Montara State Beach: An exotic presence
Sandstone cliffs by the ocean, with the coastal fog relentlessly rolling in. You see beachgoers strolling or sunbathing, and even some surfers catching waves. From the distance, this seems like a typical California coastline.
Not until you walk further.
Your attention is now drawn to something different: a stretch of purple and white flowers! At Montara State Beach, one can find such unique sighting of the Agapanthus bloom during summer months. Also known as “Lily of the Nile”, these curious yet vibrantly-colored plants magically transform an already picturesque landscape into some place dreamier, if not more exotic.
Tips
- Bring warm clothing along. With the fog being a common feature in summer, the weather can change drastically within minutes.
- There are two main parking lots available: at Martini Creek in the north and near 2nd street in the south. Both are free, but availability might be limited depending on the weather and day of the week.
- Go during the golden hours if weather permits. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset.
