About Stinson Beach:
Stinson Beach is one of northern California's most popular beaches, conveniently located just off CA Hwy 1 about 20 miles north of San Francisco. The wide, clean stretch of Stinson Beach sand runs for almost 3 miles and you'll find lots of things to do. It may also be one of the area's busiest beaches, with all of its many parking spots filling up on summer weekends.
Stinson Beach Fees:
-
Entrance Fee: None
Parking Fee: None
Creature Comforts at Stinson Beach:
Glass containers are not allowed on the beach. Bring drinks in plastic or transfer them before you get there. Alcohol is allowed if you're over 21 years old.
- Restrooms
- Showers (cold water only)
- Picnic tables (not on the beach)
- Barbecue grills in the picnic area
- Food nearby in town and also at the Surfer Grill, located at the lifeguard station
- Stinson Beach Surf and Kayak rents kayaks, wet suits, and bikes
- No pets allowed on Stinson Beach, but they are OK in the parking lot and picnic area
Stinson Beach Activities:
- No fires or grills allowed on the beach
- Surfing
- Swimming, lifeguard on duty late May to mid-September, but beware of strong currents and rip tides
- Volleyball
- Fishing
- Stinson Beach Surf and Kayak, nearby on Hwy 1 rents boards, wetsuits, kayaks and bicycles.
Highs and Lows at Stinson Beach:
- Stinson Beach is wide and long, and the sand is clean and soft
- This place can get crowded in the summer
Beachgoer Beware:
Posted signs warn of rip tides and strong currents. Take care when swimming and don't go alone. Great white shark attacks have occurred at Stinson Beach.
How to Get to Stinson Beach:
From San Francisco, take US Hwy 101 north and exit onto CA Hwy 1 at the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Follow the signs to Stinson Beach. The road is steep, winding and sometimes narrow. Vehicles over 35 feet long are not advised. The Stinson Beach entrance is between mile markers 12.5 and 13.0, on the north edge of town. You can find it by watching the mileage markers if you know how. Find out how to interpret a California milepost marker
Traffic can get really backed up here during busy times. You may want to catch the West Marin Stagecoach bus in Marin City instead of driving your own vehicle. They stop right at the beach parking lot.
