Montara State Park on the Beach - Guide to Montara State Beach

Montara State Beach in Monterey County (near Half Moon Bay, California)

This beach is a popular location for visitors who can explore the beach tide pools or go 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 called 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.

Montara State Beach is a beach located eight miles north of Half Moon Bay on State Route 1, USA. Operated by California State Department of Parks and Recreation under the San Mateo Coast Sector Office. It is one of the cleanest in the state.

Has two beach access points
Also operates a lighthouse as hostel
Known for its surfing and fishing
Dogs are permitted provided they are controlled with a leash of no more than six feet at all times.
NO beach fires are allowed.
refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features. Fireworks are prohibited.
Has bike, hiking, horseback trails

Location of Montara State Beach

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Location: Use following Coordinates: 37°32'53"N 122°30'49"W in a GPS for exact locations.

On the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo County, approx. 20 miles south of San Francisco. The beach is located eight miles north of Half Moon Bay on Highway One.

There are two beach access points from the bluff area. One access is across from Second Street, immediately south of the Outrigger restaurant. The second access is located about a half-mile north on the ocean side of Highway 1. The paths down to the beach are steep.

Montara State Beach can be reached at 650-726-8819.

Nearby State Parks to Montara State Beach

• McNee Ranch State Park

Here is a detailed list of other state beaches of California besides Montara State Beach.