Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is a long, sandy Marin County beach run by the National Park Service as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It's the park's designated swimming beach and the only GGNRA beach with a seasonal lifeguard program, which makes it the Bay Area's go-to for families on hot days.

Layout

The NPS beach has a central parking lot that's open year-round, a north lot that opens in peak season and an unpaved south overflow area. Restrooms sit along the beach next to each lot, with a cold shower at the central restroom building. Picnic tables are spread through the north and central lots, and a wooden boardwalk and concrete path lead onto the sand.

Getting there

The road to Stinson is steep and winding. On hot days the lot often fills before noon, and there are no overflow lots, so come early or take Marin Transit's Route 61 (the Marin Stagecoach). Gates open at 9 a.m. and closing time varies by season. Cars left after closing are ticketed.

Water and safety

Lifeguards are usually on duty in summer through Labor Day. Inner tubes and motorized recreational equipment are prohibited in swimming areas. The water is cold, around 50 degrees, and rip currents are a real hazard, so swim only near an open lifeguard tower.