Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
4.5
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Gray whales can often be spotted close to the shore of this scenic beach. Surrounded by high cliffs, it features a clothing-optional section during the spring.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
76 reviews
Excellent
49
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20
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2
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3
Terrible
2
Amy E
Valley Springs, CA12 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Gray whale cove beach access closed. Great views on the loop trail above. Good place to look for whales when in season. Use your own GPS to get there, the Trip Advisor map has it in the wrong place, it is not in HMB but just north of Montana.
Written January 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David W
Saint Louis, MO14 contributions
Jun 2022
Take the time to make this part of your trip if you are in the area. We drove down the coast from SF and stopped for lunch. All of our meals were delicious. The staff was friendly, and service was quick despite the place being constantly packed.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eagle88
San Francisco15 contributions
Grey Whale Cove Trail is a 1 mile easy hike between Grey Whale Cove Parking lot and the Martini Creek gate, (2 miles round trip). At each end there is a short, moderate incline then the trail levels off and contours the hillside above Highway 1. On a clear day the ocean view is breathtaking.You can see Montara State Beach from the southern end of the trail, (photo 1). Biking and horseback riding are also permitted on the trail, (photo 2).
Besides admiring the ocean view, the hillside is home to a diverse number of wild flowers that can be seen during spring months such as Douglas Iris, (photo 3).
If you are willing to descend a fairly lengthy staircase, I recommend visiting Grey Whale Cove State Beach, (photo 4). It is a lovely beach perfect for picnics and letting the kids play in the sand, (photo 5).
As an undeveloped area there is no drinking water. Portapotties are situated at the top of the staircase leading down to the beach.
Besides admiring the ocean view, the hillside is home to a diverse number of wild flowers that can be seen during spring months such as Douglas Iris, (photo 3).
If you are willing to descend a fairly lengthy staircase, I recommend visiting Grey Whale Cove State Beach, (photo 4). It is a lovely beach perfect for picnics and letting the kids play in the sand, (photo 5).
As an undeveloped area there is no drinking water. Portapotties are situated at the top of the staircase leading down to the beach.
Written April 13, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MP5
California6 contributions
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is located just a few miles up Highway 1 from the town of Montera. (N. of Half Moon Bay) There is a good sized parking lot on the east side of the road (away from the ocean) and a safe but steep trail down to the beach. Actually the trail drops down about 50 feet from the road and then there are stairs the last 80 or so vertical feet to the beach.
Looking out at the ocean, to the left (south) is a fairly large expanse of sand nestled in a cove with steep vertical rock cliffs. Surfers and families like this section and it is usually free of litter and over crowding.
Heading north around a series of rocks jutting out into the surf (calm or violent depending on the time of year) is a much smaller beach. This beach historically has been a nude beach and the sheltering rocks and high cliffs on this end make it a good place to come on the days when the wind is blowing but the sun is still out.
On the days that I have visited both beaches – there were very few people. This is probably due to the somewhat strenuous walk down and up the steps and the trail to the parking lot. The nude section attracts about an equal percentage of males and females. The people that I have seen seem to be a mellow nature lovers just looking for a place to get an all-over tan.
Also, I have seen nude people on the south beach but that is not too common. There are more people there (and families) and the south beach can be seen from the road above in a few places.
The water is far too cold to swim in. The waves even on a calm day make it extremely dangerous for a swimmer without a wet suit. Also, dog are not allowed on either beach.
If you are looking for a couple of pocket beaches for a quick stop (and a vigorous walk and climb) or to spend the entire day in (or out of) a swimsuit, this is one of the best beaches in Northern California.
* Portable restrooms at the top of the stairs but not near the beach
* Seems to be no fee for the parking lot
* The parking lot is not guarded and not marked
* The ocean is so loud that you cannot hear the traffic on Highway 1 above
* Pack out your litter!
Looking out at the ocean, to the left (south) is a fairly large expanse of sand nestled in a cove with steep vertical rock cliffs. Surfers and families like this section and it is usually free of litter and over crowding.
Heading north around a series of rocks jutting out into the surf (calm or violent depending on the time of year) is a much smaller beach. This beach historically has been a nude beach and the sheltering rocks and high cliffs on this end make it a good place to come on the days when the wind is blowing but the sun is still out.
On the days that I have visited both beaches – there were very few people. This is probably due to the somewhat strenuous walk down and up the steps and the trail to the parking lot. The nude section attracts about an equal percentage of males and females. The people that I have seen seem to be a mellow nature lovers just looking for a place to get an all-over tan.
Also, I have seen nude people on the south beach but that is not too common. There are more people there (and families) and the south beach can be seen from the road above in a few places.
The water is far too cold to swim in. The waves even on a calm day make it extremely dangerous for a swimmer without a wet suit. Also, dog are not allowed on either beach.
If you are looking for a couple of pocket beaches for a quick stop (and a vigorous walk and climb) or to spend the entire day in (or out of) a swimsuit, this is one of the best beaches in Northern California.
* Portable restrooms at the top of the stairs but not near the beach
* Seems to be no fee for the parking lot
* The parking lot is not guarded and not marked
* The ocean is so loud that you cannot hear the traffic on Highway 1 above
* Pack out your litter!
Written December 12, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John R
Half Moon Bay, CA6 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
Some of the "Natives" are not very friendly at this place. Most of them keep to themselves but a few old timers love to yell at surfers for using the beach. Apparently we're all perverts that love to watch and film old fat men with tiny junk walk up and down the beach. You're standing on a public beach naked, walk up to me and call me a pervert?! Why don't you go home, put some clothes on and check out your profile on Meganslaw.ca.gov ?
Written October 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LWBW6814
Annapolis, MD3 contributions
As a newlywed nudist couple, we decided to give this beach a try. Highlights include free parking at the top of the cliffs, and the fact that you are separated very well by a large pile of cliff rocks. That made it hard to access the north side (nudist tolerated) area of the beach, but it provides a good amount of privacy. We started on the part closer to the rocks because there were children on the other side and we wanted to be respectful to that fact and hide ourselves better. However, a few older gentlemen kept hanging around us clothed peeping so we moved farther north. Didn't stop the show for them but made us more comfortable. The beach itself was very clean and no other nudists alarmed us. Very non social and heavy male presence but decent overall. Nice day spent here.
Written July 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tcam55
San Frnancisoc1 contribution
Actually, historically the entire beach is a clothing optional beach. Has been since the "60's. It normally had a small fee to visit. Recently, the concession is gone so it is free. Now that it is free, more textiles visit, which is fine for the naturalist generally. Due to gawkers, some textiles, etc. watching from the cliffs above, the naturalist have moved more to the north end but still many ignore the "jerk" and enjoy the entire beach. It is family friendly. During the 60'-80's it was mostly familes but apparently due to the times, less families and more couples and singles. Great naturist beach.
Written January 29, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan D
El Paso, Texas, United States33 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
This was an incredible find as I was driving up the coast from Half Moon Bay to San Fransisco. I saw a glimpse of the beach from the highway and knew I had to go there immediately. I saw the parking on the other side of the highway, pulled in and went over to the beach access.
The first thing you see when you get across the highway is a stunning view of the beach and the pacific ocean. There were dolphins playing in the waves just yards from the shore and the scene literally took my breath away. I didn't expect a large crowd since I went on a Monday, but it was a very hot, cloudless day, perfect for beach going so there were maybe 100 people enjoying beach.
Off to the right are the steps leading down to the beach. There are a lot of them. Of course, going down wasn't that hard... but coming back up might be difficult for some older folks or those with mobility issues and some small children.
Once I got down to the sand, I put my towel down and just took in the scene. Huge waves were crashing, the dolphins were playing, people were either tanning, hanging out, and everyone was super chill. The whole beach is small, so you can walk from one side to the other in maybe 5-10 minutes, with each side of the beach protected by cliffs.
I could have stayed on this beach for the ever. Not kidding. It was that peaceful.
Just a heads up... the right one third of the beach is 'clothing optional'. There were about 30 people in various states of undress, all minding their own business, and unlike another nude beach I accidentally encountered earlier in the week, this had a very relaxed and open vibe with people of both genders, and not at all creepy like the other beach I went to. There were couples relaxing, a group of people camping, and another couple playing fetch with their dog. It seemed exactly like a regular beach scene, except most people were naked.
Would i bring kids here? Sure... just keep them to the left side of the beach if you are worried about nudity.
As far as the actual beach goes,the water was that perfect blue that I wasn't sure existed on the West Coast and the sand was... bigger, more course, than other beaches, but not in a bad way. I imagine that on a less hot and sunny day, this would be a very private spot for some peaceful reflection, or a quiet romantic getaway for young (or old!) lovers to enjoy.
It's hard for me to imagine a more tranquil spot within an hour of San Fransisco and I will definitely return.
The first thing you see when you get across the highway is a stunning view of the beach and the pacific ocean. There were dolphins playing in the waves just yards from the shore and the scene literally took my breath away. I didn't expect a large crowd since I went on a Monday, but it was a very hot, cloudless day, perfect for beach going so there were maybe 100 people enjoying beach.
Off to the right are the steps leading down to the beach. There are a lot of them. Of course, going down wasn't that hard... but coming back up might be difficult for some older folks or those with mobility issues and some small children.
Once I got down to the sand, I put my towel down and just took in the scene. Huge waves were crashing, the dolphins were playing, people were either tanning, hanging out, and everyone was super chill. The whole beach is small, so you can walk from one side to the other in maybe 5-10 minutes, with each side of the beach protected by cliffs.
I could have stayed on this beach for the ever. Not kidding. It was that peaceful.
Just a heads up... the right one third of the beach is 'clothing optional'. There were about 30 people in various states of undress, all minding their own business, and unlike another nude beach I accidentally encountered earlier in the week, this had a very relaxed and open vibe with people of both genders, and not at all creepy like the other beach I went to. There were couples relaxing, a group of people camping, and another couple playing fetch with their dog. It seemed exactly like a regular beach scene, except most people were naked.
Would i bring kids here? Sure... just keep them to the left side of the beach if you are worried about nudity.
As far as the actual beach goes,the water was that perfect blue that I wasn't sure existed on the West Coast and the sand was... bigger, more course, than other beaches, but not in a bad way. I imagine that on a less hot and sunny day, this would be a very private spot for some peaceful reflection, or a quiet romantic getaway for young (or old!) lovers to enjoy.
It's hard for me to imagine a more tranquil spot within an hour of San Fransisco and I will definitely return.
Written September 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelli-12
Imbler, OR10 contributions
Aug 2013
If you are looking for a quiet place to go and sit or walk on the beach, then this is the place for you. Not crowded, plenty of space to sit and ponder. Dolphins observed close by. Stairs take you down to the beach, though some people hike down the steep terrain. I enjoyed a few hours here. Too rough an area to swim for most people.
Written September 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keeliam17
Oakland, CA83 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
We were initially excited to go to this beach. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach the beach because the parking lot is across the highway from the water. We waited by the side of the 2-lane highway for 10 minutes -- there was an endless stream of cars in both directions, and no cars stopped for us.
We ended up deciding that our safety was more important than going to a beach, so we left.
We ended up deciding that our safety was more important than going to a beach, so we left.
Written March 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Are there any fire pits at the beach for a bonfire or barbecue?
Written October 15, 2018
Hi Shockleyrn
We plan to visit Gray Whale Cove Beach in a month. Did you have any problem crossing the highway ? I understand the car park is across the highway opposite the beach ? How dangerous is it to cross the highway ? Thank you in advance, hope to hear from you.
Written March 27, 2018
You just have to becareful and watch for traffic. The parking lot is across the road from the beach access. Where the parking lot is, there is a decent view of the road in each direction to see cars coming.
Written April 1, 2018
Hi Jenny F, we will be visiting Santa Cruz this mid-June, we plan to stop by Gray Whale Cove Beach, I understand the car park is opposite the beach across the highway, how dangerous is it to cross the highway ? How did you get a cross ?
Hope to hear from you, thank you in advance
Written March 27, 2018
It's as dangerous as crossing any other main road. Choose a safe spot , Just be patient and cross quickly when the opportunity arises. Once on the other side of the road walk on the other side of the barrier (not on the road side) for your safety.
Written March 30, 2018
There are two parts to Grey Whale Cove that I’ve discovered. The South side is traditional & lovely yet parking can be more challenging. The northern side has a bit more parking but is dirtier & yes it seems to be clothing optional. Both have lovely views, just one side needs a deep cleaning.
Pacifica is also has lovely views and is just a bit farther North. Not a sitting on the beach type of place (limited parking) you’ll see some lovely views.
Written November 11, 2017
Harry Genaro S
Fairfield, California
are dogs allowed at the beach in gray whale cove in pacifica i read it was ok on the trails but how about the beach
Written April 26, 2015
I've visited this beach 3 or 4 times a year the past few years and have never seen dogs on the beach, I think it is not allowed, but am not sure. Check the calif. State beach website for Gray Whale Cove it should say what the rules are.
Written August 14, 2016
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