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.

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

📅 Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Today might not be ideal for classic beach activities at Gray Whale Cove Beach. The maximum air temperature will be 14.4 °C, so it will be cool. The sky will be mostly cloudy. The wind might be noticeable at times. Given the sea temperature of 13.1 °C and high waves, it's not really suitable for swimming.
🌬️

Air

Low / High10°C/14.4°C
Feels Like (High)12.4°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature13.1 °C
Wave Height3.1 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:27/19:12
Sunshine Hours10.8 hrs
UV Index5.9
Cloud Cover63%
💨

Wind

Speed20.8 km/h
Gusts30.6 km/h
DirectionNW

These beaches might also interest you

Beaches near Gray Whale Cove Beach