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Gray Whale Cove State Beach Park: Everything You Need to Know

12/13/2020 by Carol Guttery Leave a Comment

We want you to stay safe. These articles are designed to help you plan a trip when you are ready to travel. Be sure to check with businesses and attractions and make sure they are open before you visit.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach in Montara is a lovely little link in a chain of beaches that string together some of California’s best coastline. This guide for Gray Whale Cove beach will help you plan a day trip there, with suggestions for what to do and how to park.

Half Moon Bay Grey Whale Cove state beach park with bluff

Gray Whale Cove State Beach FAQ

Where is Gray Whale Cove?

The beach is located on California’s scenic Highway 1, 9.5 miles north of Half Moon Bay and 4 miles south of Pacifica. It’s located just south of the Devil’s Slide and the Tom Lantos tunnel.

How Do You Find Parking?

There is a lot on the east side of Hwy 1 with ~35 spots for cars. However to get to the beach, you’ll need to cross the road, which can be very busy, especially on the weekends. There are no pedestrian crosswalks or traffic lights, or even much of a shoulder, so cross with extreme care.

What are the Amenities at the Cove?

Other than the delightful crescent of a beach and staggering ocean views, there aren’t a lot of services at the beach park. There is a port-o-potty in the parking lot, some picnic tables on the blufftop and garbage cans. Otherwise, pack it in and pack it out.

Are There Day Use Fees for Gray Whale Cove?

No. The parking area is free and there is no fee kiosk for the beach.

Can You Swim in the Cove?

Coastside surfers do go into the water. However it’s a very cold 50-60’F and the surfers are doing it in wetsuits. The area beaches also have riptides. It’s fine to play along the edges of the water on a calm day, but be very careful to keep an eye on the surf.

Grey Whale Cove beach rocks and beachcomber

Read More: Get the full downlow on all CA parks with this complete California State Parks list.

Fun Activities to do at the Cove

Hike Along the Gray Whale Cove Trail

The Gray Whale Cove trail is an 2.2 mile out and back hike along the bluff just east of the parking lot. It goes between the cove’s parking lot and Montara Beach. The trail is high enough that you can get fabulous views of the coast. The trail is part of a larger Montara State Beach hiking system that includes 7 trails ranging from 2-7 miles.

Grey Whale Cove swing

Take a swing

On the bluff top, there is is a tree swing with a view that overlooks the cove. You can find it as you enter the bluff, look left toward the Cypress trees.

Grey Whale Cove state beach woman chilling on beach

Take an Extra Large Chill Pill on the Beach

Look, Gray Whale beach is not designed for action-adventure. It’s more of a quiet contemplative beach. You can do some beachcombing on it, but it won’t take long because the beach is fairly small. It really is best suited for sitting in a beach chair and staring at the waves. The north end of the beach is separated by a series of jutting rocks, making it quieter and it’s also sometimes clothing optional. If you do use that section of the beach, note the tide because it will rise up to the rocks, making for a wet return if you aren’t paying attention.

Watch Some Whales

Gray and Humpback whales do indeed swim past the cove on their annual migratory patterns. The best time for spotting Gray whales is Dec/Jan when they are migrating south to the Baja peninsula and then Mar/Apr when they are returning to Alaska. The Humpbacks migrate during the summer months. Your best chance for spotting them will be along the blufftop trail or at nearby Devil’s Slide trail.

  • Grey Whale Cove state beach surf
  • Grey Whale Cove beach woman on beach
  • Grey Whale Cove California beach cliff
  • Grey Whale Cove beach stairs
  • grey whale cove near half moon bay beach

More Fun Things to do in Half Moon Bay and the Coastside

  • Get more beach action by checking out one of the three beaches that are part of the Half Moon Bay State Beach Park or Pescadero State Beach.
  • If you are visiting in the fall, be sure to check out the Half Moon Bay pumpkin patches.
  • Book a beachy weekend getaway at one of these cool coastal Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay.
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Filed Under: San Francisco Bay Area, Northern California Tagged With: Beaches, Blog, California State Parks, Half Moon Bay, Hiking, Things to Do

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Carol Guttery Welcome to California Crossings, your gateway to the Golden State. I'm Carol, your friendly travel buddy, here to help you plan an extraordinary California vacation. Visit the about page for more info and resources.

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