Nestled at the foot of a small valley, in the area known as “Devil’s Slide”, Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a small, sheltered beach about 800 feet long. The parking lot is located on the east side of the highway and given the traffic, crossing the road can be dangerous.  Please take care. A steep trail leads down to the white-sand beach, where the cliffs shield the beach from view of Highway 1.

The area had also been known in the past as a clothing-optional beach before it became a California State Park, but the practice may continue today.

The beach is named for the frequent sightings of gray whales from the beach. In spring, wildflowers brighten the bluffs above the beach. The granitic rocks of Montara Mountain are the main source of sand for the beach.