Gray Whale Cove State Beach - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Beaches

About Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a California State Park between Pacifica, California, and Montara, California, by Highway 1 and approximately 18 miles south of San Francisco. It features a sheltered cove surrounded by abrupt cliffs, with trails connecting to nearby Montara Mountain and McNee Ranch State Park. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

Hotels near Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Hotels to stay near Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Activities Around

Attractions Near Gray Whale Cove State Beach

McNee Ranch State Park

McNee Ranch State Park

1.22km from Gray Whale Cove State Beach

McNee Ranch State Park is a beautiful, scenic, and surprising park. Comprised almost entirely of wide, multi-use fire roads. The highest point in the 690-acre ranch rises to 1,898 feet above sea level. An unpaved fire road, the North Peak Access Road, accessible from the Pedro Mountain Road, provides access to the summit by hikers.

Devil's Slide

Devil's Slide

1.71km from Gray Whale Cove State Beach

This is a coastal promontory in California. The terrain is characterized by steep, eroded slopes with natural gradients ranging between 30 and 50%. There are small coastal valleys throughout along the major drainages within the Montara Mountain watershed.

Montara State Beach

Montara State Beach

1.97km from Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Montara State Beach is a wide mile-long beach just north of Montara along the San Mateo County Coast. It is a popular spot for sunbathing, strolling, nature study, surfing, and more. It is one of the cleanest beaches in the state and there are bike, hiking, and horseback trails. The Devil's Slide is at the north end of the beach and the trail starts from a beach parking lot. A lighthouse operated as a hostel is part of the state park.

Pedro Point Headlands

Pedro Point Headlands

2.54km from Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Pedro Point Headlands offers a spectacular 255-acre landscape, three miles of trails and stunning views. At the same time, the Headlands suffered from persistent erosion, caused by past off-highway vehicle use. Sediment from the headlands runs into San Pedro Creek, harming fish, frogs and other wildlife.

Point Montara Lighthouse

Point Montara Lighthouse

3.16km from Gray Whale Cove State Beach

The Point Montara Light is a lighthouse in Montara, California, United States, on the southern approach to the San Francisco Bay, California approximately 25 miles south of San Francisco.The lighthouse is not open to the public, and is the site of a youth hostel sponsored by Hostelling International USA.

Sanchez Art Center

Sanchez Art Center

3.18km from Gray Whale Cove State Beach

The Sanchez Art Center is a nonprofit arts organization located in Pacifica, California. It was formed in 1996 by local artists and community members.The Center also hosts exhibitions for the Arts Guild of Pacifica as well as other Bay Area arts organizations. Solo exhibitions are produced by guest curators.

Discover More Attractions in San Mateo County, Home of Gray Whale Cove State Beach

San Mateo County

San Mateo County

76 attractions

just south of San Francisco and home to the world-renowned Mavericks surfing competition. The county seat is Redwood City. he county's built-up areas are mostly suburban with some areas being very urban, and are home to several corporate campuses.

Location of Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Comments

For more information about Gray Whale Cove State Beach, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_Whale_Cove_State_Beach

To view all hotels near Gray Whale Cove State Beach, visit: Hotels near Gray Whale Cove State Beach