Gray Whale Cove State Beach


This is one of the coast’s popular clothing-optional beaches. Park across the road and cross Hwy 1 very carefully to the beach. It's located just south of Point San Pedro and the Devil's Slide.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Montara State Beach

0.31 MILES

About 5 miles south of the town of Pacifica, this wide-open crescent is a local favorite for its pristine sand. Inland the park encompasses McNee Ranch,…

2. Rancho Corral de Tierra

1.59 MILES

Trails climb from Montara State Beach to access the undeveloped 4000-acre park of Rancho Corral de Tierra, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation…

3. Pacifica State Beach

2.34 MILES

Getting a suntan or catching a wave are the main attractions at popular Pacifica State Beach, as well as at Rockaway Beach just north.

4. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

2.87 MILES

At Moss Beach, this marine reserve protects tide pools teeming with sea life. Walk out among the pools at low tide – wearing shoes that you can get wet –…

5. Half Moon Bay State Beach

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Busy Half Moon Bay is bordered by this 4-mile-long, crescent-shaped beach. Stop by the park visitor center (open weekends only) at the parking lot to…

6. Mussel Rock Park

7.12 MILES

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7. San Bruno Mountain State & County Park

10.12 MILES

Look at a driving map of the Bay Area and you may wonder at an odd island just south of San Francisco where roads are absent. This is San Bruno mountain,…

8. Fort Funston

10.37 MILES

Grassy dunes up to 200ft high at Fort Funston give an idea of what the Sunset District looked like until the 20th century. A defunct military installation…