California, United States of America

Gray Whale Cove Beach

Gray Whale Cove Beach is a well-liked beach destination situated in Half Moon Bay, USA. It is located in an area known as Devil's Slide, which is characterized by steep cliff erosion that necessitated the re-routing of the old highway through a tunnel to avoid the dangerous slide zone. Beachgoers can park their cars in the lot on the east side of Highway 1 and hike down the steep trail and stairway to access the beach.

During migration periods, whale watching is a popular activity, and there is a hiking trail that connects with Montara State Beach. To the north of Gray Whale Cove is a decaying old WWII bunker on Bunker Point, which provides visitors with a distinct historical viewpoint.

Discover accommodation options near Gray Whale Cove Beach and enjoy the unique views from the historical WWII bunker at Bunker Point.

The beach material is made up of coarse sand and small pebbles, and it has a gradual slope towards the ocean. All in all, Gray Whale Cove Beach is a must-see location for those searching for a lovely and unusual experience along the California coast.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beautiful natural scenery and secluded areas at the beach, with some visitors noting the fun attractions nearby. However, visitors also complain about the tall and slippery stairs covered in sand, which can be dangerous. Overall, the beach is a great place for relaxing and enjoying the ocean view with fewer crowds.

Where to Stay near Gray Whale Cove Beach?

If you’re planning a trip to Gray Whale Cove Beach, consider staying in the nearby towns of Pacifica or Half Moon Bay, which offer a range of accommodations from cozy inns to seaside hotels. These towns provide easy access to the beach and are also popular for their charming coastal attractions and dining options.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Find the best nearby activities

What to do near Gray Whale Cove Beach?

Where is Gray Whale Cove Beach?

Latitude: 37.5645993 / Longitude: -122.5139689

Gray Whale Cove Beach is located in California. The following map of Gray Whale Cove Beach shows the exact location.

Gray Whale Cove Beach: Weather Today

📅 Thursday, July 24, 2025
Today at Gray Whale Cove Beach is not ideal for sunbathing. The sky is completely covered with clouds. The maximum air temperature will be 15.2 °C. The sea temperature is 14.5 °C, so it's not suitable for swimming. Expect moderate waves. The wind will be moderate, with occasional stronger gusts. The UV index will reach 8.1, so make sure to apply sunscreen if the sun appears.
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Air

Low / High13.8°C/15.2°C
Feels Like (High)14.5°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature14.5 °C
Wave Height1.0 m
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Rain

Rain Chance2%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:07/20:25
Sunshine Hours0.0 hrs
UV Index8.1
Cloud Cover100%
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Wind

Speed17.3 km/h
Gusts25.9 km/h
DirectionW

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