Gray whales can often be spotted close to the shore of this scenic beach. Surrounded by high cliffs, it features a clothing-optional section during the spring.
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4.5/5 · 76 reviews
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4-star
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Jun 26, 2024
Absolutely gorgeous beach with plenty of picture opportunities! You park across the highway before walking a short distance (stairs involved), but then you are at an amazing beach with cliffs, rocks,…Full review by elchaco
Jan 27, 2023
Free parking lot across the hwy. You may not want to bring children as crossing is a bit dangerous. port a potty on top parking lot. This was a quick visit in January for me on my way south.Full review by chelslynne
Jul 11, 2022
You know this beach is a beautiful place and I always love visiting here. The last visit my husband and I noticed a moderate amount of trash just dumped. It’s disappointing what people do to beautifu…Full review by Melissa A
Hi Shockleyrn We plan to visit Gray Whale Cove Beach in a month. Did you have any problem crossing the highway ? I understand the car park is across the highway opposite the beach ? How dangerous is it to cross the highway ? Thank you in advance, hope to hear from you.
A:
You just have to becareful and watch for traffic. The parking lot is across the road from the beach access. Where the parking lot is, there is a decent view of the road in each direction to …
You just have to becareful and watch for traffic. The parking lot is across the road from the beach access. Where the parking lot is, there is a decent view of the road in each direction to see cars coming.
Hi Jenny F, we will be visiting Santa Cruz this mid-June, we plan to stop by Gray Whale Cove Beach, I understand the car park is opposite the beach across the highway, how dangerous is it to cross the highway ? How did you get a cross ? Hope to hear from you, thank you in advance
A:
I was completely unable to get across the highway. We waited on the side of the highway for 10 minutes and no cars stopped for us, so we eventually just left. You would definitely have …
I was completely unable to get across the highway. We waited on the side of the highway for 10 minutes and no cars stopped for us, so we eventually just left. You would definitely have to RUN across the highway unless you come at a time that is unpopular for cars. We went on a weekend during the day and the road was way too busy. That being said, this is a popular beach so I'm sure lots of people figure out how to get across!
There are two parts to Grey Whale Cove that I’ve discovered. The South side is traditional & lovely yet parking can be more challenging. The northern side has a bit more parking but …
There are two parts to Grey Whale Cove that I’ve discovered. The South side is traditional & lovely yet parking can be more challenging. The northern side has a bit more parking but is dirtier & yes it seems to be clothing optional. Both have lovely views, just one side needs a deep cleaning. Pacifica is also has lovely views and is just a bit farther North. Not a sitting on the beach type of place (limited parking) you’ll see some lovely views.
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