montara state beach

janp847

We visited this beach because it was billed as "dog friendly." We parked in the lot at the south end and struggled down the little arroyo (it was really only a struggle because my wife had recently had knee surgery and was walking with a cane, and I and my daughter were trying to manage two large, excited dogs) to the beach area. The beach was very clean and not busy at all with maybe five other groups of people there (it was mid-May when we visited). The breeze off of the ocean was crisp and clean and the tide was maybe half-way in. We wandered up and down a bit, introduced the dogs to the surf (note: Australian cattle dogs - blue heelers - don't really like the ocean, but labs and mutts seem to love it), and just watched the waves roll in.While on the beach, we noticed the stairs. We didn't have to come down the arroyo. The stairs were a little to the north of the parking area, near the small restaurant. I suggest using the stairs if you visit, it's a lot easier. There isn't much parking on the south end where we parked. We didn't try the restaurant, but it was moderately busy. Looked like it would have been a fairly nice place.

BirdLover14

If you're driving up Highway 1 either to or from San Francisco, stop here for beautiful views of the ocean, the gold-colored sandstone cliffs, and dramatic breakers. A terrific place for a walk.

dmdac

Montara, California located on the coast just south of San Francisco has one of the finest State beaches. This wide, beautiful beach plays host to many a family during the summer although fog is as likely as sun. Surfers, birds and people share the beach all year. It is a popular beach. There are no facilities other than a toilet located in the parking lot above the beach. There is limited parking-mostly on the highway.

Kbrat25

One of the best in northern Cal, easy access off of Hwy 1, minutes south of Pacifica, just outside of San Francisco. One of the most photographed beaches and used in a lot of commercials (car) and movies (Mavericks). We absolutely love this beach - it's clean, accessible and there are local food places to grab a sandwich or for a sit down meal.

958JasonK

This a the local break for a friend of mine. We could see the waves a devils cliffs or something like that from his porch. The waves were fun and it appears to be a great beach for families, dogs, romantic walks, snorkelling/spearfishing, nature walks, body boarding, skim boarding, and surfing. We were catching what my friend told.me was a rare South swell from a huricane that roared up along baja. Lefts were hiting. I would love to.catch this spot on. North swell as the rights really fire by what Ray told me.

mini

We were taking the highway 1 drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz and given our fortunate luck, we had a very nice sunny day (i.e. not always the case - it can be cool and/or foggy). It was so fun watching the surfers in the area. We enjoyed taking a walk on the beach.

Wanderlust_Taiwan

Not more impressive than other beaches along the coast. The positive is that it is relatively uncrowded and more secluded.

asiapaccap

This is the best beach in san mateo county and just a stone throwby car from san Francisco or SFO. Long wide sand beach which is great for just about any activity from walking to volleyball.Surf bathing is ok when the sun is shining. Otherwise be prepared for cold water conditions. no surfing here so bring the frisbie and a picnic lunch for a great day at the beach. Or walk to some excellent restaurants and coffee houses nearby

Meadow111

Very easy accessible beach located down the cliff. On the west side of Highway 1 you will see free parking lot, just watch out when you cross the road when going to the beach. Very solid wooden staircase leads down to the beach. Once you down and keep going to the left you will end up being on the nude part of the beach. Good place for relaxing day with perfect view of the Pacific Ocean.By the parking lot there are great hiking trails that go up the mountain where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets and the view. Make sure you don't leave your valuables in visible spots of your car. I've seen broken glass on the parking lot many times.

AnnArborMiBob

Though I'm partial to the cozier Rockaway Beach cove a few miles to the north, I still like this beach. It's a great place to kick up some sand and relax in the sea breezes. It also makes a nice break if you're headed south on Route 1 on one of its busier days. (If you're headed north instead, you then do have to figure out how to make that left turn into traffic, but patience would still pay off, and that shouldn't deter you from making a stop to check out this place.)

737lisah

What a great place to just relax, I could have stayed here all day. It was so beautiful, wish I lived in that area!

MIH440

Anyone who enjoys taking pictures of the coastline and the ocean will have a wonderful opportunity to get amazing pictures. The beach is very clean, sand is smooth not very rocky, water is cold. The place does not look overcrowded. We saw couples walking, families with little kids flying kites and having picnics on the beach and a few surfers. You have to be able to to walk down more than 20 steps' stairs and climb them back to the parking place we got access from. There is an advice about not to swim due to the unpredictable waves.

american_foxhound

Parking sucks, but otherwise, it's a great beach to go with the family. The water gets deep fast, and the area is known for rip tides - I wouldn't swim at this beach. It is a great spot for surfers - or just watching them, as I do. We bring the dogs, and let them run off leash without troubles. It's a locals like of place. It's great that you can skip into La Costinara for nibbles and cocktails.

wayway52

Great beach, beautiful view. Parking is challenging but worth the trouble. Many dogs off leash but they did not bother us. Sunset was gorgeous. Descent from parking lot to beach was about 50 feet, not bad, take your time and steps had plenty of room to allow quicker ascents and descents for those who are younger and in better shape!

dmgeorge

This is a nice and clean beach that is a hidden gem. Plenty of room to play and is pet friendly. Be careful of strong currents though.