Montara State Beach

UPDATE (May 30, 2020) - As California State Parks begins working with locals on a phased and regionally-driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved, it is important for visitors to continue to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household. Everyone has the responsibility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Here are some guidelines for people visiting Montara State Beach:

What is open now?
The following is open at the park:
  • Very limited parking will be available to the public in the south parking lot and Martini Creek parking lot.
  • Restrooms will be partially reopened.
  • Trails will be open for access.
  • Visitors to engage in active recreation only.

What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:
  • Picnic tables and gathering spots will be closed.
Statewide:
  • Campgrounds.
  • High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
  • Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.

Are there any new visitor guidelines?
Yes, please see below:
  • Stay Local: Stay close to home. Walk or bike into the park. Parking is very limited. Do not take road trips to parks and beaches or to neighboring states.
  • Stay Active: Keep walking, jogging, hiking and biking. Watch for one-way trails.
  • Stay Safer at 6 Feet: Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Gatherings, picnics and parties are not allowed. Visitors will be asked to leave if there are too many people at the park, beach or on trails to allow for the required physical distance.
  • Stay Clean: Be prepared. Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash.
  • Stay Covered: The state now requires you to wear a face covering in most indoor settings and public outdoor spaces when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more from people outside of your immediate household. For details, please visit CDPH’s guidance here. Visitors should also abide by their local county health orders.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of California State Parks as we work to limit your risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors. For more information, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.

Phone Number

(650) 726-8819

Park Hours

Day use area 8am to Sunset

* Camping is not available at this park.

Dogs Allowed?

Yes

Driving Directions to Montara SB

About 20 miles south of San Francisco, the beach is located 8 miles north of Half Moon Bay on Hwy 1.
There are two beach access points from the bluff area:
One access point is across from Second St; the other access point is about 1/2 mile north, west of Hwy 1.

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
Horseback Riding
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms

Visiting Montara State Beach

This beach is a popular location for exploring tide pools and surf fishing. The beach is bounded by low hills both to the north and south. Restaurants and grocery stores are nearby. Point Montara has a lighthouse that offers overnight accommodations. It is operated by Hostelling International, a non-profit group.

Montara mountain (also known as McNee Ranch) is part of Montara State Beach. The mountain is a northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found over 100 miles of coastline.

Basic Park Information

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

SPECIAL EVENTS: permits are required for all events and weddings.  For permit information contact: San Mateo Sector Office (650) 726-8819.

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