Visit Stinson Beach, Marin County, California

Stinson Beach sits just 20 miles northwest of San Francisco, where forest meets ocean in one of Northern California’s hidden gems. This small coastal town is a dreamy escape from city noise, with its wide white sand, salty air, and that laid-back vibe you only get in places where the redwoods nearly touch the sea. Stinson Beach mixes great swimming, hiking, volleyball, and killer views, making it a favorite for day trips or lazy weekends year-round.

Once you’re there, it’s hard not to notice how the scenery just takes over. The beach is tucked right up against Mount Tamalpais State Park, so you get this wild combo of redwoods and rolling fog that can make the place feel almost enchanted, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

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Getting here is half the fun. Highway 1 winds along the coast with those jaw-dropping Pacific views, and honestly, even if you’ve done the drive before, it never gets old. Stinson doesn’t pull the same crowds as some Bay Area beaches, but you’ll still find everything you need for a chill day by the water. No wonder locals keep this spot close to their hearts—it’s one of Northern California’s best little secrets.

Getting to Stinson Beach

You can reach Stinson Beach pretty easily from San Francisco or anywhere else in the Bay Area, and the drive itself is a highlight. Scenic coastal routes snake along some of California’s prettiest stretches. Bring your camera, and maybe some Dramamine if you’re not a fan of curves.

Driving Directions and Routes

From San Francisco, you’ve got two main ways to get here. The quickest is Highway 1 (Shoreline Highway), hugging the coast for about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and how many times you pull over to snap a photo. It’s twisty, so take it slow if you’re prone to carsickness.

Or, you can go via Panoramic Highway—take Highway 101 to Mill Valley, then follow Shoreline Highway to Panoramic. It’s a bit longer and less curvy, with breathtaking views of the Bay and Mount Tam. Some folks prefer it just for the scenery.

Coming from other spots in Marin County? Expect about a 30 to 40 minute drive. In the summer or on holidays, traffic can get gnarly, so you’ll want to arrive early. Parking’s free but fills up fast on sunny days.

Public Transportation Options

No car? You’re not out of luck. Marin Transit runs buses to Stinson Beach on Route 61.

Catch the bus from Marin City, which you can reach on a Golden Gate Transit bus from San Francisco. All told, you’re looking at about 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Schedules are a bit sparse, especially on weekends, so check the Marin Transit site before you go.

Rideshare is another option, though honestly, it can get pricey—especially coming back, since drivers aren’t always hanging around Stinson waiting for fares.

Cell service drops out here and there, so it’s smart to download your maps and bus times ahead of time. Off-season? Transit options get even scarcer.

Top Attractions and Activities

Stinson Beach is one of those places where you can do a lot—or nothing at all—and feel pretty good about it. There’s plenty of outdoor recreation and jaw-dropping coastal views to go around.

Stinson Beach Highlights

The beach is the star of the show. It stretches almost 3 miles, so even on busy weekends you can usually carve out a patch of sand for yourself. In summer, lifeguards keep an eye on swimmers.

The town itself is tiny but artsy. You’ll stumble across a handful of galleries featuring local artists—worth a browse if you need a break from the sun.

Hungry? Parkside Café and Breakers Café both serve up solid meals with a view. If you want something right on the sand, the Siren Canteen is a classic for quick, casual eats.

Facilities are simple but clean—restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas with BBQs. Parking goes fast, so early birds get the best spots.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Stinson Beach sits inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The National Park Service keeps it all in good shape, protecting the coastline and keeping things wild.

You can connect from here to Muir Woods or Mount Tamalpais State Park—there’s a whole network of trails and protected areas. Trail signs give you the lowdown on local plants and animals. Sometimes rangers run programs if you’re curious about the natural history.

The Visitor Center is worth a quick stop for maps, tide charts, or just to chat with staff about where to head next.

Outdoor Adventure and Sports

Hikers rave about the Dipsea Trail. It’s a tough 7-mile route linking Stinson Beach and Mill Valley, with killer views of Mount Tam and the ocean.

Water lovers have plenty to do. Swimming is a go-to in the warmer months. Surfing’s hit or miss, but on a good day, it’s a blast for beginners. You can rent boards or take a lesson in town.

Kayaking is another way to see the coast. Outfitters nearby rent gear and offer tours if you’re not sure where to start.

If you like fishing, cast from the beach for surf perch and other catches—just check the regs first.

Mountain bikers will find solid trails on Mount Tam, from mellow to gnarly.

Exploring the Outdoors

Nature lovers will feel right at home here. Stinson Beach is the kind of place where you can bounce between the ocean, forests, and mountains all in one day.

Hiking Trails and Scenic Walks

Mount Tamalpais State Park has a bunch of trails with ocean views just minutes away. The Matt Davis Trail is a local favorite—moderate, scenic, and loaded with coastal panoramas. It’s a 7-mile loop through redwoods, ending with Pacific views that honestly make you stop and stare.

For something shorter, try the Dipsea Trail segment near Stinson. It links up with Muir Woods if you’re itching to see ancient redwoods.

The Steep Ravine Trail is a bit of a different vibe—lush, ferny, and there’s even a wooden ladder to climb. Many people mix and match these trails for a full day out.

Popular Hikes Near Stinson Beach:

Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop (7 miles)
Dipsea Trail to Muir Woods (4.5 miles one-way)
Bolinas Ridge Trail (easy to moderate)

Camping Near Stinson Beach

Camping near Stinson is possible, but you’ll want to plan ahead. Steep Ravine Cabins offer rustic digs with ocean views, but you’ll need to book months in advance—they’re that popular.

Pantoll Campground on Mount Tamalpais is more traditional, with 16 first-come, first-served sites, picnic tables, and fire rings. You’ll camp among Douglas firs at about 1,500 feet up.

Rocky Point-Steep Ravine Environmental Campground has seven primitive sites perched above the coast. It’s a bit remote, but the views are worth it.

What to pack:

Warm layers (the fog can chill you, even in July)
Waterproof or fog-proof gear
Bear-proof food storage (yes, really)
Extra water

Most campgrounds stay open all year, but closures happen during fire season (usually summer through fall), so double-check before you go.

Nearby Destinations

Stinson Beach is a launchpad for exploring some of NorCal’s prettiest places. You’re close to funky small towns, wild coastline, and enough variety to keep things interesting.

Bolinas and Olema

Bolinas is just 5 miles south but feels like another world. This artsy, off-the-grid community is famous for pulling down road signs to keep things under the radar. The main street is quirky, with local shops and the Bolinas Museum for a dose of history and art. The beaches are usually uncrowded.

Between Bolinas and Stinson is Bolinas Lagoon—a hot spot for bird watching (over 245 species, if you’re counting).

Olema, about 12 miles north, is a tiny historic village that sits near the epicenter of the 1906 earthquake. The Farm House Restaurant is a solid pick for local eats, and the Point Reyes National Seashore Visitor Center is handy for trip planning.

Both towns offer a glimpse of coastal life without the crowds.

Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook

Muir Beach is just 10 minutes south—a small, crescent-shaped cove surrounded by hills and a restored wetland that attracts all sorts of wildlife.

The Pelican Inn, a cozy Tudor-style pub near the beach, pours local beers and serves British comfort food. It’s a great lunch stop after a hike.

Muir Beach Overlook juts out 200 feet above the Pacific. On a clear day, you can see from the Golden Gate Bridge to Point Reyes. Old WWII bunkers add some quirky history.

Trails from the overlook wind through coastal grasslands—don’t miss the Coastal Trail for those dramatic clifftop views.

Point Reyes and Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes National Seashore is about a half-hour north and covers a wild 71,000 acres. It’s packed with beaches, cliffs, marshes, and forests.

Some highlights:

The iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse (open Friday-Monday)
Tule elk herds at Tomales Point
Alamere Falls, a rare “tidefall” that drops right onto the sand
Limantour Beach for its wide shoreline and wildlife

Point Reyes Station is the main town nearby. Once a railroad stop, it’s now all about artisan food, galleries, and a mellow vibe. Cowgirl Creamery is a must for cheese lovers, and Toby’s Feed Barn has local crafts and produce.

On Saturdays (summer to fall), the farmers market brings in locals and visitors alike.

Mill Valley and Marin Headlands

Mill Valley, at Mount Tam’s base and about 20 minutes from Stinson, blends small-town charm with good food and shopping. The downtown area is shaded by redwoods, with boutiques, cafes, and the old Sequoia Theater.

Old Mill Park is a nice spot for a picnic among the redwoods, and the 1.5-mile Dipsea Trail starts here—steep, but worth the effort.

The Marin Headlands, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offer wild coastal scenery, historic sites, and a bunch of hiking options. Don’t miss:

Battery Spencer for classic Golden Gate Bridge shots
The Marine Mammal Center (see rescued seals and sea lions)
Rodeo Beach, with its colorful pebbles
Point Bonita Lighthouse (limited hours, but cool if you can catch it open)

The headlands serve up some of the best views of San Francisco, hands down.

Dining and Local Cuisine

Stinson Beach isn’t huge, but it punches above its weight when it comes to food. The vibe is casual, with a focus on fresh California ingredients and coastal flavors. Most spots lean toward laid-back, so you can roll in sandy and sunburned and still feel right at home.

Notable Restaurants

Parkside Café is a local staple, especially if you’re after a good breakfast or brunch. The casual, friendly atmosphere makes it a great way to kick off a beach day, and the outdoor patio is a plus.

Breakers Café gets decent reviews (3.5/5) for its classic American fare—think burgers and sandwiches that hit the spot after a hike or swim.

Bodega Stinson Beach is a newer face in town. It’s still finding its groove, but it’s worth a try if you’re looking for something different.

Restaurants get slammed on summer weekends and holidays. If you can, eat early or late to dodge the crowds.

Seafood and California Coast Favorites

Stinson Beach menus lean heavily on fresh seafood—makes sense, given the town’s spot right on the coast. Local catches show up in daily specials, especially during fishing season, and you can taste that ocean influence in most dishes.

California cuisine is everywhere here. You’ll notice:

Locally-sourced ingredients
Menus that shift with the seasons
Sustainable seafood (or at least a real effort toward it)
A blend of classic and creative cooking

Plenty of spots use produce from West Marin farms, so meals feel genuinely local.

Cooking for yourself? The grocery store in town is small but covers the basics and even stocks a few specialty items. It’s enough to throw together a beach picnic or whip up something simple if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen.

Accommodations in the Area

Stinson Beach gives you a handful of places to stay, from beachfront hotels to vacation rentals tucked away in the hills. Prices usually start at about $171 per night, and most places offer full refunds if your plans change last minute.

Hotels and Inns

You won’t find big hotel chains here—just a few small, charming hotels and inns, many with ocean views or direct beach access. These boutique spots tend to fill up fast in summer and during holidays, so booking months ahead is smart.

Most hotels offer basics like WiFi and parking, sometimes breakfast too. The best-rated ones have outdoor spaces where you can soak up the salty air and the mellow weather.

Vacation Rentals and Camping

Vacation rentals kind of run the show in Stinson Beach. There’s everything from condos right on the sand to quirky cottages hidden under the trees. Families or anyone staying a while will probably prefer these—most have full kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor decks (sometimes with a grill).

Prices are all over the map, depending on location, size, and extras.

If you’re on a tighter budget, camping is the way to go. Campgrounds nearby offer both tent and RV sites, with just the basics. You’ll need to reserve way ahead for summer weekends—these spots are popular.

The top camping pick is usually inside Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where you’re close to trails and the beach. Bring layers, though—mornings get pretty foggy, even in July.

Essential Visitor Information

Before you head to Stinson Beach, it helps to have a handle on services and safety. The beach offers basics, but there are a few quirks and safety notes worth knowing.

Stinson Beach Information and Services

The main parking lot opens at 9:00 AM and closes at different times depending on the season—usually 7:00 PM in summer, 5:00 PM in winter. On sunny weekends, the lot fills up quickly, so getting there early is your best bet.

Public restrooms and outdoor showers sit near the parking area. The National Park Service keeps these facilities up and running since this stretch of beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Need groceries or snacks? The Stinson Beach Market on Highway 1 is your go-to. It’s the only option in town, so expect prices to be a little higher than what you’d find in the city.

Cell service can be unreliable in spots. If you really need internet, the Stinson Beach Library offers free public Wi-Fi.

Safety Tips for Visitors

Swimming here isn’t always a breeze. Rip currents are a real hazard, and lifeguards only work from late May through September. Check the warning signs before heading in.

Fog can sweep in fast, dropping the temperature in minutes. Even on bright days, bring layers—coastal weather changes on a whim.

Poison oak grows everywhere along the trails. Remember: “leaves of three, let it be.” Stick to established paths to avoid a rash.

Wildlife, especially deer, love to cross Highway 1 at dawn and dusk—drive carefully.

Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your car. Better yet, leave them at home. While crime is rare, break-ins do happen in the parking lots from time to time.

Day Trips from Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach makes a solid home base for exploring the Bay Area. Several nearby spots offer totally different vibes, all within an easy drive.

San Francisco and Golden Gate Bridge

It’s just a half-hour from Stinson Beach to San Francisco, crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The drive itself is worth it—there are a few pullouts with killer views of the bridge.

Once you’re in the city, Fisherman’s Wharf is classic for seafood and sea lion watching. Pier 39 has shops, street performers, and all kinds of distractions. If you want to see the city from a different angle, hop on a cable car and hang on tight.

For sweeping views, head up to Twin Peaks or climb to Coit Tower—both give you a panorama of the bay and beyond.

Into art or museums? The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park is a favorite, and SFMOMA downtown always has something new and weird.

Crissy Field and Ocean Beach

After you cross the bridge, Crissy Field is right there with its restored wetlands and a long stretch of sand. It’s a go-to for walks, picnics, and just hanging out. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from here is unbeatable—plus, you’ll probably see windsurfers and kiteboarders zipping by. The Warming Hut is a cozy spot for coffee if the wind picks up.

Not far away, Ocean Beach runs along San Francisco’s western edge. It’s huge, windy, and a favorite for surfers—though the water’s cold and the currents are no joke. Most folks just walk the shore and watch the waves.

If you’re into history or just want a moody view, stop by the old Cliff House or wander the Sutro Baths ruins nearby. The ocean scenery here is hard to beat.

Half Moon Bay and San Mateo

South of Stinson Beach, Half Moon Bay’s that kind of coastal town you just want to wander for hours. It’s about an hour’s drive, but Highway 1 makes every minute worth it—ocean on one side, cliffs on the other, and that salty air sneaking in through your window.

Downtown’s got a bunch of art galleries, some quirky boutiques, and a handful of local restaurants. If you’re into craft beer, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is right by the water—grab a pint, sit outside, and just watch the waves roll in.

Feeling outdoorsy? Horseback riding on the sand is an option, or you can hit the Coastside Trail for a hike. In the fall, the pumpkin farms go all out—think corn mazes, hayrides, and that sweet smell of autumn everywhere.

Head a little inland and San Mateo County has a few surprises. There’s a Japanese garden tucked into Central Park and CuriOdyssey, a hands-on science museum where you’ll probably end up touching everything (and why not?). Filoli Historic House and Garden is a bit of a show-off in spring—16 acres of formal gardens, blooming like they’re trying to outdo each other. Worth a stroll, for sure.