Discover northern California’s unseen charm and cheer.
At the northern edge of the San Francisco peninsula’s vast mountain range, Montara is a rugged paradise. Dog-lovers, holiday enthusiasts, and mountain climbers alike enjoy this small community’s friendly and lively spirit. Montara features the best of all worlds - the quiet countryside, towering redwood trees, and a scenic Pacific coastline. Breathtaking views of all three can be enjoyed from the top of North Peak, the final reward at the end of a scenic seven-mile hike.
Following the completion of the Point Montara Lighthouse in 1875, the region was first populated by farmers. Trains hoped to bring weekenders to this stop on the Ocean Shore Railroad, but growth was slow. Montara truly began to grow in the ‘50s but has managed to maintain its rural, communal feel. As a result, residents enjoy largely untouched geography and friendly relationships with neighbors.
The first small town many people drive through after departing San Francisco, Montara serves as a gateway of sorts to mountainous northern California, protected beneath a canopy of ancient Redwood trees. Despite the close proximity to Silicon Valley, life in Montara is peaceful, serene, and active. Dramatic mountainside trails perched high above sandy beaches provide miles and miles of walking paths to visitors, leading to the Instagrammable Point Montara Lighthouse. Nearby, several adored local eateries boast similar views, matched with seafood brunches and freshly-roasted coffee.
Montara’s seaside location has allowed local restaurants and bars to serve just-caught seafood, paired with exquisite wines from the nearby Napa Valley. Often located right on the water, patrons enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with breathtaking views.
Also boasting a nearly unbeatable seaside location, Kusina Beach Cafe and Bar at Ocean View Inn is the number one spot for breakfast and brunch. All-day breakfast with a Filipino flair is enjoyed by locals across the roadway from the Montara Reef Viewpoint.
Named after the region’s protected marine life preserves, Highway One Trading sells funky, coastal-themed apparel, accessories, and gifts. Their “pool party” pop-up community gatherings feature small businesses from across northern California. Some of their colorful items include kitchenware, jackets, sunglasses, and handmade jewelry.
Montara’s charm is best appreciated through one of their many beaches or trails. Montara State Beach is famous for its tide pools, surf fishing, camping, and beach volleyball. Striking Pacific views can also be seen from atop the Montara Mountain Trail. Beginning in Blue Gum Eucalyptus Forest, the trail gently slopes downhill to the shores. Both the beaches and the trails are perfect places for spending quality time with four-legged friends. In the autumn specifically, Montara attracts visitors from all over for their lavish Halloween celebrations. Trunk-or-treating, hayrides, haunted houses, and scary movie nights have made Montara into the Salem of the west coast.
Montara is home to schools adored by locals, including:
Farallone View Elementary, transitional kindergarten-5th grade. A school that thrives on community participation, FVE holds regular festivals, talent shows, and theme weeks/days, to bring the community together as one.
2,879 people live in Montara, where the median age is 55.4 and the average individual income is $78,077. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Montara has 1,040 households, with an average household size of 2.77. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Montara do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 2,879 people call Montara home. The population density is 742.65 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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42 N Cabrillo Highway
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Peninsula
1440 Chapin Ave., Suite 200
Burlingame, CA 94010
