provided by
The beach (a.k.a. Devil's Slide) features a sheltered cove surrounded by cliffs that drop abruptly into the Pacific Ocean. A steep trail leads down to the beach. There is a small picnic area on the bluff above. Gray whales can often be seen close to the shore.
Sunbathing is the most popular activity between mid-April and mid-May.
Report a compliment or problem regarding park maintenance issues with the Park Observation Program.
Getting There
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is on the San Mateo Coast, north of Montara on U.S. Highway 1. The only available automobile parking is on the east side of the highway. Crossing to the ocean side of the highway can be both difficult and dangerous.
Please be advised, Gray Whale Cove SB is one of the few California State Parks that does not accept the Annual Day Use Pass.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is on the San Mateo Coast, north of Montara on U.S. Highway 1. The only available automobile parking is on the east side of the highway. Crossing to the ocean side of the highway can be both difficult and dangerous.
Please be advised, Gray Whale Cove SB is one of the few California State Parks that does not accept the Annual Day Use Pass.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Tips & Rules
•Dogs are prohibited at all times.
•Beach fires are NOT allowed.
•Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features. Fireworks are prohibited.
•Dogs are prohibited at all times.
•Beach fires are NOT allowed.
•Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features. Fireworks are prohibited.
Operating Hours & Contact
The Day-Use Area is open from 8am until sunset.
Telephone: 650-726-8819
The Day-Use Area is open from 8am until sunset.
Telephone: 650-726-8819
Accessible Features
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Community Trips
We wanted a 5-ish mile trail along the Pacific coast to hike with some visiting family members. The Montara - McNee Ranch State Park seem like a good choice, but the trails to North Peak were all 7 miles or more. We finally settled on the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking area and trailhead. We took Gray Whale Cove Trail along the coastline to Old San Pedro Mountain Trail and took...
Reviews
