Marin isn’t entirely surrounded by water, but it’s pretty darn close! Although the picturesque Marin Headlands aren’t exactly great for a swim, there’s an abundance of sandy beaches and gentle waters easily accessible from anywhere in the county. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, this is the place to do it. And if you just want to have a day paddleboarding around with the kids, this is also the place to do it. From purchases to lessons to day rentals, Marin beaches offer something truly special. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Proof Lab (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Surf Shop picks see below.
Our 2024 Shopping category sponsor is Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine. View the rest of the shopping category here.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central, and Western Marin.
Southern | Central | Western
Southern Marin
Proof Lab
Mill Valley
As the largest surf shop in the Bay Area, Proof Lab more than lives up to the hype. Of course it’s got hundreds of hand-picked surfboards, and of course it’s got wetsuits and skateboards and accessories. But it’s also got an indoor skatepark, ceramics classes, and hosts movie nights. Hours are Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
244 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.380.8900
Central Marin
OCN Culture
San Anselmo
Inspired by surfing, artists, and those who embody Aloha, OCN Culture is socially responsible apparel, and wetsuits to supply beach companies with the simplistic products they need. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.
550 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.250.8491
101 Surf Sports
San Rafael
101 Surf Sports has everything you could possibly want when looking for a day at sea. Windsurfing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, and even kayaking for those who are a bit more hesitant to be standing upright on choppy waves. They don’t just sell gear, they’ve parked themselves right on the water and offer a variety of classes and are known for their fun, dress-up races. Their mission is to keep ocean sports alive, keep people on the water, and keep a smile on customers’ faces. Hours are Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
115 3rd St, San Rafael, 415.524.8492
Western Marin
Live Water Surf Shop
Stinson Beach
Opened by founder Kirby Ferris in 1978, Live Water is one of the oldest surf shops in all of Northern California. After Stinson was briefly closed in 1981 due to Great White shark sightings, Kirby created the infamous “No Shark” logo and is still selling popular shark merchandise to this day. While they offer sporting goods for purchase, they’re more popular as a rental shop, providing whatever you could possibly need for a day on the beach at reasonable prices and without you needing to strap a big surfboard to the top of your car on the way home. Hours are Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3448 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, 415.868.0333
Point Reyes Surf Shop
Point Reyes Station
While this store isn’t actually on the beach, the bleached wood, white detailing, and surfboards hanging out front certainly give the impression that you’ve just stumbled in from the sand. Beyond just quality surfboards, they also offer all the beach merchandise you could want, from hats, bags, and t-shirts proudly proclaiming that they’re from Point Reyes. Hours are 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
11101 Shoreline Hwy #106, Point Reyes Station, 415.795.8686
Best of the County Sponsor Shopping
Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine
Belle Marin is the creation of Dr. Faye Jamali, a physician who is committed to providing you with the highest level of treatments and care possible. Dr. Jamali’s self-described style — “minimalism with a touch of luxury” — is at the heart of every treatment. Her goal is to deliver superb results without complicated recovery times and cumbersome surgical risks.
Dr. Jamali has proudly called Mill Valley home for 15 years since moving from San Francisco. Belle Marin, founded in 2018, reflects her commitment to serving her local community with exceptional care and services.
At Belle Marin, we cherish and prioritize every individual who walks through our doors. Our commitment extends to embracing diverse journeys in personal aesthetics, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or stepping into the world of treatments for the first time. We approach each patient with open arms and without judgment, meeting them exactly where they are.
Mill Valley, CA | 415.887.8718 | bellemarin.com
