California State Parks calls Montara State Beach a popular spot for sunbathing, strolling, nature study and surfing. The beach, west of Highway 1, has high bluffs and a sandy shore between low hills, with restaurants and groceries nearby in Montara and Moss Beach.
The mountain
East of the highway, Montara Mountain, also known as McNee Ranch, is a northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains. State Parks says it holds the only undisturbed coastal mountain habitat on more than 100 miles of coastline. The ranch's two-mile Pedro Mountain Trail connects to trails leading to Montara Beach and Gray Whale Cove State Beach. Horses are welcome on the east-side trails but not west of Highway 1.
Rules
- Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset. No camping.
- Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet.
- There is no drinking water.
- No beach fires, drones or collecting.
Stay at a lighthouse
Point Montara Lighthouse, part of the state park, offers overnight stays through Hostelling International.
History
The Portolá expedition camped in the area on Oct. 30, 1769, possibly at Martini Creek, which reaches the sea at Montara beach. Diarist Juan Crespí noted the large number of mussels the men found on the beach.
Wildlife
The endangered San Francisco garter snake and California red-legged frog live in the area. Offshore, Montara State Marine Reserve and Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area protect tidepools and reefs.
Next door: Gray Whale Cove State Beach.