Discover the Serene Beauty of Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty and tranquility of Gray Whale Cove State Beach in California, a must-visit destination for beach lovers.
Nestled between rugged cliffs and the Pacific Ocean, Gray Whale Cove State Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, offers a picturesque escape for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. With stunning views, sandy shores, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, this beach is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Gray Whale Cove State Beach
- Half Moon Bay, California, 94019, US
- +1650-726-8819
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a good parking spot, as the beach can get busy, especially on weekends.
- Bring layers, as coastal weather can change quickly, and it can get windy even on sunny days.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, but remember to take all your trash with you to help preserve the area's natural beauty.
- Check local whale migration schedules to enhance your chances of spotting these majestic creatures during your visit.
- Explore nearby hiking trails for stunning views of the coastline and a chance to see local wildlife.
Getting There
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Public Transit
From downtown Palo Alto, walk to the Palo Alto Caltrain Station located at 95 University Ave. Take the Caltrain northbound towards San Francisco and get off at the Millbrae Station. At Millbrae, transfer to the BART train towards Daly City and get off at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Station. From SFO, take the SamTrans Bus Line 398 towards Half Moon Bay. Get off at the Half Moon Bay stop and walk towards Gray Whale Cove State Beach, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
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Bus
Start your journey at the Palo Alto Transit Center located at 4100 El Camino Real. Take the SamTrans Bus Route 17 towards Half Moon Bay. This bus will take you directly to Half Moon Bay. Get off at the stop closest to Gray Whale Cove State Beach. From there, walk approximately 10-15 minutes to reach the beach.
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Bicycle
If you're comfortable biking, rent a bike from a local rental shop in Palo Alto. Start from downtown Palo Alto and head west on University Avenue until you reach El Camino Real. Turn left onto El Camino Real and continue until you reach CA-92. From CA-92, follow the signs to Half Moon Bay. The bike ride is approximately 15 miles and will take about 1-1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Half Moon Bay, follow the signs to Gray Whale Cove State Beach.
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Taxi/Rideshare
Use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. Enter 'Gray Whale Cove State Beach, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019' as your destination. The driver will pick you up from your current location in Palo Alto and take you directly to the beach. This option is convenient and can take around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Discover more about Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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