Activity Overview
Located about an hours car ride north of San Francisco in Marin County is a gorgeous 3 mile stretch of clean sandy shoreline.
Stinson beach offers stunning views, nearby hiking, picnic areas, and warmer waters than the beaches of San Francisco.
Things to Do
- Play in the sand. The beach is extremely clean and flat, a perfect environment for creating sand castles and moats. Be sure to bring the pails and shovels!
- Go hiking in the hills adjacent to the beach.
- Pack a lunch and snacks for a fun family day at the beach.
- Explore the town atmosphere. Small shops line the beach, as well as a kayak and surf rental shop just off the water.
Stinson Beach Insider Tips
- Only swim when lifeguards are on duty, May-September. Rip currents and waves can be strong. Sharks have also been known to frequent the area.
- Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the beach.
- Avoid visiting on summer weekends if possible. The beach offers limited parking and does not have overflow lots. Expect parking lots to be full before noon.
- The roads leading to the beach are quite curvy. Motion sickness is common on this road.
