of quality nephrite jade. Reached by a short but very steep trail near Plaskett Campground, it is hazardous because of tides, storms, rip currents, and heavy surf. Most jade collecting happens underwater, since little natural jade lies on the shore and collectors must distinguish it from common light-green serpentine. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary allows limited personal gathering of loose nephrite jade with hand tools below mean high tide. The cove’s nephrite also helped inspire the annual Big Sur Jade Festival, begun in 1989.