About This Beach
San Gregorio State Beach features a wide, flat sandy beach backed by impressive sandstone cliffs along Highway 1 south of Half Moon Bay. The beach sits at the mouth of San Gregorio Creek, which forms a lagoon that attracts numerous bird species. During low tide, visitors can explore small caves and rock formations at the base of the cliffs, while beachcombers search for interesting driftwood, shells, and occasionally fossilized shark teeth. Strong currents make swimming dangerous, but fishing, horseshoe tossing, and kite flying are popular activities. The beach has picnic facilities and is less crowded than many Bay Area beaches despite its accessibility, offering a more natural coastal experience just an hour from San Francisco.