Stinson Beach Park
add photosFor a copy of the park brochure http://www.nps.gov/goga/upload/sb-stbe.pdf.
9 Reviews for Stinson Beach Park
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"Fun in the Sun"
We headed to this beach after having spent the afternoon at Slide Ranch, which is just ten minutes or so away. This beach stretches beside a quaint, laid back town, in which people are extremely friendly.
The beach itself stretches quite far. We have been here twice and both times we have been fortunate enough to miss crowds. Not many waves, so it is perfect for the children to wade and play within the sand. With so many children of all ages, my own were able to make many friends whom they were able to build a sand castle, dig ditchs, splash within the ocean.
There is a bathroom with changing stalls available. Showers are a plus, only I wish the shower heads were a little lower so that when rinsing off my children I would not have had to get wet along with them. Or so that I did not have to raise my hands above my head in order to rinse off the beach toys.
Make sure you have cash on hand. The little market in town had closed early and the only other ATM was broken. We needed the cash to eat at the burger stand beside the beach. The restaurant next door smelled delicious, but the menu was slightly pricey and we were unprepared to pay so much at the time. In addition, we didn't want to stay too late, desiring to leave before dark in order to avoid having to drive on the winding highway back to San Francisco in the dark.
All in all we all had a blast and next year when we go back to Slide Ranch we will probably stop at Stinson Beach again.
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"Enjoy the California Coast"
Take the windy drive out to enjoy this popular beach. If you are going on a sunny weekend, prepare to deal with crowds and a busy parking lot. You and your family can enjoy all of your favorite beach activities at Stinson...there is something for everyone. There is a grassy picnic and barbecue area adjacent to the beach. Bring your beach gear and a picnic and enjoy some fun in the sun!
1 family found this helpful
"great beach in Bay Area."
So far, I think Stinson beach is the best one in Bay Area. Last time, we went to visit Muir Woods first, then took the Highway 1 to visit Stinson, and it was just so fantastic. The view was clear and wide and really a good place for kids to play with sand. Especially, if you and your kids want to build some big sand castle, you definitely should take some free time and go here.
Anyway, be careful of driving in Highway 1 near Stinson, it's a bit curvy. And also it's a bit windy on a beach.
1 family found this helpful
"One of or Favorites"
We just returned from a weekend at Stinson. We make a day trip there a few times a year but this was our first overnight. Stinson is a long strip of sandy beach which is very rare for Marin. If using the state park as an entry parking is fairly easy and bathrooms and changing stations are available. The picnic tables make a great spot to eating or bbq away from the sand. The wave action is minimal and friendly for small children. The sand is soft and the weather is usually very good (for Marin). We have seen fair size rock crab playing in the surf and I saw a jelly fish this weekend. However, I've been coming here for years and it was a first. We also got to see some porpoises playing just behind the surf. There are tons of families and lots of children. Our daughter makes new friends every time we go. The water is usually chilly. We often take a spring wetsuit but it is not 100% necessary. I'm pretty warm blooded though. This is a great place to boogie board. You can rent them in town for about $10. The town is pretty small but friendly for tourists. Sand Dollar restaurant is top-notch. Stinson Beach makes a great launching point to all of Marin's great attractions.
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"OUR FAVORITE"
This beach is our favorite for many reasons, first and foremost its very close to our house. so aside from us being lucky enough to live so close this beach it has a lot to offer. The beach itself is very large and goes on for a long time. There are lifeguards there in the summertime. There are bathrooms and showers as well as a little beach grill. The water can be ruff and there is a undertoe. If you enjoy just wading and playing in the sand this is the beach for you. There are problems with Great white sharks that often frequent the waters. They haven't had a shark attack in about 10 years. Although sharks are seen there on a regular basis. There is quiet a lot of parking and a great picnic area, we had our daughters 2nd birthday here. this is our beach to go to in northern california.
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"One of our favorite beaches"
Pack a lunch and try to come early - parking can be a pain on nice days and food service is limited to a couple of well-meaning but overwhelmed burger shacks. Better yet, bring a BBQ and set up at one of the picnic tables. Nice sandy beach w/ plenty of space and areas for exploring.
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"Fun with the Family"
A 3-mile-long sandy beach beloved by surfers and swimmers (many Marin beaches are not safe for swimming, due to undertows and currents; this one is an exception);
great white sharks are occasionally sighted. Picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, a snack bar, and, during summer, lifeguards. No pets.
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"Big, sandy beach"
Stinson is a fun beach for families. We usually bring a picnic and eat on the beach, but there is a picnic area. Just off the beach in the small town (walking distance), there is a small snack shop where you can get some food. Across from the snack shack is a small playground area for the little ones.
1 family found this helpful
"We're going to the beach, beach, beach"
For us Stinson is really the first "real" beach near us. It's a bit of a schlep to get there but always worth it. It feels a bit more like SoCal or dare I say Hawaii here. Not because the water is warm and blue but because there is real beach culture happening. Sun, skin and swimming (for the brave, young and foolish). Our son loves the beach and since we love Stinson, he does too! If you get car sick the approach on 1 is a bit hairy but well worth it.
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