Stinson Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which means the beach and parking are both free. Whether you come to swim, surf, picnic, hike, or simply sit and watch the Pacific roll in, this stretch of coast delivers one of the most rewarding day trips in Northern California.

The contrast is part of the magic. On a clear day you can walk out of the cool redwood shadows of Mount Tam and onto sun-warmed sand in a matter of minutes. On a foggy morning, the mist drifts through the coastal pines and the beach takes on a quiet, almost otherworldly feel.

How to Get to Stinson Beach

From downtown Sausalito, plan on a 30 to 40 minute drive. Most visitors follow Highway 1 (Shoreline Highway) from Mill Valley as it winds past Muir Beach and climbs along dramatic ocean cliffs before dropping into the town of Stinson Beach.

The alternate route over Panoramic Highway is longer but also spectacular, passing through Mount Tamalpais State Park with sweeping views of the Bay. Whichever route you choose, the drive is narrow and twisty, so take your time and pull over at the turnouts to take in the views.

No car? Marin Transit’s West Marin Stagecoach Route 61 connects Stinson Beach with the Manzanita Park & Ride at Highway 101 in Mill Valley, with service seven days a week.

Parking lots open at 9 AM and fill up quickly on warm weekends and holidays. Arriving early is the single best piece of advice for a summer visit.

Things to Do at Stinson Beach

Swim and play in the surf. Stinson is one of the few beaches in Marin County with gentle enough waves for swimming and wading. Lifeguards are typically on duty from early July through Labor Day. The water stays cold year-round – around 58°F in summer – so a wetsuit makes a long swim much more pleasant.

Surf a classic break. Stinson Beach is a popular spot for beginner and intermediate surfers. 2 Mile Surf Shop in town rents boards and wetsuits and offers lessons for first-timers.

Walk the full length. A round-trip walk from end to end runs close to 7 miles. Most visitors settle for a mile or two, but the long flat sand and sweeping views make it easy to lose track of time.

Picnic and people-watch. There are picnic tables near the parking lots, and the town’s restaurants and cafés are a short walk away. Volleyball nets, restrooms, and cold-water showers are all available near the main beach entrance.

Bring the dog – carefully. Dogs on leash are welcome on the Marin County-managed section of the beach (Upton Beach, just north) but are not allowed on the National Park Service stretch of Stinson itself.

Explore the Town

The town of Stinson Beach is tiny, walkable, and packed with character. A handful of cafés, surf shops, galleries, and casual restaurants line Shoreline Highway within a block or two of the beach.

It’s the kind of place where you can grab a coffee, browse a bookstore, pick up a taco or sandwich, and be back on the sand within 15 minutes. Bring cash for the smaller vendors, and be aware that cell service can be spotty in town and along the coast.

Nearby Attractions

Stinson Beach makes an ideal anchor for exploring the rest of the Marin coast.

Mount Tamalpais State Park rises directly behind the beach. The Matt Davis, Dipsea, and Steep Ravine trails all link the coast to the mountain and offer some of the most scenic hiking in the Bay Area.

Muir Beach and the Muir Beach Overlook sit about 15 minutes south along Highway 1 and are a natural stop on the drive home. The overlook is a favorite spot for winter whale watching.

Muir Woods National Monument, home to some of the last old-growth coastal redwoods in the region, is a short drive inland. Parking reservations are required, so book ahead.

Bolinas lies just around the lagoon from Stinson and is famously low-key – a tiny artist community that has long preferred not to be found. It’s worth the short detour for the beach, the bookstore, and a quiet meal.

Point Reyes National Seashore is about 40 minutes further north and offers lighthouses, tule elk, oyster farms, and miles of protected coastline.

Tips for a Great Visit

Dress in layers. Marin’s coastal weather can swing from foggy and 55°F to sunny and 75°F in the span of an afternoon.

Never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves and rip currents are real hazards along this stretch of coast, and the water is always cold enough to be dangerous for unprepared swimmers.

Download maps and directions before you leave. Cell service fades in and out along Highway 1 and through the canyon approaches.

Pack a picnic, water, sunscreen, and a light jacket. There are a few places to buy food and supplies in town, but options are limited and lines can be long on busy days.

Stay Nearby at the Inn Above Tide in Sausalito

After a day on the coast, the last thing you want is a long drive back to San Francisco. Make Stinson Beach part of a proper Marin getaway by staying at the Inn Above Tide in Sausalito – one of the most romantic waterfront hotels in the Bay Area.

Every one of the Inn’s guest rooms sits directly over San Francisco Bay, with private decks, fireplaces, and sweeping views of the city skyline, Angel Island, and the Bay Bridge. Stinson Beach is about a 30 minute drive away, making the Inn an ideal home base for exploring the Marin coast by day and returning to a quiet, luxurious retreat in the evening.

Book your stay at the Inn Above Tide and experience Sausalito and the Marin coastline at their very best.