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.

Operating Hours

Day-Use Area 8 a.m. to Sunset

Directions

The beach is located 10.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1.

By Bus: Take samTrans line 17 south from Half Moon Bay.

Take the Santa Cruz METRO 17 – Highway 17 Express to San Jose via SVTC. Exit at San Jose Diridon Station. At San Jose Diridon Station, take the B7 707 Train to San Francisco. Exit on Hillsdale. Walk to 27th Ave & S El Camino Real. Take the 294 bus on Main/Poplar. Exit on Main St & Grove St. At the Main St. & Grove St. bus stop, take the 17 bus to Pescadero. Exit on Pescadero Creek Rd & Hwy 1. On Pescadero Creek Rd & Hwy 1 take the 17 Linda Mar Park & Ride. Exit on Hwy 84 & Hwy 1. Walk 4 minutes to San Gregorio State Beach.

Things to do

Beach Area

Visitors enjoy swimming, surfing, windsurfing, fishing and boating

Fees and Passes

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.