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.
When it’s on
Montara works best on a W to NW swell. It also picks up SSW to W swell. Light offshore wind from the east. Mid-tide window when the bars line up. Hooded full suits are standard.
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.
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. It also picks up SSW to W 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, winter 2026.
Nearby spots
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