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Stinson Beach, California

Stinson Beach, California is a popular spot for adventurers. With its scenic views, stunning beaches, incredible trails, and a variety of activities to choose from, this is the perfect spot for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors. There are a wide range of outdoor experiences, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes and bike rides, so whatever you’re looking for, you can find something to suit your unique needs in Stinson Beach. With stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills, and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the area’s history and ecology, this is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Top Spots in and near Stinson Beach

  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • 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.
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Trojan Point

    4.5
    0.25 mi / 75 ft gain
    The endlessly scenic Trojan Point can be reached by taking the Panoramic Highway to Pantoll road from Stinson Beach to the west, or Mill Valley / Highway 1 to the east. It can also be reached by taking West Ridgecrest Boulevard from the north from the Fairfax-Bolinas road.  Park at the large par...
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Cataract Trail Loop

    4.5
    8.7 mi / 1670 ft gain
    Duration: 3.5-4 hour hike at a moderate to quick pace with a short break for lunch. Starting at an elevation of 1989ft and maxing at 2001ft, you achieve 1428 of elevation gain through a beautiful peak and valley hike. From the free Rock Springs Parking Area, the basic trailheads to follow along...
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  • Marin County, California

    Picturesque Views from Mt. Tam's East Ridge

    5.0
    This road provides one of the most scenic views of the pacific from north of the Golden Gate. It's a little bit of a windy drive or ride along Highway 1 or Panoramic Highway (depending on which way you choose) to get to East Ridgecrest. But, if you remembered to pack a picnic, brought your friend...
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  • Marin County, California

    Dipsea Trail - Steep Ravine Loop

    5.0
    3.97 mi / 1204 ft gain
    This is definitely a worthwhile short hike, with views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate, and the San Mateo coastline. It's a 3.8 mile loop which takes you through forests of Redwoods and out to the coastline, even above the clouds on a lucky day. The trailhead begins at the Pantoll ...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Steep Ravine Trail via Pantoll Station

    5.0
    3.96 mi / 1079 ft gain
    The trailhead Pantoll Station is easy to find on GPS and there are friendly rangers there as well to answer questions.Maps: Paper map are available at the trailhead Pantoll Station in Marin, CA.   For a moderate hike, I suggest going the one and a half miles down the trail to the ladder and retu...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Camp at Mt. Tam's Pantoll Campground

    5.0
    Need an escape from SF, but can't seem to find an available campground, then head to Pantoll Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. If you get there early on friday (or even better Thursday afternoon), you should be able to lock down one of these first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Each of th...
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Camping and Lodging in Stinson Beach

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 Stinson Beach

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