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Montara State Beach is a less-than-a-mile stretch of open beach located in California that faces directly into the Gulf of Alaska. This spot takes a lot of energy from the Pacific Ocean, which means it’s constantly seeing changes due to swell, wind, and tide. It's known for its chilly waters, so a wetsuit is usually a must, especially during the cooler seasons. On nice days, you might find Montara feeling much more inviting compared to other nearby beaches that can look gray and blown out.
The surf at Montara offers a mix of options. It can get powerful and consistent, especially good for smaller, cleaner west swells. The waves here can handle sizes from about 1 meter (3 ft) to around 3 meters (10 ft) depending on the conditions. The best time to paddle out is usually at low or mid tide, especially during smaller days. When it’s big, be prepared for some serious paddling and watch out, as the bottom can shift, and you might encounter a bit of everything from peaky to heavy beach breaks. Waves tend to break left and right, with the best rides happening on an east wind.
Getting to Montara is pretty easy with dirt parking on the north end and a lot on the south end. However, it does get crowded sometimes, especially when folks from Half Moon Bay show up. Surprisingly, the beachgoer-to-drowning ratio here is quite high, so it’s good to keep an eye out when you're in the water. Overall, Montara sees surfers of all levels, but it leans more towards beginners and intermediates, particularly on lighter windswells. No matter the season, there's usually some surf to be had, making it a decent spot to check out.