Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Gray Whale Cove State Beach is in an area of steep cliff erosion between Pacifica and Montara called the “Devil’s Slide.” The beach itself is safe, but the old highway in this area was re-routed through a tunnel to avoid the dangerous slide zone.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a well-known clothing-optional beach in San Mateo County and just a short drive from San Francisco. Edun Beach is the nickname for the north end of this beach where it is mostly clothingless (edun is n-u-d-e spelled backwards). This is a state park so nudity is banned, but it’s still common so keep that in mind if you plan to visit this public beach. Citations could be issued at any time for those who intend to bare all.

The Gray Whale Cove parking lot is on the east side of Highway 1 on the bluff above the beach. The upper lot has restrooms if you need to go before hiking down to the beach. After you park, carefully walk across the highway to the descent at the north end of the guardrail. There is a steep trail and a steep stairway to the beach. The local rule here seems to be that after you reach the beach, go left for the normal state beach area and go right for the clothing-optional beach.

Whale watching is a common activity here during their migration period (yes using binoculars at a clothing-optional beach seems creepy but their migration is mostly during the winter months). Surfing and surf fishing is also common in Gray Whale Cove.

There is an excellent hiking trail that begins from the parking lot that goes south and connects with McNee Ranch which is part of Montara State Beach. Another hike takes off on an old road beyond a yellow gate by the upper parking lot. This road, now called the North Trail, leads uphill to an abandoned home

Directly above Gray Whale Cove to the north is a rotting old WWII structure called the Devil’s Slide Bunker on what is known as Bunker Point. Unfortunately it’s now signed for “no entry” due to unsafe conditions, but it’s a unique structure and visible from the beach.

Address

Cabrillo Hwy
Montara, CA 94037

Phone

650-726-8819

Park Name

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Other Names

Devils Slide Beach, Grey Whale Cove

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

No fee for parking

Activities

Whale Watching, Hiking, Sunbathing, Surfing, Hiking

Amenities

Trails, Military Ruins, Beach Rocks, Restrooms (at upper parking lot)

Links

Water Temps
Tide Chart
Gray Whale Cove Surf Report