Out & About: Stinson Beach
Stinson isn’t just a beach—it’s the place we go to get away from the everyday. Sunny or foggy, in a bathing suit or a puffy jacket, it’s never a bad day when you’re in Stinson. Wide-open sand, surf you can actually ride, and a downtown that feels more Big Sur than Bay Area—it’s one of Marin’s happy places.
Where to Eat
Parkside Café & Shop – Stinson’s crown jewel. The breakfast burrito is legendary, but the Shop is the real secret: fresh-baked bread, local honey, specialty hot sauces, quirky cookbooks—you’ll leave with something delicious, guaranteed.
Café: Daily 7:30 am – 9:00 pm | Coffee Cart: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm | Snack Bar: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Marketplace: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
43 Arenal Ave, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Breakers Café – Easy, unfussy, and exactly what you want after a long walk on the sand. Smoothies, sandwiches, and a laid-back vibe. there’s no website because that’s how old-school it is. If you’re hungry, just show up.
3465 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Daily 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Coffee & Treats
Parkside Snack Bar – Ice cream cones for the kids, espresso for you. Exactly what a beach day requires.
43 Arenal Ave, Stinson Beach, CA 94970. Hours vary seasonally (generally 11:00 am – 8:00 pm).
Stinson Beach Market – Picnic provisions, deli sandwiches, and snacks to stash in your beach bag.
What to Do
The Beach – Obvious, but essential. Three miles of shoreline for walks, surf, or sandcastles. Barbecues and picnic tables are ideal for birthday parties on the lawn just over the dune.
Dipsea Trailhead – For the ambitious: park at Bootjack, hike down the Dipsea into Stinson, then catch Marin Transit Route 61 back up to your car. The ocean views along the way are unbeatable.
Bolinas Lagoon – Just south of town—kayak, bird-watch, or stop for a moment of calm before heading home.
Shop & Stroll
Stinson Beach Books – A small but mighty indie bookstore with perfectly curated reads for a day on the sand.
Live Water Surf Shop – Wetsuits, rentals, and that surf-town energy you’ll want to bring home.
Pro Tip from The House:
Weekends get packed—arrive before 10 a.m. or head over midweek for the easiest beach day. And if you’re hiking the Dipsea, bring a snack. That climb back up is no joke, but the views make it worth every step.
