Copyright: California State Parks Coastal view of Montara State Beach

Description - Montara mountain (also called McNee Ranch) is part of Montara State Beach. The mountain is a northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found over 100 miles of coastline.

Attractions - The beach is bounded by low hills both to the north and south. Restaurants and grocery stores are nearby. Point Montara has a lighthouse that offers overnight accommodations. It is operated by American Youth Hostels.

Recreation - Montara State Beach is a popular location for visitors who can explore the beach tidepools or go surf fishing.

Climate - Climate in the San Francisco-Bay area varies greatly with elevation and the amount of coastal influence. Areas with more coastal influence experience moderate temperatures year round with fog likely from June through mid-August. Plan your coastal visit in the late summer or fall to ensure the best conditions for viewing the scenery. Also, occasional clear days between winter and spring storms are incomparable. Areas further inland experience greater temperature extremes, with relatively cooler winters and hot summers. Inland areas often receive frost on winter nights. As throughout most of California most of the precipitation comes in the winter months, with April through October normally very dry.

Location - On the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo County, approx. 20 miles south of San Francisco. The beach is located eight miles north of Half Moon Bay on Highway One. There are two beach access points from the bluff area. One access is across from Second Street, immediately south of the Outrigger restaurant. The second access is located about a half-mile north on the ocean side of Highway 1. The paths down to the beach are steep.

LAT: 37.5488281
LONG: -122.5144223