OUT & ABOUT
The Stinson Beach Guide
Salt in the air, sun on your skin, and the sound of the waves that makes time slow down — Stinson feels like exhaling. A long stretch of sand framed by shingled cottages and the curve of Mount Tam behind it, it’s equal parts surf town and sanctuary. For many, it’s a weekend escape; for the lucky few, it’s home.
The Vibe
Tucked just over Mount Tamalpais, Stinson feels worlds away — yet it’s only forty minutes from San Francisco. The drive down the Panoramic Highway winds through fog and forest before the ocean suddenly opens below you — every arrival feels cinematic.
The pace is slow in the best way: mornings that stretch into beach walks, afternoons between tide pools and cafés, evenings wrapped in fog and firelight. Simplicity is the luxury here — less polish, more presence.
You’ll love living here if: you crave ocean air, open space, and a life that follows the tides.
Real Estate Snapshot: Homes in Stinson range from shingled beach cottages and glassy moderns to architectural gems within the private Seadrift Lagoon. Inventory is limited, views are everything, and proximity to the sand commands a premium.
Local Lore
Once called “Willow Camp,” Stinson became one of Marin’s earliest seaside retreats in the early 1900s. Today, its easygoing rhythm and creative energy remain unchanged — a place where the Bay Area comes to breathe.
Eat + Drink
Parkside Café — The heart of town life — espresso, eggs, and sunshine on the patio.
Breakers Café — Local go-to for breakfast burritos, smoothies, and post-surf meals.
Coast Café (Bolinas) — Fresh seafood, coastal charm, and a five-minute drive away.
Surf Lodge — Boutique stay and golden-hour dining — effortlessly elegant.
Stinson Beach Market — Picnic staples, local goods, and everything you forgot to pack.
Where to Shop
Sacred Tide — Coastal concept shop blending art, home goods, and slow-living essentials.
Live Water Surf Shop — Family-run surf staple — boards, wetsuits, and local lore.
Stinson Beach Books — Thoughtfully curated reads for sand, surf, or sofa.
Local pop-ups — Weekend ceramics, jewelry, and art markets with that quintessential beach-town charm.
Bolinas Galleries — For fine art and handmade pieces inspired by the sea.
Where to Learn
Families are part of the Bolinas–Stinson Union School District, where Bolinas–Stinson School serves K–8 with an ocean view and an environmental focus.
High school students attend Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley. Local workshops and community classes often take place through Stinson Beach Community Center.
Wellness + Movement
Dipsea Trail — Iconic and challenging, connecting Stinson to Mill Valley.
Matt Davis Trail — Panoramic views and unforgettable switchbacks.
Seadrift Lagoon — Early-morning paddleboarding before the wind rises.
Beach yoga — Weekend sunrise sessions by local instructors.
Sacred Tide — Meditation, breathwork, and sound baths overlooking the sea.
Where to Get Outside
Stinson Beach Park — One of Marin’s most beloved stretches of sand.
Bolinas Lagoon Preserve — Birdwatching, kayaking, and quiet reflection.
Mount Tamalpais State Park — Endless trails from redwood forest to ridgeline views.
Muir Woods — Just over the hill for forest bathing and weekend wanders.
Events + Happenings
Weekly Favorites
Sunrise swims and beach yoga — the local reset ritual.
Friday bonfires at the north end — a coastal classic.
Annual Traditions
Stinson Beach Run — A decades-old tradition with unbeatable ocean views.
Local Art + Craft Fairs — Rotating makers markets showcasing coastal creativity.
Coastal Cleanups — The community gathers to care for what it loves most.
Why We Love It
Stinson has that rare kind of beauty that doesn’t need an introduction — open sky, endless ocean, and a rhythm that resets your whole outlook. It’s a place for barefoot mornings, salt-streaked hair, and nights that smell like sea air and woodsmoke.
Every day feels simple — but never ordinary.