San Gregorio State Beach
About
San Gregorio State Beach has some rather steep and very high coastal bluffs and cliffs bordering the ocean. The area includes a protected, driftwood-strewn estuary at the back of a wide, sandy beach, with grassy bluffs along the coast. The estuary is home to many birds and small animals.
San Gregorio Creek flows down to the beach and pools before creating an exit route through the sand. South of the creek, the beach stretches for over a mile below rugged cliffs to Pomponio State Beach. This is an excellent beach walk with high sandstone cliffs the entire way. To the north, there are caves and fossils in the sandstone cliffs to investigate.
Learn more in the California State Parks brochure.
Directions
The beach is located 10.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1.
Check the Santa Cruz METRO schedule for public transportation options.
Things to do
Beach AreaVisitors enjoy swimming, surfing, windsurfing, fishing and boating
Fees and Passes
An Automatic Pay Machine is available to pay for parking, in addition to our friendly kiosk staff. Parking is $8 and supports the park.
Services
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
History
San Gregorio State Beach is in the unceded homelands of the Ohlone Tribe known as the Oljon, who stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Centuries of colonial violence led to the removal and displacement of the Oljon. Today, their descendants continue their stewardship and presence here, in partnership with State Parks.
California Historical Landmark 26 commemorates the passage of Spanish Explorer Captain Gaspar de Portolá through this area in October 1769. Rancho San Gregorio, consisting of 17,752 acres, was granted to Antonio Buelna in 1839. The rancho extended from Tunitas Creek in the north to the mouth of Pomponio Creek and encompassed the whole of the lower San Gregorio watershed.
Regulations
- Dogs are prohibited on the beach at all times, but are allowed on leash on the trails and in the parking and picnic areas.
- 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.
Recreate Responsibly
Before you visit, check the Recreate Responsibly page to protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these measures during your visit.
More Info
(650) 726-8819
