It’s hard to imagine, on those warm summer days when Stinson Beach is packed with hordes of fog-fleeing San Franciscans, that we locals have this glorious stretch of sand to ourselves most of the year. Stinson is always there for us, challenging us to withstand its wind, daring us to endure its fog and, on its most seductive days, tempting us to bask in the brilliance of its sun.
If You Go
3.5-MILE BEACH
8 ROOMS AT SANDPIPER LODGING starting at $159; 6 rooms, 2 studio cabins, 2 large cabins, and 1 cottage at the Stinson Beach Motel starting at $130
APPROXIMATELY 101 HOME RENTAL UNITS, most with a two-day minimum
6 RESTAURANTS: The Lunch Box, The Siren Canteen, The Sand Dollar Restaurant, The Parkside Cafe, Parkside Snack Bar, Breakers Cafe
SHOPS INCLUDE: Stinson Beach Books, Stinson Beach Home, Live Water Surf Shop, The Blissful Gallery, Stinson Beach Market
PUBLIC BEACH opens at 9 a.m. and includes restrooms, showers, picnic areas and barbecue grills. Alcohol is permitted on the beach
PETS are not allowed on the National Park Service section of the beach (south of the northern end of the public parking lot)
KAYAK/STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD/ SURF BOARD RENTALS at Live Water Surf Shop and Stinson Beach Surf and Kayak Rental
Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.
