Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach (the beach) is a large public beach within Golden Gate National Recreation Area located in the town of Stinson Beach, California. It’s a popular getaway about an hour north of San Francisco in Marin County. Stinson Beach is a great place for beachcombing especially when the crowds are lower in the winter and during morning low tides. On sunny weekend days the parking lots will fill up early making it tougher to get to the beach.

To get there, head north of the Golden Gate Bridge and then exit from Highway 101 onto Highway 1 and continue to Stinson Beach. Signs in town will direct you to the beach. Gates close at the end of the day and lifeguards are available mid-day hours.

A snack bar can be found near the lifeguard tower during the summer and restaurants are nearby. This beach has rip currents so check in with lifeguards if you plan to swim.

At the far south end of Stinson Beach there are some clothing-optional sandy pockets behind huge boulders called Red Rock Beach. North of Stinson there’s a dog-friendly county beach named Upton Beach.

Address

3514 Shoreline Hwy
Stinson Beach, CA 94970

Park Name

Stinson Beach Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Owner

National Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on beach, but ok north of the north beach access (at Upton Beach)

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Beachcombing, Beach Walking, Picnicking, Fishing, Surfing, Sunbathing, Swimming

Amenities

Restrooms, Showers, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Lifeguard

Links

Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart