Montara State Beach

Montara State Beach is a long sandy beach between Half Moon Bay and Pacific backed by low coastal bluffs that is popular for sunbathing, tide pool exploring, and surf fishing among the normal beach-going activities. Montara State Beach is bordered to the north by Gray Whale Cove State Beach, which is connected by Gray Whale Cove Trail. McNee Ranch, which sits on the inland side of the highway along Montara Mountain, is part of Montara State Beach and offers a hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding route to the top of Montara Mountain and other adjacent parks. There are multiple free parking areas along the Highway 1 with paths leading down to the beach.