Montara State Beach
We visited Montara State Beach with our 4-year-old and 1-year-old and loved how wide and open it felt. There was plenty of room for families to spread out and enjoy the beach without feeling crowded. Our kids had a great time playing in the sand and building sandcastles. It was about 70 degrees with some cloud cover and very little wind, a comfortable, warm Bay Area beach day without the sun feeling too intense.
All Ages
Free
Coast
There are two parking lots, and the north lot is larger than the south lot. Parking was fairly easy for a beach right off the highway, and restrooms are available. Getting down to the beach requires descending steps, so it isn’t very stroller- or wagon-friendly. The sand is slightly coarser than at some other Bay Area beaches, and the water is cold, although some kids still enjoy going in.