Montara State Beach Activities
Surfing
Surfers at Montara Beach enjoy a consistent beach break with powerful waves. At times the break has been compared with some of the biggest waves along the coast. With so much beach to work from, the area rarely is crowded. East winds are known to generate some of the best waves. Rip currents are difficult, making it a chore to paddle out.
Surfing Lessons
Several surf schools are located a few miles to the south at Half Moon Bay.
- Open Ocean Surfing, surfing lessons, classes, and camps at Surfer's Beach. (650) 867-0315
- Jetty Betty Surf School, private and group surfing lessons. (650) 455-8141
Surf Fishing
The coast of northern San Mateo County offers some of the best surf fishing in the area. Among the fish most often caught are surfperch, kingfish, sole, jacksmelt, surf smelt, striped bass, and California halibut. Most surf anglers report their best success in the early morning or that last hour before dusk. Fishing on the incoming tide when fish are feeding increases odds of success.
Gray Whale Cove
Wildlife
Harbor seals are often spotted poking their heads up beyond the surf line. During the fall, winter, and early spring migrating gray whales can be sighted farther out from shore. Beach visitors are likely to spot gray whales in their annual migration during the winter months. January is considered the peak of the migration, but sightings are common into April. Blue whales and humpbacks are also seen just off the coast. Sea lions occasionally venture into the area.
Brown pelicans, as well as several types of terns and gulls, are common along the Monterey Bay coast and north to Half Moon Bay.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is one mile north of Montara State Beach. The sheltered cove is flanked by high cliffs that drive straight into the ocean, creating a dramatic setting. A parking area is found along the east side of the highway, and a trail leads to a stairway with 145 steps down to the beach.
A picnic area is situated on the bluff overlooking the ocean. Restrooms are nearby, tucked in among the trees. Not surprisingly, the bluffs along Gray Whale Cove are good place to watch for passing gray whales. No climbing on the cliffs is allowed, but there are plenty of good vantage points at the picnic area. Visitors to the beach include fisherman, sunbathers, and photographers.
Gray Whale Cove Beach
McNee Ranch
McNee Ranch is spread along the western slope of Montara Mountain, across the highway from the beach. McNee Ranch is part of Montara State Beach. Naturalists enjoy the wild slopes of the ranch land, finding plants and animals that cannot be seen anywhere else.
McNee Ranch is open for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Dogs on leash are allowed. Some trails are steep, but the rewards are great. From the summit of 1,898-foot North Peak, on a clear day you can gaze west to the Pacific, east to San Francisco Bay and Mount Diablo, and north to Point Reyes.
Another excellent hike (and much shorter and easier than the trek to North Peak) is the hike from Gray Whale Cove to an observation point with a bench. It's a great place to watch for whales during the winter months, so pack your binoculars.
