Stinson Beach

Situated within California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Stinson Beach lies approximately 30 kilometres northwest of San Francisco along Highway 1, making it a popular day trip for residents of the city.

This long stretch of sand offers a relatively shallow entry into the waters of the Pacific, which can be a little on the cold side. However, as one of the region’s cleanest beaches it offers a range of potential activities, including volleyball, fishing, surfing, windsurfing and swimming.

There are reserved swimming areas where surfing and the use of motorised transport are not permitted. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. By contrast, the surfing season is generally considered to be the months of winter and spring, with the summer best for bodyboarders. Afternoons are better for those looking to try their hand at windsurfing, when the north-westerly winds are at their most stable.

Amenities include public restrooms, cold showers, picnic areas, and a snack bar which opens during the summer. There are also a handful of art galleries and cafes dotted in and around Stinson Beach. Due to its proximity to San Francisco, there are few hotels in the vicinity. The sole parking lot can fill up before midday on the hottest days of summer.