Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Montara, CA
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a white sand beach reached by stairs down from a Highway 1 pullout, with rough surf that makes this more a scenery and walking beach than a swimming one. It's long carried a local reputation as clothing-optional, a history that predates its current state park status.
The white sand and dramatic stairway entrance are genuinely striking, though the rough surf and clothing-optional reputation aren't for everyone.
How we score beachesTake the stairs down carefully, they're a real set of steps rather than a gentle ramp, and pace yourself for the climb back up.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance.
Stairs and a path lead from the Highway 1 pullout down to the beach.
Dogs are not allowed on the sand at Gray Whale Cove, though leashed dogs can use the trails east of Highway 1.
Fog is common most mornings year round, with rough surf typical of this stretch of the San Mateo coast.
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