Montara State Beach

About

Here are some guidelines for people visiting Montara State Beach:

Parking is available in the south parking lot and Martini Creek parking lot.
Restrooms will be partially reopened.
Trails are open.

This beach is a popular location for visitors who want to explore the beach tidepools or go fishing. The beach is bounded by low hills to both the north and south. Visitors also enjoy sunbathing, strolling, nature study and picnicking.

Montara Mountain (also called McNee Ranch) is part of Montara State Beach. The mountain is a northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found in over 100 miles of coastline.

Learn more in the California State Parks: English | Spanish.

Operating Hours

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset

Directions

On the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo County, approximately 20 miles south of San Francisco. The beach is located 8 miles north of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1.

There are two beach access points from the bluff area. One is across from Second Street, immediately south of the Outrigger restaurant. The second is located about a half-mile north on the ocean side of Highway 1. The paths down to the beach are steep.

Check the Santa Cruz METRO schedule for public transportation options.

Things to do

Beach Area

This beach is popular for surfing, windsurfing and fishing.

Hiking Trails

The 690-acre McNee Ranch (on Montara Mountain) encompasses coastal mountain habitat with sweeping coastal vistas. The ranch’s two-mile Pedro Mountain Trail connects to trails leading to Montara Beach and Gray Whale Cove.

Horseback Riding

Horses are permitted in McNee Ranch.

Wildlife Viewing

Birds nest in the coastal scrub along these beaches, with wrentits and song sparrows among them. Residents include mallards, black phoebes, American coots, warblers, and hawks. Migrating cinnamon teal and buffleheads pause on their travels.

Fees and Passes

Parking is available in the south parking lot and Martini Creek parking lot.

Parking is free.

Services

Point Montara has a lighthouse that offers overnight accommodations, operated by the nonprofit Hostelling International.
Picnic areas

Field Trips

School groups grade K-12 can take part in docent-led, hands-on educational programs along the San Mateo Coast. Field trips focused on shoreline habitats are held at Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pescadero Marsh, Montara State Beach and Bean Hollow State Beach. Registration for field trips is now open. Sign up!

History

Montara State Beach is in the unceded homelands of the Ramaytush-speaking Ohlone Tribe known as the Aramai, who stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Centuries of colonial violence led to the removal and displacement of the Aramai. Today, their descendants, the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, continue their stewardship and presence here, in partnership with State Parks.

Regulations

Dogs are permitted and must be controlled with a leash of no more than six feet at all times.
No beach fires are allowed and fireworks are prohibited. Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood and other natural beach features.
Permits are required for all events and weddings. For permit information contact: San Mateo Sector Office (650) 726-8819.