Stinson Beach

Tourist attraction · Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach

Tourist attraction · Stinson Beach

1

43 Arenal Ave, Stinson Beach, CA 94970

Photos

Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null
Stinson Beach by null

Highlights

Stinson Beach is a stunning coastal gem with soft sand, ample picnic spots, and nearby cafes, perfect for sunny family outings and dog-friendly fun.  

Featured in Afar
Placeholder

43 Arenal Ave, Stinson Beach, CA 94970 Get directions

nps.gov
@parksidecafestinsonbeach

Information

Static Map

43 Arenal Ave, Stinson Beach, CA 94970 Get directions

+1 415 868 1272
nps.gov
@parksidecafestinsonbeach

Features

Last updated

Aug 2, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@afar

Our Favorite Dishes From a Year of Travel - AFAR

"I had long admired photos of Outstanding in the Field’s outdoor dinner tables." - AFAR Editors

https://www.afar.com/magazine/our-favorite-dishes-from-a-year-of-travel
View Postcard for Stinson Beach

Janaki V

Google
Cold and beautiful foggy day ☺️
google avatar

Khristine C.

Yelp
One of my favorite beaches but quite difficult to get here with the long and windy roads. The water, although extremely cold, is beautiful and doesn't have too much seaweed. They have bbq pits located near the parking lot where you can grill and picnic in the grass. Bathrooms are close by. What I enjoy about this beach is that you are close enough to town to be able to grab lunch at one if the quaint restaurants or the nearby snack shack. Parking can be difficult to find but that's the case with all beaches. Definitely worth checking it out!
google avatar

Trina H.

Yelp
Huge, relatively tidy beach with bathroom facilities and a town/food in easy walking distance. Great for all beach activities, especially boogie boarding!
google avatar

Julie L.

Yelp
Who doesn't love a lazy beach day??? We brought our little pug for her first visit to the beach, and she turned into a happy little sand goblin! It was a perfect day of suntanning, sunset views, snuggles, and ocean bliss! The drive can be hairy for those not very confident behind the wheel....... of if you're in need of new brakes.... But the views are worth it! Restrooms are available at the main beach. Plenty of parking. Picnic tables! It's perfect!
google avatar

Vickie O.

Yelp
Lovely beach with families and lots of fun friendly dogs. Well maintained with easy access!
google avatar

Bonnie G.

Yelp
Epic, sweeping beach in Stinson Beach. The kind you see in the movies. Clearly-marked one side for dogs and the other side for just people. Our boy Gerbert frolicked joyfully all over the place, met a ton of other dogs, and we all had a total blast. Carefree, miles of shore, the best of Northern California. 5 stars!!!!
google avatar

Dale S.

Yelp
We just spent a week at a vacation rental only steps from Stinson Beach and went to the beach at least once a day and most days multiple times. One side of the beach was dog friendly and it was awesome for our little pup to meet so many other off leash pups and get to play and run around freely. That being said, there were definitely some owners not paying attention and picking up after their dogs. The beach has poop bags and even a receptacle for them so it was disappointing to see people not taking better care. We did see one dog poo near the owner and she ignored it and when we approached and I made a comment about it, she did ask to borrow a bag from us because hers were "too far away". At least she cleaned it up. I just hate when a few people ruin things for everyone else. Speaking of people, this beach was packed...all day...every day. Whether it was cloudy or chilly or sunny or early, we came morning, noon and evening and there are ALWAYS people there. On the nicest day it almost looked like a campsite because there were tents as far as the eye could see. Fortunately, most people were nice and at least 1/5 of the people there every time were surfers. This is a lovely beach with superfine sand. We had to shower multiple times a day and still found the sand everywhere. It's so fine you can't even feel it sometimes, so just be aware. There are lots of people walking around picking up trash each day, so the beach stays quite pristine. The waves are gorgeous and the water, although chilly, is definitely inviting. We saw seals amongst the waves most days as well. Luckily for us, we had a parking spot but after 5 and on the weekends, it is very difficult to find a space and traffic enforcement was definitely out ticketing people on multiple occasions, so be careful. Overall we had a wonderful time and we will definitely be back to spend some time and this beach again soon.
google avatar

Lillian W.

Yelp
I am in love with this beach. Growing up in the Central Valley, a beach day was always a special treat. Once I got my first car, I would continue my love affair with Stinson Beach. Hitting the windy wily Highway 1 and dodging road warrior cyclists is all part of the package of getting to the beach. The ocean water is cold. The sand is soft, perfect for building sand castles. Ohh I luv to walk on the beach barefoot. The beach stretches for quite a distance. There is ample space for folks to stake a claim on the beach and hunker down for the day. The seagulls here are audaciously brave and will attempt to steal your picnic. If you want to wet suit up and venture into the water, be alert because there are great white sharks out there. Stinson is within the "triangle" of the great white sharks feeding area. The triangle goes from Bodega Bay to the Farallon Islands to Big Sur. Another cool tidbit is that migrating whales pas by here as well. From the beach, I have seen breaching whales. Glorious sight to behold. Parking and beach access is a free. FREE!! But hold on... the parking lot fills up quick on the weekends. There is no parking allowed on the side streets. So when the lot fills up, the park staff puts up a sign and blocks entry to the lot from the main road. Next to the parking lot is a green grassy area with picnic tables and bbqs. They are first come first serve. They even have an ADA ramp for beach access. There are multiple restrooms and are located between the parking lot and beach. They have flush toilets and showers. But like all beach restrooms, it is a hot wet mess in there.
google avatar

Jessica T.

Yelp
Magical. We took a day trip here and it was pure bliss. We manifested some easy parking and basked in the glorious windy day. Walking down the glittering sun kissed sandy beach - we marvelled at the beauty of the wide expanse. Stinson beach is well worth a visit if you are in the area. I'd recommend being prepared for the wind (save the frisbee for later) pack a picnic - and get ready for an epic day. Trust.
google avatar

Rebecca R.

Yelp
Visited Stinson Beach while on vacation on 08/21/2022 after a visit to Muir Overlook. Since "sharing is caring" here are a few fYI's & helpful tips: *Caution: The road getting to Stinson Beach is VERY winding and narrow/steep in some spots. And on the day we drove there, it was very foggy which limited the visibility so much..just be careful as you make the drive & do keep your eyes open for wildlife (we saw 2 coyotes and a deer on the day we made the drive) and for bicyclists. If you are a nervous driver, just be aware of this info. *poor reception service as we were driving to SB *Parking: plenty of free parking w/ a few different lots to choose from that was very close to the beach/water *Restrooms: on-site there were plenty of restrooms to use, along w/ a few changing stalls I do wish they had showers onsite to rinse off the sand but I didn't see any while we were there. Also, be aware that there are lots of seagulls on the beach just waiting to steal your food, those really were some "gangsta gulls" ;) so make sure to keep your food in an ice chest w/ the lid closed. The beach itself was very clean & the water was very cold! The weather was kinda finicky though. We only got about 35-40 mins of sunshine before it got very cloudy & cold. To sum it up, I definitely recommend a trip to Stinson Beach if you don't mind the very winding road. Till next time. ~Rebecca
google avatar

David D.

Yelp
Located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and the Point Reyes National Seashore, Stinson beach has a reputation for being the "most southern California" beach in the SF bay area. However, this small beach and surrounding vistas are more breathtaking than most of the beaches I've been to in SoCal. For example, getting to Stinson beach, either via hiking the infamous Dipsea trail's 7.51 miles, or, driving along the twisty-turny roads of the coast, is eye-wideningly-beautiful . On clear days, it's hard not to look at the expansive Pacific ocean views while driving--but be careful-- it's a long descent down there! Most days, the famous bay area fog covers the coast and beach until afternoon; then, the air is clear and sun can get bright if you're lucky. Stinson beach itself is a must-visit if you're up here in SF. The sand is white and the water is clear and cold. Nevertheless, the relatively shallow and sandy beach makes it great for swimming, surfing, body-boarding, picnicking, sand-castle building, and sand dollar collecting. In pre-covid times (and maybe still nowadays), visitors could borrow volleyball nets and balls from the main lifeguard tower in exchange for a driver's license (yes, real lifeguards are generally on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day). Stinson Beach also has an extensive picnic area complete with tables and barbecues. To top things off, there is designated area for dogs to play and swim too. Parking is surprisingly ample, but, of course, on the hottest days, be sure you get there before lunch.
google avatar

Anders B.

Yelp
decent surfing if you're early, just look out for the surf school by the watchtower. later on it's always overcrowded, was told by an old hag I couldn't park by the library even to use the public restrooms and then go. Not worth the hour drive one way for that level of annoyance and pretentious attitude.
google avatar

Shayla B.

Yelp
Ahh, Stinson Beach. What more can I say that hasn't already been said?! It's a true beauty of beach in Marin, and I think the community would 100% agree. A visit to Stinson Beach is lovely during anytime of the year. In fact, I've always preferred to visit between the late fall and early spring because it's waaaay less crowded. Of course, it's a lot colder during that time of year, but I still find it to be just as enjoyable. Summertime at Stinson can be a headache with the crowds and limited parking space, but that certainly doesn't diminish its' beauty. If you do plan on coming during the summer, you need to get here early in the morning to secure parking. If you're a hiker, this is easy because you can park at the beach and walk to the trails. After your hike, you can chill at the beach without trying to fight for parking in the afternoon. Well, this is what works for me anyways and it always seems to be a win-win. This beach has everything that you need; showers, clean restrooms, dedicated parking, picnic tables and space, and even bbq pits. It's a super spacious beach with plenty of room to go around and they keep it extremely clean. I've never experienced the sunrise here, but the sunsets are truly amazing. Its' calming waves, soft sand, and picturesque views make you not want to leave. When there are minimal crowds around, Stinson Beach can be so relaxing. I'm not sure if dogs are allowed here, but I've spotted a few happily roaming around in the sand. I love that this beach is located right in town, so you can literally walk to nearby restaurants and shops. Of course, a beach picnic would be perfect here too. Marin has a lot of beautiful beaches, but I'd say that Stinson ranks as one of my top favorites in this area. So grateful to have this beauty nearby.
google avatar

Ash K.

Yelp
Popular beach and one of my favorite places to retreat for it's spectacular views of the Pacific, gorgeous white sand that stretches about 3 miles, exquisite sunsets, and it's proximity to a number of awesome hiking trails. We've enjoyed picnics here, swimming, it's also great for surfing and fishing. The beach area is usually very clean, the bathrooms not so much. There are showers (cold water) near the restroom area to rinse off. Signs at the entrances warn of dangerous currents and also great white sharks that live in and have attacked here in 6 feet of water. We haven't ever seen sharks but we have spotted dolphins and whales from the shore. No pets are allowed on Stinson, but are on adjacent Upton Beach. There are plenty of places to eat in this small town and the Stinson Beach Surf & Kayak shop rents wetsuits, boogie & surfboards, and bicycles. There are picnic tables and grills near the parking area, first come first serve. No fires or grills allowed on the beach. Entrance gates open at 9AM and the lots fills up quickly on weekends and holidays especially.
google avatar

Tiffany D.

Yelp
Beautiful, coveted beach! There's a park surrounding this and residential area as well as CA 1 coast highway! Watched the sunset in its glory! Relaxing and leisurely!
google avatar

Pamela G.

Yelp
It might've been the time of year, autumn, but the water was pretty muddy. Other than that this is a very beautiful beach. The parking is free, so that's a bonus and there are some little cafe's and an ice cream shop within easy walking distance. The beach is long and deep, my kind of beach, but I don't know if I'd swim there. When there are signs that warn you about shark attack (!) maybe it's not the swimming beach for me. I might resemble a round seal a little too much! I also think the surf zone is pretty short, I'd be worried about being slammed onto the bottom by the waves. If you're familiar with different beaches you know what I mean. All and all a beautiful beach but maybe not quite up to par due to the dirty water and short surf zone. Oh, and then there's the shark attack warnings. That too.
google avatar

John S.

Yelp
When we were kids riding to Stinson Beach from nearby San Rafael, it always seemed like we were one moment of inattention from rolling down the side of the mountain to what would have seemed like an untimely death. I'm not sure as an adult I've completely shaken that feeling. It didn't help that while driving there from Muir Woods we saw a woman pulled off the road and giving back her lunch to nature. Still, I love Stinson Beach. The winding road getting there is so worth it. We even saw a coyote at another pullout. He looked healthy and well groomed. Because there are easier beaches to get to, whenever I've been to Stinson Beach over the years, there have never been big crowds there. Mostly locals, i imagine. The sand is plentiful and the views into the ocean and the greenery inland are scenic.

Charlotte X.

Yelp
A wonderful place to boondock. Some partying may happen until midnight. Otherwise we were safe and comfortable with an incredible view.
google avatar

Jaime F.

Yelp
Gotta love Stinson beach! It is one of the beaches in the Bay Area that is actually warm and you can swim in the water. It's quite the drive but once you get through the twists and turns on the road, it is worth it. Just drive safe! There are definitely the handful of locals who know those roads well and drive fast/tailgate. I recommend getting there late morning or early afternoon. The weather has been pleasant the two times that I've gone here during summer. There's a side of the beach with less people and where it is more peaceful. It becomes obvious where the busy side is...(near the bar and bathroom). The area has some water sport rentals, but I can't recall if you can rent an umbrella. I'd recommend to bring chairs, sport equipment, and beach umbrella to make the most out of it.
google avatar

Kay O.

Yelp
I've never been to this park before, but we took our dogs here for a little walk/work out. They stay on leash since they're huskies and will run away and never look back, but the trails were a rather pleasant and the views were spectacular!!
google avatar

Sandeep R.

Yelp
Lovely beach to visit during the summer although the road leading to this beach (especially if you're visiting from San Francisco is extremely windy so beware) Pros Well maintained and ample rest rooms Huge parking lot Ample walking area providing great sunset scenes Pretty clean and well maintained Cons Path leading to this beach is extremely windy
google avatar

Sivilay T.

Yelp
Review #110 - 2020 We've been hanging out at the beach a lot lately. I brought the kids over at around 4:15 PM on Thursday, June 25th, and the beach was actually a lot busier than I expected being that it's such a long and windy drive from where we live. We managed to find parking out front at the restaurant area, but little did I realize there was a big parking lot right at the beach. The beach is big & pretty well managed, but my nieces said the bathroom was disgusting. Luckily, I didn't need to use it. There's also a park there, but we didn't make use of it. The girls found a bunch of little jellyfishes on the sand & tried their best to bring as many as they could back into the water. We stayed around for about an hour and a half, but the kids didn't want to leave. They had so much fun burying each other in the sand so I ended up with a ton of sand in my car afterwards. The weather was actually pretty nice when we first showed up, but it got a little cold after the fog rolled in so that's when we figured it was time to leave.
google avatar

Jonnita W.

Yelp
I could not ask for a better way to spend mother day! The 3 hour drive with traffic was well worth every second. Had lunch much while watching the waves come in
google avatar

Rachel M.

Yelp
Such a gorgeous beach!! Just had an oyster bbq with a bunch of friends here and it was such a success. We went early around 10am to reserve the picnic table area and hauled in some Tomales Bay oysters to get our party started. After filling our bellies, we meandered to the beach and was surprised that the sand was so soft. There were many beach goers throwing a frisbee, playing soccer, building sandcastles, relaxing, walking, and even swimming in the super frigid Bay Area waters! I would have loved to plop down on a blanket and read, nap, and people watch in the future. However, all of the little ones wanted to run and play everywhere. A fun recommendation is to do the Matt Davis hike which ends at Stinson Beach. Nearby is a cute little strip with some stores and a yummy restaurant called Sand Dollar. (Good calamari!) Just a forewarning that the way to this beach has a lot of zigzag roads so if you are prone to carsickness, pop a Dramamine!
google avatar

Lincoln T.

Yelp
Having spent my college years in Santa Barbara, I have been searching for a great beach in NorCal for a long time now. Ocean Beach is too windy/cold, and the Boardwalk/Santa Cruz has gone somewhat downhill over the years. I took the family to Stinson Beach on a Friday afternoon and couldn't have been more pleased. Word to the easily car-sick folks, it is about a half hour drive through some twisting, winding mountain roads before you make it there. It is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge next to Mt. Tamalpais State Park. I had heard that it could get crowded, so we arrived before 10am to make sure we could park in the lot. The beach was clean, and I spotted a lifeguard actively driving around picking up litter. Bathroom facilities were available. The sand was soft without debris, and although we didn't go in the water, there were people playing in the waves. We set up camp, turned on the reggae music and....3...2...1...RELAX! One of the best parts of this afternoon was The Siren Canteen. I had no idea about it, just followed the big "FOOD" sign. Although it says snack bar, this establishment had an amazing menu! Ordered some mouth-watering carne asada, al pastor, and pulled pork tacos. The gal that took my order was genuinely kind, making sure I had ordered enough food for my party as there was a long line behind me. All in all, a wonderful way to spend the day and break the kids away from their screens!
google avatar

Anita T.

Yelp
This is specifically for the pets allowed, county owned portion of the beach that allows dogs. I think there's a fair amount of confusion on the Internets regarding whether dogs are allowed or not on this beach. The same beach is half NPS owned (as such, no dogs) and county owned on the north end. I was surprised to find this beach is very clean, even on the dogs-allowed end, and everybody on this particular day had very well-behaved and respectful dogs. Kudos to people who use this beach -- let's all keep it this way!! We were able to get a fairly long beach walk done and our doggies loved running around and romping in the sand!! The area is picturesque and the weather out here is a welcome respite from the brutal heat of the peninsula. Other Pros: places to eat nearby (within the parking lot is a food place) picnic areas decent bathroom facilities (i.e. real stalls with real toilets that flush and real sinks, BYO soap) surprisingly decent size parking lot (unless there's a special event -- we were able to find parking in the residential areas 3 blocks away) Cons: Exits off the beach on the North end throw you onto a fairly busy road for cars. If you want to be back in the picnic / parking area you have to go to the start of the County portion so it was an out/back walk for us.
google avatar

Chris L.

Yelp
I hiked the Dipsea trail and this was my end point for the day. Honestly, I did not think there was really much to do here. The beach was okay, and there are just a few shops and places to eat. Nothing special. However, I did enjoy the hamburger and milkshake I ordered from the hamburger Shack next to the beach. Note that there is a bus service that can take you back from here to Mill Valley. Very cheap. You can pick it up near the public library. So I'm glad I visited here, but for me, once is probably enough.
google avatar

Erich L.

Yelp
Lovely beach in Marin. It takes a while driving through a lot of hills and windy roads to get there. Lots of space for people and nice soft sand.
google avatar

Lynette C.

Yelp
My friends come here all the time. Why I have never been is beyond me. Anyway they brought me yesterday albeit freezing cold yesterday we still chilled on the beach and watched the ocean. It was a bit cold and overcast but we made the most of it and I will definitley be frequenting this beach in the near future.
google avatar

John G.

Yelp
Beach is vast and wide and allows for everyone to have plenty of room and space to set up and enjoy. Dogs are welcome and folks seem to do a good job at picking up after their pooches. If you can withstand the drive with the winding roads that you get you here then you will definitely be rewarded with a pleasant experience at the beach. The Market and Cafe's here are very expensive so if you want to save some money, pack your own food.
google avatar

Kate L.

Yelp
We had an incredible day at Stinson with a family of three kids, one baby, two parents, and grandma. The lifeguards on duty, clean beach, family friendly environment (nobody drinking to excess, too rowdy, etc.) were appreciated. Dogs aren't allowed since it's a swim beach, so we left ours at home and were glad not to worry about stepping in you-know-what. The parking lot is quite large and we were able to find a spot in the south lot, even though we arrived at 1 p.m. on a Sunday in August. There is also a grassy picnic area with charcoal grills. Bathrooms are at the north end of the beach, which was the only inconvenience, but they are clean and have rinse showers outside. We also didn't like that sport fishing is permitted, as we didn't want the kids to step on hooks.
google avatar

Linda B.

Yelp
I was so impressed with the beauty of this beach. We were enjoying a northern california coastal drive which brought us down some of the windiest roads I have ever been on... whew! But when the lovely ocean view comes before you, it is a magnificent feeling. Stinson Beach... ever popular with San Franciscans, appears before you like a jewel. We were fortunate to pass by on a bright sunny day. The lovely sand was filled with people... no animals insight. The water was sparkling and calm. There were many children. I saw picnic tables and I understand that the beach has changing rooms and clean bathrooms, but I did not see this myself. There is quite a substantial residential community. I suspect many are second homes. The downtown area is a bit shabby which is a disappointment. You will find a few shops, caffe's and a market. Parking in the area is free and seems to be ample. there are nearby campgrounds and hiking trails... remember the roads are narrow and winding so travelling is slow and perhaps somewhat risky for bicyclers.
google avatar

Jenny I.

Yelp
Honestly, Stinson is one of my favorite beaches ever. Ample parking, long wide beach so people can spread out, public bathrooms and easily accessible trash cans, picnic tables, and a charming little beach town just up the street. It does not get better than this, ya'll. Even being Nor Cal, this beach in the summer, is always the perfect combination of sunny, warm sand and cool, fresh breeze. Pure bliss. Check out this gem asap.

Kevin O.

Yelp
YES, DOGS ARE WELCOME AT STINSON BEACH! Just wanted to help clear up the confusion over whether dogs are allowed on Stinson Beach or not. Yes, dogs are allowed on the north end of the beach, which actually covers about 80% of the approximately 3 miles total length of this beach. So it's a fantastic beach for dogs. After you drive thru the main gate you will see signs to two separate parking areas. The one on the right says "dog area". There are clean restrooms for men and women and also a water fountain for both humans and dogs just in front of them. Once in the parking lot, you will also see a small sign that says "dogs not allowed" which is a bit confusing. But there is a second sign that says "dogs allowed on north end of parking lot", so just follow that route out to the beach. Once on the beach you will see the sign posted in the photo I am attaching here. The majority of people congregate on the area to the left or south end (that doesn't allow dogs), so unless you love crowds you will probably be glad to see the huge expanse of beach available to you and your dog(s). It's about 2.25 miles to reach the end of the beach, where an inlet separates Stinson from Bolinas. It took us about 2 hours walk roundtrip. So I recommend that you bring a bottle of fresh water for your pet if you intend to walk the whole way. And some for yourself of course! Also, there are no trash bins on the beach, so I recommend dawdling near the entrance until Fido does his business, unless you want to carry a full poop bag on your round trip!
google avatar

Kay K.

Yelp
Beautiful beach! Seriously such an amazing beach spot. Sandy beach that's not rocky and calm water safe for little swimmers. There are no dogs allowed on this beach so maybe another spot if you have a family pet. But otherwise the parking is easy and plentiful, and the scenery is breathtaking. Be careful on the drive roads they are narrow and people drive pretty fast.

Jim T.

Yelp
Love this place! Great hiking trip if you like the outdoors. I loved the easy parking and it's great for cycling as well.
google avatar

Tanya W.

Yelp
What a beautiful morning with absolutely no-one else there. It was just us and the birds and the tracks of something with wheels... I suggest making it there for a pristine sunrise sometime, if you can.
google avatar

Michelle L.

Yelp
You should probably get here early because the parking lot gets packed super quick! We had to park around the residential areas. Be careful though because you might get towed if you don't read the private property parking signs correctly. The beach is nice and clean, and the air is so refreshing! There are BBQ spots near the parking area, but sometimes the picnic area can be too muddy. Overall, it is a great place to beach in norcal to! Way better than Santa Cruz beach.
google avatar

M D.

Yelp
First time going to this beach (took highway One) I love beaches and on this day it was super windy ( I should of checked the weather). The beach itself is nice. The beach is flat and easier to walk on then other beaches. I didn't see any trash in the bushes or on the beach. I didn't go in the water, but saw plenty of people in wets suits and not in wet suits boogey boarding. The bathrooms were fine, typical beach bathrooms. Parking was plenty, but probably because it was a Monday. The reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because I didn't realize how crazy the roads are the last 6-9 miles .The winding roads caused me to feel motion sickness. There are lifeguard towers as well, but not clear if they were on duty. Everyone pretty much were spaced out and respected each other. No one was wearing masks on or off the beach except me, my husband and these 2 older lady's on a bench. There is a sign at the beach that gives all the proper guidelines to be safe during this pandemic. I don't see a problem with masks being off at the beach if people are spaced out. We actually were getting funny looks from the younger people at the beach as we walked to the beach. I personally wouldn't go to this beach again do to the winding roads.
google avatar

Wajma Z.

Yelp
How can I give this place anything less than 5 stars? It was my first time visiting and my daughter and I fell in love. The town is very cute and charming. You feel positive just being here. The beach is clean and filled with happy families and anyone who wants to just relax and enjoy a hot sunny day. We had some snacks from the Parkside snack bar and it was all amazing! We enjoyed our time there. Parking is a bit challenging on the hot days but other than that, from the scenic drive to the charming town itself you will find hidden treasures at each shop and bathe in the positivity
google avatar

Gabriel N.

Yelp
Beautiful, scenic beach. Stinson Beach is a really cool place to visit before or after hiking around the area. Muir Woods, Mount Tamalapais and Alamere Falls are all just short drive away. There are also small trails around the beach that lead to nice views. I suppose this place can get quite busy, because when I went, there was absolutely no parking until the last lot. I would recommend going early to get a good spot.
google avatar

Kobsupang R.

Yelp
I'm not a huge fan of winding roads, but Stinson Beach has been on the top of my list since we moved from NYC to Northern CA, so we were excited we finally had a chance to explore it. This trip took us about 40-45 minutes to get to the beach, but it's SO worth the long drive! Just the spectacular view alone, it really is worth spending a day trip. Although, keep in mind that you want to have a full tank of gas since there's only one gas station and you won't see another one for a long long while. It wasn't so crowded even though we went on a Labor Day. That day was quite foggy, but it didn't make the view any less amazing. If you love taking pictures, you would really enjoy it! We really enjoyed the beach and loved the cafe nearby. There's also a cute little bookstore that you really should check out.
google avatar

Ayana M.

Yelp
Stinson Beach was my choice for a recent beach day. The weather was perfect. More people than anticipated, but spacious enough to have 10-15ft between me and the next beach goer. There are quaint eateries and shops lining the street leading to the beach. Three free parking lots located 100 -300 feet (depending on where you park) from the beach.
google avatar

Tal K.

Yelp
The road to get there is narrowed so please be careful, especially if you drive a motocycle, there is some sand and pebbles that can make you slip! 2 persons on a motocycle fell in front of us... Dears along the road and so many birds hanging out there Birds may try to eat your snacks or biscuits so make sure to cover them before going in the sea or walking around This beach is amazing, relaxing and soooo wide! while you are walking around the sound of the waves will offer you a beautiful and meditating melody! I recommended it, enjoy guys :)
google avatar

Rebekah T.

Yelp
It had been years since I went to Stinson Beach, but after a beautiful day in Point Reyes and Tomales Bay, we took the Shoreline Highway down to see the sunset at Stinson Beach. That windy, windy road.... I swear I took so many pictures to capture the beauty, but the memories of driving down the Shoreline Highway will always remind me of the first and best day of 2012. It reminded me that we are truly lucky to have the opportunity to experience these beautiful views, these wonderful days and this kind of fun. I don't want to waste my days doing anything but the best from here on out. Life is a beach, get out and enjoy it. Happy 2012! http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=qVLYGQogPoz8zlrxYz4Q2g&userid=Lu8y2ayxVlAzuJEVfVcH4w

Venus L.

Yelp
We had a wonderful time today! The weather was excellent for a Beach Day. My Children had an Amazing Exoerience.
google avatar

SF U.

Yelp
Love the beach and hate the women's bathrooms. Women act like the toilet stalls are changing rooms and evidently some think it's ok to flush maxi pads and diapers down the toilets..... so gross!!! There needs to be signage in the stalls in various languages reminding people what goes in the toilets and what goes in the trash bin. I'd rather go to the various beaches in the vacinity than deal with all the gross behavior at stinson.
google avatar

Anita T.

Yelp
Oh Stinson Beach! A lot of construction going on here, and it was not a pretty site. I'm assuming it's from the rain the state received. I'm not sure if the front booth is always unstaffed, but it looked very run down. The beach had a lot of debris on it. Not what I was expecting as I have heard amazing stories about this beach. Maybe I didn't visit on a good day. I'll try again next year. Check out my photos!
google avatar

Mario B.

Yelp
Good Nor Cal beach that has a dog friendly area and offers nice, soft sand. It also connects to some trails so it is a nice destination!
google avatar

Ron L.

Yelp
Ever been on 101 in Mill Valley during a hot summer day, you want to get off at Highway 1, but there's a long line of cars waiting to get off? They're going to Stinson. This can look and feel like the classic California beach. It's huge, pretty good crowd, the ocean isn't too dangerous, there's a nice large picnic area, and it's located at a small little coastal town. Unlike Southern Cal, there are also hills in the background. Like some have mentioned, the drive is windy, and on those hot summer days, traffic goes very slow. Marinites know that there's more than one way to get here, and having been a Marinite for a few years, I won't reveal any secret routes. Marinites are picky like that. Come to think of it, I haven't been here in a few years. I miss this place.