Montara State Beach

The Park is currently OPEN.

Please check the hours of operation.

Reservations

Contact Number

(650) 726-8819

Park Accessibility Information

View the Park Accessibility Information

Park Hours

8am to Sunset
Camping is not available at this park.

Park Activities

Are Dogs Allowed?

Yes

Day-Use Activities & Facilities

Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching

Trail Use

Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding

Park Facilities

EV Information

E-Bike Locations
EV Charger Icon

EV Charger Locations

Other Facilities & Visitor Information

Parking
Restrooms

Boating

Visiting Montara State Beach

Montara State Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, strolling, nature study, surfing, and more. The beach, west of Highway 1, has high bluffs and a sandy shore nestled between bounding low hills. To the east, Montara Mountain (also known as McNee Ranch) looms above. The mountain is a northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountain range and features the only undisturbed coastal mountain habitat found on over 100 miles of coastline.

Restaurants and grocery stores are located nearby in the towns of Montara and Moss Beach. Point Montara Lighthouse offers overnight accommodations through Hosteling International, a non-profit group.

McNee Ranch encompasses coastal mountain habitat with winding trails and sweeping coastal views. The ranch’s two-mile Pedro Mountain Trail connects to trails leading to Montara Beach and Gray Whale Cove State Beach.

Horses are not allowed west of Highway 1, and are welcome to use the trails on the east side of Highway 1, in the McNee Rach section of the park

Basic Park Information

WATER is not available at this park.

DOGS are permitted provided they are controlled with a leash of no more 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.

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.