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 2025 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 2025 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 West Marin.

Southern Marin

Proof Lab

Mill Valley

Proof Lab was founded in 2004 by Marin locals Will Hutchinson and Nate McCarthy, and began as just a 600 sq ft surf/skate shop in Mill Valley with a few Readers’ Choice awards now. They have it all now — 500+ surfboards, wetsuits, an indoor skate bowl, a café, pottery studios, plant nursery and lots more.

244 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.380.8900

Central Marin

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.

115 3rd St, San Rafael, 415.524.8492

OCN Culture 

San Anselmo

OCN Culture creates simplistic, thoughtful and socially responsibly made products which are inspired by wave sliding culture and our collaborations with artists and creatives who embody Aloha. 

550 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.250.8491

West 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.

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.  

11101 Shoreline Hwy #106, Point Reyes Station, 415.795.8686

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