Montara State Beach – A Secluded Beach By The Cliffs

Montara State Beach is a great example of Northern California Beaches which contain smooth clean sand, surfable waves, and California’s iconic bluffs in the background. What’s even better is that it’s only half an hour away from San Francisco.

What To Expect At Montara State Beach

• Secluded beach surrounded by cliffs
• A short trail down to the beach which may require climbing
• Dedicated parking lot with free parking
• Dogs are permitted on leash

Montara Beach is a great spot for a weekend picnic or a quiet getaway with ample sun. Although the water is a bit on the colder spectrum throughout the year. It typically stays sunny by the beach when it may be foggy in San Francisco.

Getting to Montara State Beach

Driving

Montara State Beach is about a 30 min. drive south of San Francisco on Highway 1. It’s a great pit stop while driving down the Pacific Coast Highway.  The entrance to the beach can be easily missed but there is a wooden sign right in front of the parking lot turn in.

Parking at Montara State Beach

There is a dedicated parking lot for the beach which consists of packed dirt. The parking lot fits about 20 cars but the parking spots are unmarked. Additional parking spots can be found on the side of the road where you turn in.

Taking Uber & Lyft to Montara Beach

Taking ride share is also a good option since there the beach is so close to San Francisco. Cell signal is strong but getting a ride match leaving the beach may take a bit longer since it’s by the coast.

Getting Down To The Beach

Getting down to the beach itself is a bit tricky. There is a short dirt trail from the parking lot and a set of stairs but you need to descend to get to the beach. The stairs were washed out but there is a rope to assist you down. Youll also need to cross a small stream of running water to access the beach. Depending on the time of day or year you may have to walk through it or find another way around if you don’t want to walk through it. There may be a wooden plank for you to use to get across or you can climb the sandbags near the side of the road.

The entire beach is approximately 1 mile long and is a popular destination for sunbathing and picnicking. The water may be a bit cold throughout all times of the year which is typical for Northern California beaches.

Nearby Attractions

Devils Slide Trail – A two-mile drive north of Montara State Beach, you can visit the Devils Slide Trail. This is a section of Highway 1 which was converted to a pedestrian and biking trail. 

Half Moon Bay – is a few miles south of Montara Beach. Lined with boutique shops and restaurants, it’s a cute coastal town. It’s also home to multiple large festivals throughout the year including the Pumpkin Festival.

Sam’s Chowder House – For mid-day drinks, Sam’s Chowder House is a popular spot with great waterfront views and outdoor seating.