8am to Sunset
Camping is not available at this park.
Montara State Beach
This park unit is fully open. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly, especially for the elderly, immune-compromised and the unvaccinated.
COVID-19 Guidelines (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
COVID-19 Guidelines (February 16, 2022)
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Effective March 1, 2022, state guidance recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, continue masking in indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers. Universal masking remains required in specified high-risk settings. Please plan ahead as local county guidelines may differ from state guidance and visitors are urged to follow county guidelines when required. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Phone Number
(650) 726-8819
Park Hours
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.
Online reservations are not available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
BOATING
Boating
Boating
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching
Picnic Areas
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Parking
Restrooms
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.
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.
- Wedding & Special Events Permits:
SMPermits@parks.ca.gov
(650) 726-8819 - Film & Photography Permits:
SMFilmPermits@parks.ca.gov
(650) 726-8815