State Beach · California

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Location: San Mateo County, California
Nearest town: 1.6 miles north of Montara
Type: State Beach

About Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Established in 1966, this 3.1-acre beach protects a sheltered cove walled in by steep cliffs just south of Devil's Slide along Highway 1. Trails from the cove connect to Montara Mountain and McNee Ranch State Park, linking the small stretch of sand to a larger network of coastal terrain. The setting sits between Pacifica and Montara, with the cliffs forming a natural enclosure around the water.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Gray Whale Cove State Beach is in San Mateo County, California, 1.6 miles north of Montara. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 213 in California →

Towns near Gray Whale Cove State Beach

State parks near San Mateo, State parks near San Francisco, State parks near San Rafael, State parks near Fremont, State parks near San Jose, State parks near Concord

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.