Red Rock Beach in Stinson Beach, CA

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About Red Rock Beach in Stinson Beach, California

Red Rock Beach is a clothing-optional beach just south of Stinson Beach, California. The access trail is steep so be prepared with good shoes. The beach can be rocky so those shoes should come in handy as you search for sand.

This beach is part of Mount Tamalpais State Park, but it is remote and there are no facilities so bring what you’ll need for the day.

After you reach the rocky shoreline head north and pass some large boulders to find the widest part of the beach. Note that at high tide the beach will all be wet so check tide charts before you go. Winter storms often rob this beach of its sand so expect mostly rocks during those months.

During the lowest tides a hot spring seeps up in the sand next to a large rock south of where the trail meets the beach. The only way to find the seep is to walk around in bare feet and hope you find it. It’s not like typical hot springs so don’t expect to be soaking.

The Red Rock Beach parking area has room for cars on both sides of Highway 1 just south of Stinson Beach. You’ll find it about a quarter-mile north of the gate for Steep Ravine Beach. Another way to get here is to start at Stinson Beach and walk to the far south end of the beach and make your way around the boulders. This route is easiest and safest at low tide.

Bouldering (rock climbing without ropes on boulders) is a big activity here. Even if you are not into it, you might find it interesting as folks contort their bodies to climb on and traverse across the faces of the boulders.

Address: Shoreline Hwy
Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Phone: 415-388-2070
Park Name: Mount Tamalpais State Park
Other Names: Little Stinson, Mickey's, Redrock Beach
Owner: State Park
Fees: Free parking
Activities: Beach Exploration, Rock Climbing, Bouldering
Amenities: Hot Spring, Sea Stacks, No Facilities
Links: Tide Chart
Water Temps
Aerial View of Red Rock Beach