Chilling at Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Half Moon Bay, California

Description

Gray Whale Cove beach is a perfect beach to go to with your family. It's never too crowded and parking is free!

Gray whale cove beach is a California State Park located between Pacifica and Montara, California, by highway 1. Only 18 miles from San Francisco. It features a sheltered cove surrounded by abrupt cliffs. You can either hang out on the cliff looking out to the amazing blue water or you can hang out (street view) on the beach. A family picnic at this beach would make for a great day. They also have a couple trails connecting to Montara Mountain and McNee ranch state park.

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Features

Chillin

Swimming

Beach

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Picnic Area

Scenic

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Gray Whale Cove Loop

Starting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encounter along the trail. There is an abundance of picturesque wildflowers and the beautiful view of Hig...

Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop

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Gray Whale Cove Trail

Gray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within minutes the trail will take you in the direction of the ocean, you'll have views of the beach below...

Devil's Slide Bunker

The Devil's Slide Bunker is perched out on a point the defiantly juts out into the ocean. The Bunker is covered in constantly changing graffiti, which provides a stunning contrast to the gorgeous seaside. Hop on Highway 1 South. Just south of Pacifica there is a tunnel. Once you go through the tunnel, the bunker parking lot is immediately to your right. Keep your eyes peeled as the dense fog c...

McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes

McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy. You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds. This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to explore as well. The trail starts off with a mild incline, and becomes harder near the top. At the ...

Montara Mountain Trail

Montara Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a forest out to ocean views at the top of Montara Mountain. This hike located near Pacifica, California. and can be accessed from Highway 1 as well. If you're looking to do a similar loop hike from the coast, consider Montara Mountain Loop via Graywhale Cove.