The Southern Beaches, San Gregorio State Beach

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The Southern Beaches, San Gregorio State Beach

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.7 miles / 4.3 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: San Gregorio was established to protect an estuary at the back of a wide, driftwood-strewn sandy beach. During dry seasons the estuary is landlocked but during the winter season the creek often cuts through the beach and flows directly into the ocean. The site has also been identified as a potential nesting habitat for the Western Snowy Plover.

The estuary historically was a Coho Salmon spawning site which the Department of Fish and Game has considered restocking to improve the salmon fisheries on this portion of the coast. The estuary is also home to a number of bird species and small animals. There is also the remains of California Historical Landmark 26 which commemorates the 1769 passage of Spanish Explorer Captain Gaspar de Portolá through this area.

There has been minimal trail development within this park. East of HWY 1 the lands include a portion to the watershed draining into the estuary, however no accessible trails have been established. We did try crossing under the HWY Bridge but found no trails through the thickets. The best way to visit the estuary would probably be by canoe or kayak. A quick look at Google Earth suggests one might travel about ¾ of a mile upstream.

The beach is part of the Monterey Bay National Sea Sanctuary.

Location/Directions
The beach is located 10.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1 near the town of San Gregorio which at the turn of the century was a popular vacation town.

Tips: Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing
Weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

Facilities/Activities
Park facilities include restrooms and picnic tables.
Beach walks.
Surf Fishing.
Whale watching in season.
Kayaking
There are no established trails however paths exist on the bluffs north of the beach.
Dogs are prohibited on the beach at all times.

Points of Interest

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Trailhead

The trailhead is at the southwest corner of the parking area near the picnic benches, restroom, and Ranger’s Booth. It overlooks the estuary mouth and beach.

Initially we tried to hike into the estuary in search of a trail but found none. Instead we decided to head south on the beach as far as possible before the incoming tide pinched out the beach at a point between coves. Taking a look at Google Earth, we could have made it to Pescadero SB!

Head on down to the beach and look for a good place to cross the estuary mouth which was running over the beach. During dry months, the estuary drains under the sands out to sea.

The rest is a meander down the coast with spectacular vistas of the cliff face, driftwood to explore, and practically nobody around. Once away from the estuary we ran into but one person surf fishing.

No footprints! In certain places the wind-born sand ripples have wiped out any evidence that anyone’s been here before you.

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Cave

Etched into the sandstone cliff base this little cave extends back about 12 feet. It appears to have a spring in it as much of the floor’s a very sticky mud.

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Waterfall

Seasonal Waterfall. It appears active when there's storm run-off.

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Narrows

Bluff and low spot on the beach. The incoming tide can pinch out the beach here to the bluffs.

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Historical Marker

A stone marker with a missing plaque commemorates the three days Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolà's expedition camped at the Ohlone village near the mouth of San Gregorio Creek to rest and treat their sick in 1769, during his first attempt to reach Monterey Bay. On this trip the expedition would discover San Francisco Bay. The site is registered as California Historical Landmark 26.

Pictures in this guide taken by: easyrider, Craig_H

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