Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to October (calm, sunny days; fog is common in summer mornings)
About Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a small sandy cove, roughly 800 feet long, at the foot of steep cliffs on the San Mateo County coast, just north of Montara and south of the Devil's Slide headland on Highway 1. Clean light sand, rock outcrops at each end and clear, very cold water make it one of the prettiest pocket beaches south of San Francisco. Nude use dates back to the Bay Area naturist scene of the 1960s, and before California State Parks took over, the cove was run by a private licensee as a fee-charging clothing-optional beach. Today naturists gather at the north end, a section separated from the main beach by rocks and known locally as Edun Beach; the rest of the cove is used by clothed beachgoers, so turning left at the bottom of the stairs keeps you out of the nude area. There is no shade, no concession and no water on the beach, only a small picnic area on the bluff. Surf and rip currents are strong and the water is cold year-round, so most people sunbathe rather than swim. Gray whales pass offshore during their spring migration.
Getting there
Park in the State Parks lot on the east (inland) side of Highway 1, about 1.2 miles north of Montara; it has chemical toilets and trash bins. You then cross the busy highway on foot, which State Parks warns can be difficult and dangerous, and descend a long, steep staircase (about 146 steps) to the sand. Hours are 8 am to sunset; dogs are not allowed on the beach. Parking is fee-based via pay machines. SamTrans buses run along Highway 1 through Montara. The stairs make the beach unsuitable for wheelchairs.
What visitors say
Visitors rave about the setting: white sand, turquoise water and dramatic cliffs make it feel far from the city. Naturists say the rocky north end is the place to be and that it is usually relaxed and uncrowded, while the main beach sees clothed families and hikers coming off the Devil's Slide trail. Common complaints are the dangerous highway crossing, the steep stairs back up, cold wind and fog. Travel guides advise caution with young children because of the nude section, and recommend bringing water and sun protection since there is no shade.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Nudity is generally prohibited in California state parks, and Gray Whale Cove has no official clothing-optional designation; State Parks' own page does not mention it. In 2012 rangers said they would let the long-standing tradition continue on the sand unless visitors complained, so enforcement is complaint-driven and can change.
Naturism at Gray Whale Cove State Beach sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 37.5646, -122.5140
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Is nudity legal at Gray Whale Cove?
Not officially: it is a state beach and nudity is generally prohibited in California state parks. Rangers have historically tolerated it at the north end unless someone complains.
Where is the nude section?
At the north end of the cove, beyond the rocks, known locally as Edun Beach. Turn right at the bottom of the stairs; the main beach to the left is clothed.
Where do I park?
In the State Parks lot on the east side of Highway 1, then cross the road carefully and take the staircase down.
Are there toilets?
Only chemical toilets in the parking lot on the east side; none on the beach.
Can I swim?
The water is cold year-round and rip currents are strong, with no lifeguards, so swimming is risky.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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