State park
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a state park in San Mateo County, California. Hours: 8am to Sunset Camping is not available at this park.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach map
Gray Whale Cove State Beach boundary from USGS PAD-US or the managing agency, simplified for display. Not for navigation or legal boundaries.
Fire restrictions
Fire restriction orders for this unit are not tracked here yet. Restrictions change with the season, so check the current orders before any campfire, stove or target shooting.
Common questions
- Gray Whale Cove State Beach has 1 developed campground. Sites can be reserved in advance.
- Hours: 8am to Sunset Camping is not available at this park.
- No, day use at Gray Whale Cove State Beach does not need a reservation; pay the entry fee on arrival.
- No, dogs are not allowed at Gray Whale Cove State Beach.
Before you go
Day use needs no reservation; pay the entry fee on arrival.
Camping at Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Gray Whale Cove State Beach has 1 developed campground. Sites can be reserved in advance.
Trails
- Steep Trail to Beach Long steep staircase and trail from Highway 1 parking down to the cove
- East-side trails to Montara Mountain Parking also accesses McNee Ranch and Montara Mountain trails
What to see
- Overlook Gray Whale Cove overlook Bluff picnic area above a secluded cove also known as Devil's Slide
- Rock formation Cove cliffs Cliffs dropping abruptly into turquoise Pacific water
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Public lands next to Gray Whale Cove State Beach
- State parkGray Whale Cove State Beach borders Montara State Beach, a state park.
- BLM unitCalifornia Coastal National Monument is 0.2 miles away, straight line between the two boundaries.
- National Park Service unitGolden Gate National Recreation Area is 0.7 miles away, straight line between the two boundaries.
Measured between the units' boundaries as mapped in USGS PAD-US. Distances are straight line, not driving.
- https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=528 (accessed 2026-09-29)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_California_state_parks (accessed 2026-09-28)