Gray Whale Cove State Beach sign

A secluded cove off the Devil's Slide just south of San Francisco, Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular place to relax, watch the waves, and sometimes even ride them.

Please write to California representatives to ask them to support the parks. If you don't live in California, your letters still are important, particularly if parks influence your interest in visiting the state. Remember that this is an economic issue, so it will help if you write about the money you spend at local businesses while you are visiting the parks. You can also support one of the foundations that is helping to fund the threatened parks. You can find a list of foundations here.
To find out more about what you can do to help save California's State Parks by going to the California State Parks Foundation webside (http://www.calparks.org/).
Please also check the Save Our State Parks website (http://savestateparks.org/) and follow them on Facebook.
Thank you!!!

A Two Tier Park

The bluffs at Gray Whale Cove State Beach Steep Staircase to beach at Gray Whale Cove State Beach

This park is divided into two levels. The upper bluffs support a lovely assortment of spring and summer wildflowers (and plenty of poison oak!). A steep wooded staircase leads the visitor to the sheltered beach below. Beware of the poison oak that sneaks through the steps!

Wonderful Waves

Waves and Gray Whale Cove State Beach Surfer at Gray Whale Cove State Beach

The beach is just a few miles north of the infamous Mavaricks, which attracts (and occasionally bests) big wave surfers from all over the world. Only experienced surfers should attempt to surf here, due to strong waves, rip tides and occasional sharks!

A touch of history

Gray Whale Cove State Park beach World War II Observation Bunker

During World War II, the Devil's Slide was the site of several coastal defense observation bunkers. One of these can still be seen on the bluff above Gray Whale Cove State Park beach.