Your Guide to Stinson Beach, A Marin County Gem
Tucked away between the city of San Francisco and the serene, natural beauty of Marin County is my favorite little coastal town, Stinson Beach. This charming seaside community is more than its beach, as it’s widely known for its numerous layers of rich history that unveil tales of shipwrecks and erudite poets. Whether a history buff, food connoisseur, outdoor enthusiast, or simply a lover of Northern California, Stinson Beach has something luring and accessible for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in California.
How to Get to Stinson Beach
Getting to Stinson Beach isn’t all that hard. It’s very accessible by car. The car ride itself is such a beautiful ride, featuring the Marin headlands, Mt. Tamalpais in view, the beach gloom, and of course the forest. Stinson Beach is where the forest meets the sea, making this small coastal town mystical and picturesque at all hours of the day. Simply hop on the Highway 1 and follow the signs that lead you to Stinson Beach. From San Francisco, it will take you no longer than an hour to get there. I must say, be careful, as there are a lot of twists and turns. I recommend doing this drive in the morning or afternoon.
The Beauty of the Pacific Coast
If you’re familiar with Northern California’s beaches, you would know that the beaches are quite rocky, the waves are huge, and most of the beaches aren’t really swimmable. However, this little pocket is safe to swim in, and perfect for surfers. This makes for the perfect beach getaway on a hot summer day in the Bay, which is a rarity.
So when the day comes, definitely take advantage of the sun’s golden rays at a sandy spot in Stinson Beach!
What to do in Stinson Beach
Even though Stinson Beach is a small town, it offers an abundance of activities for you to partake in, making it an excellent destination for solo travelers, surfers, hikers, couples, families, and BFF getaways. You’ll find Mt. Tam just a short drive away, which makes for a great playground for hikers and nature photographers. You can visit the Muir Woods National Monument for some ultra needed zen. This forest always brings me peace and I know it will do the same for you as well .
You’ll also find the Bolinas Lagoon, which serves as the perfect backdrop for avid birdwatchers and kayaking enthusiasts, and you can’t forget Point Reyes National Seashore, which is (one of my favorite places in the entire world and deserves its own blog post) full of wildlife sightings, panoramic views of the Pacific, and yummy buffalo ice cream!
Lastly, this part of California serves as a wellness hub, with numerous yoga retreats capturing the spirit of tranquility that defines the coastline.
There is something for everyone in Marin County.
30 Things to do in Stinson Beach
- Enjoy a Day at Stinson Beach: Relax on the sandy beach, swim, and sunbathe.
- Surfing: Catch some waves if the conditions are right.
- Hike the Matt Davis Trail: Experience the scenic views and maybe spot some local wildlife on this stunning trail.
- Visit the Bolinas Lagoon: Observe a variety of bird species and other wildlife.
- Explore Muir Woods National Monument: Walk among ancient coast redwoods.
- Picnic at Stinson Beach Park: Perfect for a family outing with playgrounds and picnic areas.
- Biking on Dipsea Trail: Bring or rent a bike and enjoy a ride with great views.
- Sunset Watching: Watch the sunset from the beach, a perfect end to any day.
- Sand Castle Building: Great activity for kids and enthusiasts.
- Fishing: Try your luck fishing from the shore or deeper water if you have a boat.
- Dining at Parkside Cafe: Enjoy local cuisine, especially known for breakfast and brunch.
- Join a Yoga Class on the Beach: Start your day with morning yoga by the sea.
- Visit the Stinson Beach Gallery: Explore local art and perhaps find something to take home.
- Kayaking and Paddle-boarding: Rent equipment and explore the waters.
- Explore Nearby Tide Pools: Great for learning about marine life, especially during low tide.
- Trail Running: Utilize the numerous trails for a scenic run.
- Whale Watching: Depending on the season, you may see migrating whales.
- Join in on the Stinson Beach Marathon: Participate or cheer on the runners in this challenging event.
- Shop at the Stinson Beach Market: Stock up on supplies or souvenirs.
- Volleyball on the Beach: Join in a game or start your own.
- Bird Watching: Bring your binoculars and enjoy bird watching at the lagoon or on the trails.
- Visit the Marine Mammal Center: Learn about local marine life, a short drive away.
- Camping Near Stinson Beach: Set up camp at one of the nearby sites and enjoy the great outdoors.
- Horseback Riding: Find local stables offering beach or trail rides.
- Enjoy a Spa Day: Book a day of relaxation at a nearby spa.
- Explore Point Reyes National Seashore: A short drive away with numerous activities and scenic views.
- Finding Peace at Audubon Canyon Ranch: An ideal spot for nature lovers.
- Art Classes: Participate in art classes offered by local artists (check local listings).
- Photography: Capture the scenic beauty of Stinson Beach’s landscape.
- Visit the Bolinas Museum: Drive to the nearby town of Bolinas and explore its history and art.
Where to Eat in Stinson Beach
Just like you’ll never run out of things to do, you’ll also never run out of places to eat. There are a handful of restaurants specializing in locally-harvested seafood, unique culinary creations, and farm-to-table specialties. Wine lovers will be impressed with the range of exceptional local wines, while craft beer connoisseurs are also catered to in this foodie haven.
Are you falling in love yet?
Breakfast at Parkside Cafe
There is no better place to start your day than at the Parkside Café. Renowned for its impressive selection of breakfast offerings, the café serves up a delightful array of dishes to suit every palate. But what truly sets them apart is their commitment to quality; they even have an onsite bakery that whips up the freshest bread and pastries daily. The café welcomes you with the unmistakable aroma of freshly ground coffee, served from their Espresso & Pastry kiosk that opens bright and early at 6 AM.
Lunch at Breakers Cafe
Situated along the picturesque Shoreline Highway, Breakers Café is the spot for a delicious lunch. From Thursday through Monday, between 11 AM to 9 PM, this restaurant invites visitors to savor lunch offerings that encapsulate the essence of coastal California cuisine.
The café seamlessly merges the relaxed vibe of Stinson Beach with tantalizing dishes crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The establishment has a no-reservations, walk-in policy reflecting its coast side casualness while ensuring that every visitor feels welcomed. So, whether you’re craving a light bite or a hearty meal amidst your day of beachside exploration, the Breakers Café stands as the go-to destination for the best lunch in Stinson Beach.
Where to Stay in Stinson Beach: Surf Lodge
If you’re thinking of where to stay in Stinson Beach, Surf Lodge is going to be your go to. This boutique hotel is right off of Shoreline Highway and very central to everything. Just steps away from the beach, you’ll also find a lot of places are a short distance away.
The hotel itself has a cool California surfer vibe to it, featuring bungalows effortlessly decorated with relaxing decor accents and kitchenettes. This is the ultimate place to stay at in town.
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Beach Etiquette & Conservation Practices
Preserving the natural allure of Stinson Beach is a shared responsibility. Visitors are encouraged to follow the “leave no trace” principle, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the pristine beach and respecting the abundant local wildlife. Even the simplest actions can greatly contribute to ensuring future generations can revel in the same enchanting beauty that characterizes Stinson Beach.
History of Stinson Beach
Now let’s dive in to the history of this coastal town. As quaint and stunning as it is, it also boasts some amazing history. In 1871, Stinson Beach was initially known as Easkoot’s Beach as it was founded by Captain Alfred Easkoot, a sea captain from Manchester, Massachusetts. When he was 13, he suffered from severe burns, leaving him with deformities on his face and an atrophied hand. Nonetheless, he set sail and became a Master, with his travels leading him to South America and California. There’s a local lore that states that he can be seen roaming the shores of the beach looking for his lost golden hook.
From 1873 to 1885, a competing resort was set up by Nathan Stinson and his wife, Rose. The place, largely known as Willow Camp at the time, gained popularity among tourists who flocked to the area during the late 1800.
Later in the 1930s, the Stinson sisters – Miss Maude Stinson, Mrs. Eva Stinson Fitzhenry, and Mrs. Lillian Stinson Hensill – presented Block 6 of Subdivision 1 for a community center. Further solidifying the area’s reputation as a resort hub, the County of Marin purchased Stinson Beach for camping and picnicking in 1939. During World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard used part of Stinson Beach, marking another important milestone in its history.
So as you can tell, this scenic beach town has so much history and beauty to it, that you can’t help but feel great as you walk up and down the shores as well as explore its streets.
Ready to visit Stinson Beach?
Stinson Beach is such a special place. I hope that this blog post inspires you to drive out to this coastal gem and see everything that it offers!
