Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Phone Number

(650) 726-8819

Park Hours

8am to Sunset
Camping is not available at this park

Dogs Allowed?

Driving Directions to Gray Whale Cove SB

On the San Mateo Coast, north of Montara on Highway One. The only available automobile parking is on the east side of Highway 1. Crossing to the ocean side of the highway can be both difficult and dangerous.

View on Map

Online reservations are not available for this park.

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

BOATING
Boating

TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Fishing
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching

OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Restrooms

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To sign up for guided hikes and other park programs in Santa Cruz-area State Parks, visit www.santacruzstateparks.as.me to see the schedule and make reservations.

Looking for your next adventure?

California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer. Online registration opens March 1 at 9am.

Artists, we have a special backpacking trip option for you: the Big Basin Artabout! Ten artists will be chosen to particpate in the first backpacking trip in Big Basin since the CZU Lightning Complex Fire on June 3-4, 2023. Artists will recieve a $2500 stipend and will create an artistic piece in the medium of their choice inspired by the trip to be displayed in the park! The deadline to apply is April 28, 2023. For more information, visit the Big Basin Artabout website.

Please be advised, Gray Whale Cove SB is one of the few California State Parks that does not accept the Annual Day Use Pass.

Visiting Gray Whale Cove

The beach (also known as Devil’s Slide) features a sheltered cove surrounded by cliffs that drop abruptly into the Pacific Ocean. The parking lot is located on the east side of Highway 1 which also allows access to McNee Ranch and Montara Mountain, part of Montara State Beach.

A steep trail leads down to the beach. There is a small picnic area on the bluff above the sand. Gray whales can often be seen migrating close to shore.

Facilities:
Chemical toilets are located in the upper lot at the Gray Whale Cove parking lot on the east side of Highway 1. There are no restrooms on the west side of Highway 1.

Trash receptacles are located at the Gray Whale Cove parking lot. There is no trash pickup west of Highway 1.

Basic Park Information

WATER is not available at the park.

DOGS are not allowed on the beach. Dogs are allowed on the trails east of Highway 1 and they must be confined to a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

BEACH FIRES are not allowed.

COLLECTING is prohibited. Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features.

FIREWORKS are prohibited.

DRONES are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.

CAMPING is not available at this park. Nearby state park campgrounds include Half Moon Bay State Beach and Butano State Park.

RESTROOMS: Chemical toilets are located in the upper parking lot at the Gray Whale Cove parking lot on the east side of Highway one. There are no toilets on the west side of Highway 1.

GARBAGE: Trash receptacles are located in the parking lot. There is no trash pickup west of Highway 1.

OCEAN SAFETY – Always use caution when you are in or near the ocean. The ocean water is very cold year-round. Even a short swim can cause cramps or hypothermia (a life-threatening condition which occurs when your body temperature drops before normal). In addition, strong rip currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers offshore.

PERMITS are required for all events and weddings. A photography permit is required for all commercial photography.