Overview
Montara State Beach is a powerful, consistent beachbreak on less than a mile of open sand, facing straight into the Gulf of Alaska. It breaks over shifting sand with lefts and rights, and the beach gets a constant hit from swell, wind, tide, fog, and whatever else the Pacific sends in.
It can be fun, but it is not a soft spot. Nasty rip currents, undertow, heavy poundings when it is big, and a high beachgoer-to-drowning history are real drawbacks.
When It Works
Montara is moderately consistent and has surf year-round. It is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, with the optimal swell direction from the west. Southwest to north swells can also break here.
It is good during smaller, clean west swells, while larger peaky swells can make the paddle-out a problem. In summer, south and west swells can dribble in at the south end and along the beach. In fall or winter, a sunny day can line up with excellent surf.
Wind and Tide
The main offshore wind is east. Southeast and south winds can also be workable here, and south winds linked with fog or rain can leave Montara cleaner than nearby beachbreaks.
Low and mid tide are the usual tide window, with low tide best on small days. A rising tide is better, and the exact shape depends on the sandbars.
Local Tips
Montara suits intermediate surfers, though beginners and intermediates often surf it on smaller windswell days. Shortboards, fish, and guns all fit depending on size.
The lineup is usually fairly quiet, but it can get more crowded when surfers from Half Moon Bay make the trip. On the best peaks, expect more focus in the water.
Access
There is a car park with free parking, plus restrooms. Parking is also available in the dirt at the north end and in the lot at the south end. Beachgoers can also park in the big Chart House lot just north of the restaurant.
