Things To Do
Eat
PARKSIDE MARKETPLACE We love this spot, their pesto is out of this world and you can also pick up a ready-made sandwich or prepared foods. Grab something tasty and join us at the beach! PARKSIDE SNACK BAR & COFFEE BAR Grass-fed burgers, fries, fish tacos, fish'n chips & "half 'n half'' soft-serve ice cream cones -- this is a great grab-and-go option in town. Ordering at the window and then walking three minutes to the beach is just too sweet. The Espresso + Pastry Kiosk (open from 6 am to 8 pm) is a to-go style kiosk offering a daily selection of sweet and savory options. STINSON BEACH BODEGA Just opened in 2023! Street tacos from a shining airstream trailer and a market with picnic supplies and wine. PARKSIDE CAFE & BREAKERS CAFE For a sit down meal, try the Parkside Cafe or Breakers. Tasty but pricey. STINSON BEACH MARKET The main place to pick up groceries, alcohol, or any essentials in a pinch. It's the only market so prices are high. Open 8am-6pm.
Activities
WATER ACTIVITIES Live Water Surf Shop in town rents wetsuits, surfboards, stand up paddle boards or boogie boards. Open 10am to 5pm Stinson Beach Surf and Kayak (a couple blocks north) can set you up with wetsuits, boards or a kayak to explore the lagoon. Open 10am to 5pm HIKING Walk the long stretch of Stinson Beach, dip your toes in the chilly water, climb some rocks or hike up the ridge to take in views of the ocean. Try the Matt Davis trail to Table Rock for a beautiful vista of the coastline. This challenging uphill hike takes about 30 minutes. For a loop, take the Dipsea Trail to the Steep Ravine Trail (includes climbing up a ladder!) to Pantoll Camp and then take Matt Davis back to Stinson. For a real challenge, take the whole Dipsea Trail over the ridge to Mill Valley and back (7.5 miles each way). BIKES Rent bikes from Fritz's in Stinson.
Nearby
BOLINAS A little hippie community that some poets and artists have called home. Check out the honor system farm stand, the best surf break in Marin, a saloon that also serves Mexican food, a cute museum, and USF's own Star Route Farm. POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE If you love hiking, oysters, kayaking, beaches and nature, we recommend spending some time in this extraordinary area (though why leave Stinson Beach?). Point Reyes Station: A cute little town where you can lunch or pick up provisions. Get a treat from Bovine Bakery. The Marshall Store: Up the road from Pt. Reyes, the Marshall Store is a great place for local oysters. Enjoy the views on the back patio to the left of the restaurant. Hog Island Oyster Co. & Nick's Cove are other tasty options. Kayaking in Tomales Bay is great. Blue Water Kayaking offers tours.