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GhostFingers · NorCal Bay Area · Half Moon Bay

Montara

Open-coast beachbreak on the north end of Half Moon Bay, just south of the Devil's Slide cliffs. Full exposure to the North Pacific: punchy, fast, sand-bottom peaks across the cove. The wave runs heavy by Bay Area standards.

Half Moon Bay Famous spot

Spot intel

Parking

Free lot at Montara State Beach off the 1, about 50 spaces. Roadside parking on the shoulder when the lot's full. Short walk to the sand.

Crowd

Spread, never as thick as the spots inside Pillar Point. Locals run the working peaks. The lot fills on the cleanest mornings.

Beginner-friendly?

No.

Strong rips, fast closeout sections on larger swells, and cold water in the low 50s°F year-round. Not a beginner wave.

Lineup etiquette

Beachbreak priority is per-wave. Paddling inside an active takeoff is the standard call-out.

When it's on

West or northwest groundswell with light offshore wind from the east. Mid-tide window when the bars line up. Hooded full suits are standard.

Where it breaks

Coordinates
37.5473, -122.5161
Shore faces
W
Region
Half Moon Bay, California

Common questions

What swell direction is best for Montara?
Montara works best on a W to NW swell.
How big does Montara need to be?
Montara is best in the 3-8ft range on a 12-20s period.
What are the best conditions at Montara?
Light or offshore wind under about 10 knots, with the tide around 1-4ft.
Where is Montara?
Montara is a heavy beach break in Half Moon Bay, California. The beach faces W.
Does GhostFingers forecast Montara?
Yes. GhostFingers grades Montara with a six-tier verdict from swell height, period, direction, tide, and wind. iPhone, summer 2026.

New to reading a forecast? Start here.

Launching summer 2026.

Six-tier verdicts for every California break, calibrated to swell, period, direction, tide, and wind.

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