Stinson’s white sand and oceanfront make it one of the best swimming beaches in GGNRA and northern California.
With opportunities for volleyball, hiking, picnicking, fishing, or surfing, people continue to visit Stinson Beach to escape from the frantic pace of everyday life, just they have been doing for over a century. The road to Stinson Beach is steep and winding. We recommend calling ahead for parking and weather updates. On hot days, the parking lot often fills before noon, and there are no overflow lots. Cars left in the parking lot after closing will be ticketed. Camping is not permitted.
Tips & Highlights
- Marin Transit Bus #61 (also known as the Marin Stagecoach).
- Lifeguards are generally on duty from the first week of July to Labor Day.
- Bring your tack and lures for a day of fishing. California Fish and Game regulations apply.
- Stinson Beach is open year round every day. The entrance gates open at 9:00 a.m. Closing times vary depending on season.
- The best times of year for surfing are winter and spring. For windsurfers, the prevailing northwesterly winds blow best in the afternoon. The summer surf is most suitable for rafters and body-boarders.
- Rest rooms are located along the beach adjacent to each of the parking areas. The shower (cold) is located at the central rest room building.
- Dogs are allowed on leash in the parking lot, picnic areas, and on the adjacent county beach. However, pets are not allowed on the National Park Service section of the beach.
- Inner tubes and motorized recreational equipment are prohibited in swimming areas.
