01
Best overall pick
Montara State Beach
Central Montara Shoreline Along Highway 1 • Wide Scenic State Beach Backed By High Bluffs • Best All-Around Option Near Montara
A broad, wild-feeling beach with big views, consistent surf, and room to spread out right in Montara.
With its golden sand framed by steep bluffs, Montara State Beach feels both dramatic and surprisingly accessible. There are a couple of roadside parking areas, but they fill quickly on clear weekends, so arrive earlier in the day if you can. The water is beautiful but cold and prone to strong currents, so many visitors stick to long walks, photography, and watching the surfers from the sand.
02
Most dramatic cove
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Between Montara And Pacifica On A Tight Cliffside Bend • Secluded Pocket Beach Beneath Sheer Cliffs • Most Dramatic Coastal Cliffs
A sheltered little cove tucked below Highway 1, with a steep trail down and sweeping bluff-top vistas.
Just a short drive north of Montara, Gray Whale Cove rewards the effort of the stair-stepped descent with a surprisingly intimate strip of sand. The small bluff-top parking lot and tight roadside pullouts keep crowds in check, giving the cove a quieter, tucked-away feel. It’s a great choice when you want a short hike, a more enclosed setting, and big-sky coastal views without wandering too far from town.
03
Best tidepools
Moss Beach & Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Moss Beach Neighborhood Just South Of Montara • Rocky Marine Reserve With Sheltered Pocket Beach • Best Tidepools And Marine Life
A protected shoreline where cypress groves, tidepools, and a small sandy pocket make a low-key, nature-heavy beach stop.
At low tide, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve reveals carpets of anemones, sea stars, and crabs in its wide tidepools, making it the go-to spot for curious kids and nature-minded adults. The main access leads through a cool, shaded cypress grove and down to a mix of rock and sand, with a small beach area that’s more for exploring than lounging. Check tide charts before you go and stay on marked paths to help protect the fragile marine life.
04
Best for learning to surf
Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
South End Of Pacifica, A Short Drive North Of Montara • Busy Surf Town Strand With Services • Best For Beginner Surfers And Conveniences
A crescent-shaped beach with a mellow surf scene, on-beach parking, and coffee and burritos just steps from the sand.
Pacifica State Beach, often called Linda Mar, is where many Bay Area surfers catch their first waves thanks to its relatively forgiving break and easy access. The large parking lot, restrooms, and nearby cafes make it feel more like a classic town beach than a remote coastal outpost. Expect more people and a lively lineup in the water, especially on weekends, but also the most amenities of any beach on this list.
05
Best dog-friendly walk
Poplar Beach
South End Of Half Moon Bay, A Short Hop South Of Montara • Bluff-Backed Strand Popular With Walkers And Dogs • Best For Long Sunset Walks With Dogs
A broad, accessible beach at the edge of Half Moon Bay, known for dog walks, sunsets, and easy trail connections.
Poplar Beach sits just below the coastal bluffs at the southern edge of town, where a sloping path leads from the parking area down to the sand. It’s one of the more relaxed, dog-friendly options nearby, with plenty of room for leashed pups and people to roam at lower tides. Come near sunset to walk south along the shoreline or up on the bluffs and watch the sky catch fire over the Pacific.