Outbound Collective logo

Bolinas, California

Bolinas, California is a great destination for outdoor adventures and activities. From scenic hikes to must-visit attractions, there are plenty of options for everyone. Popular attractions in the area include Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas Lagoon, and Stinson Beach. For those looking for more of an outdoor adventure, the Bolinas Ridge Trail is a great option. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Bolinas Lagoon. For a more leisurely experience, the Bolinas Beach Trail is a great choice. It's a beautiful and peaceful walk along the beach and is perfect for taking in the amazing views. No matter what type of outdoor activity you're looking for, Bolinas, California has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Bolinas

  • Stinson Beach, California

    Relax at Stinson Beach

    4.3
    Stinson beach is a popular destination for Bay Area residents and tourists alike.  Located just 20 miles north of San Francisco, it is a 30-40 min drive away from the Golden Gate Bridge (it's a one-lane windy road once you're on HWY 1).  It is also a popular stop when hiking the nearby Mount Tama...
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Cruising Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California

    4.8
    Start your drive on US Highway 1 aka Pacific Coast Highway just North of San Francisco. The drive will take about 1 -2 days so plan on overnighting somewhere. Hotels are scarce in the unpopulated areas but there all lots of Cabin rentals throughout and several campgrounds around. Just make sure y...
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Bouldering & BBQ at Stinson

    4.5
    Stinson offers up a great beach day with a few activities for everyone to enjoy. If you head toward the south end of the beach, you'll come across a few boulder problems, including the 2 most popular: Are You Experienced and The Old Man. Are You Experienced is the smaller of these 2 boulders, but...
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Matt Davis-Steep Ravine Loop

    4.7
    6.62 mi / 1726 ft gain
    This loop is made up of three of the most popular Marin trails and for good reason. These trails offer not only expansive ocean views, but a variety of topography and environments. This 6+ mile loop offers up waterfalls, dense forests, redwoods, and open grasslands overlooking the pacific. Starti...
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Matt Davis-Coastal Trail Loop

    4.7
    6 mi / 2231 ft gain
    This hike is an alternative to the famous Matt Davis to Steep Ravine Loop. The hike starts at Stinson Beach, just behind the fire Station. I recommend parking at the Beach parking lot. The Matt Davis trail is one of the best constructed trails I have ever seen. After 2.2 miles, turn left on the ...
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson

    5.0
    5.99 mi / 1568 ft gain
    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Stinson Beach, California.
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Cataract Falls

    4.2
    2.81 mi / 1184 ft gain
    The Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain. Cataract Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed near Stinson Be...
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Rock Climbing Mickey's Beach

    3.5
    Mickey's Beach is a great spot for experienced climbers to challenge themselves. The west face of the main rock is home to some local favorites like Sex Porpoises (12c), named for the apparently promiscuous local marine life. There are only a couple routes rated as 5.10s, the rest are mostly 5.12...
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Rock Climbing The Egg

    5.0
    Once you've seen The Egg, you'll understand where it gets its name. This giant, egg shaped boulder near Stinson Beach provides about a dozen routes ranging from 5.6-5.12c. There is no trad climbing, only top rope and sport.You'll find all the easier slab routes on the eastern face. These are perf...
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Steep Ravine Cabins

    5.0
    Although these cabins are bare bones, lacking both water and electricity, they couldn't put you in a better spot for views of the Pacific Ocean. From your cabin, you can enjoy amazing sunsets, possibly whale watching, and access to trails like the cabin's namesake, Steep Ravine Trail. The cabins...
    Read more
  • Stinson Beach, California

    Steep Ravine Environmental Campground

    5.0
    Gain access through a private locked gate, and descend about 1 mile down to the bluff's edge. There is only parking for 1 car per site and also several cabins that can be rented. A camp host is on site and there are bathrooms and water spigots throughout the campground. Each site has a fire ring...
    Read more
  • Bolinas, California

    Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead

    4.5
    13.54 mi / 1614 ft gain
    Alamere Falls is the tallest waterfall in the bay area. It is known as a tide fall because it empties directly into the Pacific Ocean. This is extremely unique because there are only 34 tide falls in the world and two in California, the other being McWay Falls in Big Sur.  Enjoy stunning views of...
    Read more
  • Bolinas, California

    Point Reyes' Wildcat Camp via Coast Trail

    5.0
    11.19 mi / 1926 ft gain
    In order to make this trip possible, go to recreation.gov and make a reservation for Wildcat Camp (available year-round). On your way to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to grab your camping permit. For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvis...
    Read more
  • Bolinas, California

    Bass Lake via Palomarin Trailhead

    4.2
    6.11 mi
    Follow the Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead to Bass Lake. It's a fairly easy ~2.5-3 miles to the Lake. As soon as you pass the lake, on the left you will see a narrow unmarked dirt trail. Take this trail and you'll get to a nice clearing with easy lake access (this will be a great spot for lu...
    Read more
  • Bolinas, California

    Glen Camp Loop via the Palomarin Trailhead

    4.7
    15.72 mi / 3091 ft gain
    Day 1 Before heading to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to pick up your permit. To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the trail camps.   Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed.   Permits for the trail camps can be booked up to 6 mo...
    Read more
  • Bolinas, California

    Backpack to Coast Camp in Point Reyes via Palomarin Trailhead

    20.5 mi / 2705 ft gain
    Spanning from just north of the small town of Bolinas (about an hour north of San Francisco) across Inverness ridge and to the top of Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore is as stunning park featuring breathtaking ocean views and solitude among the grassy hillsides and forested ridges. Th...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Bolinas

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA
Petaluma, California

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA

AutoCamp Russian River
Guerneville, California

AutoCamp Russian River

From $149 / night

Guides, Insights and Stories from Bolinas

A Sunrise Hike on Mt. Tamalpais

A Sunrise Hike on Mt. Tamalpais

Kevin Tangney

Your Guide to Visiting Muir Woods

Your Guide to Visiting Muir Woods

The Outbound Collective

Living’s Easy on a Sausalito Houseboat

Living’s Easy on a Sausalito Houseboat

Natalie F

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Sara Sheehy

5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

Sara Sheehy

4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

The Outbound Collective