Montara State Beach

The San Mateo coast, which stretches from Pacifica to the northern edge of Santa Cruz County, covers 40 miles of some of California's best coastal landscapes. Of course, the best way to experience all this natural beauty is to get down onto the beach, and if you can do so with your dog, then you're guaranteed a pawfect day out.

The Montara State Beach is about eight miles north of Half Moon Bay and 20 miles south of San Francisco. This pupular spot attracts surf fishers and anyone who likes beachcombing and exploring tide pools, but its best feature is that leashed dogs are always welcome. That's right, you can romp in the sand and splash in the surf with your canine bestie!

Accessible via two points from the bluff area, the Montara State Beach offers you and your canine companion the opportunity to get your paws wet and explore this stunning stretch of coastline. Montara Mountain, which is perhaps more commonly known as McNee Ranch, is also part of Montara State Beach. This northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains features coastal mountain habitat and some sweeping ocean views, and just like the beach itself, it's open to leashed dogs.

Parking for Montara State Beach is available at the end of Second Street, while restrooms and picnic areas are also available on site. You'll need to keep your furry explorer on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, even in the water. Bring all the essentials for a pawtastic day out, including drinking water to share and clean-up bags, and always pick up after your pup. 

The next time you're heading through the area along Highway 1, turn off to the Montara State Beach and enjoy some time beside the sea with your pup.