01
Best overall pick
Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
Pacifica – Linda Mar Neighborhood • Wide Sandy Surf Beach • Local Favorite For All-Around Fun
A sweeping crescent of sand with steady waves, easy access, and a relaxed, surf-town vibe.
About 20 minutes south of Millbrae, Linda Mar is the go-to spot when someone says "let's just hit the beach." There’s a big parking lot, restrooms, and casual spots for coffee, burritos, or a post-session beer right across the road. Expect beginners’ surf lessons in the whitewater, families posted up near the dunes, and plenty of room to walk the shoreline even on busier days.
02
Closest escape from Millbrae
Rockaway Beach
Pacifica – Rockaway District • Compact Beachfront Village • Best For A Quick Scenic Getaway
A smaller beach wrapped by bluffs and a tiny cluster of restaurants, perfect for a speedy ocean fix.
Rockaway feels like a pocket-sized coastal hamlet, with a sandy beach backed by hotels, seafood spots, and a paved walking path. It’s an easy option when you want to leave Millbrae, see waves crashing on rocks, and be back before dinner. The headlands at either end offer short, rewarding walks with big views, especially around sunset when the bluffs glow orange.
03
Most dramatic coastline
Montara State Beach
Montara • Wind-Swept State Beach • Top Pick For Coastal Road Trippers
A broad, rugged stretch of sand backed by cliffs, with a wild, open-ocean feel.
Just south of the Devils Slide tunnels, Montara State Beach feels instantly more remote than the Pacifica spots, even though it's still an easy drive from Millbrae. The sand is expansive, the views are huge, and the coastal bluffs make this a favorite for photographers and storm watchers. Waves and currents can be strong, so most people come to walk, beachcomb, and picnic rather than swim.
04
Best hidden-feeling cove
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Between Pacifica And Montara • Secluded Cliff-Backed Cove • Perfect For Romantic Sunsets
A tucked-away cove reached by a stairway, with golden sand, steep cliffs, and a quiet, away-from-it-all atmosphere.
From the highway pullout, Gray Whale Cove doesn’t look like much until you take the stairs down and the full arc of sand reveals itself. Sheltered by cliffs, it often feels calmer than more exposed beaches, though the surf is still powerful. Parking is limited and there are no services, so it’s best for those willing to pack in snacks, layers, and a sense of adventure.
05
Best for a full beach day
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay – North Of Downtown • Classic Family-Friendly Strand • Ideal For Families And Long Walks
Miles of level sand linked by the Coastal Trail, with plenty of room for picnics, kites, and easy seaside strolling.
A little farther from Millbrae but worth the drive, Half Moon Bay State Beach offers the kind of broad, gentle shoreline that works for multi-generational outings. You’ll find several access points, campgrounds, restrooms, and a paved trail that runs along the bluffs for stroller- and bike-friendly views. It’s the spot to settle in for the day, watch surfers dot the lineup, and stay long enough to see the fog roll in.