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Gray Whale Cove State Beach is in an area of steep cliff erosion between Pacifica and Montara called the “Devil’s Slide.” The beach itself is safe, but the old highway in this area was re-routed through a tunnel to avoid the dangerous slide zone. Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a well-known clothing-optional beach in San Mateo County, just a short drive from San Francisco. Edun Beach is the nickname for the north end of this beach where it is mostly clothingless (edun is n-u-d-e spelled backwards). This is a state park so nudity is banned, but it’s still common so keep that in mind if you plan to visit this public beach.

The Gray Whale Cove parking lot is on the east side of Highway 1 on the bluff above the beach. After you park, carefully walk across the highway to the descent at the north end of the guardrail. There is a steep trail and a steep stairway to the beach. The local rule here seems to be that after you reach the beach, go left for the normal state beach area and go right for the clothing-optional beach. Whale watching is a common activity here during their migration period (yes binoculars at a clothing-optional beach seems creepy). There is a hiking trail from the parking lot that goes south and connects with Montara State Beach.

report this adDirectly above Gray Whale Cove to the north is a rotting old WWII bunker on what is known as Bunker Point. Unfortunately it’s now signed for “no entry” due to unsafe conditions, but it’s a unique structure visible from the beach.