Stinson Beach, California

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Jun 11

Written By Rachael Dressler - Sonoma and Marin County Realtor

Stinson Beach is located 20 miles Northwest of San Francisco, along the base of Mt. Tamalpais. The town is a popular tourist destination due to its white sand beach and proximity to Mill Valley and San Francisco.

1. History

Nathan H. Stinson bought the land surrounding what is now known as Stinson Beach in 1866. In 1870, the first road to Stinson Beach was built and at that time the town was called Willow Camp.

After the 1906 earthquake ravaged San Francisco, refugees began to move to the town and start businesses. The Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937, which made it easier for visitors to reach Stinson’s white sandy beach. The beach was transferred to the National Park Service in 1977. Stinson Beach is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

TK-1st grade students attend the Stinson Campus.

2. Schools

Kids living in Stinson attend the Bolinas-Stinson School. The Bolinas-Stinson School has two campuses. TK-1st grade students attend the Stinson Campus.

The Stinson campus also houses a free preschool program for residents of Stinson and Bolinas. The Bolinas campus serves students in grades 2nd - 8th. Most students living in Stinson attend Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley after graduating from 8th grade.

3. Restaurants, Shopping, Things to do

Stinson Beach has a few great dining options. The Parkside Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Parkside also has a bakery that serves fresh bread and pastries that are phenomenal. Breaker’s Cafe also serves lunch and dinner and is a good choice for tacos and burritos.

If you want to try surfing, you can rent a board or take a lesson from the Live Water Surf Shop. They also sell and rent wetsuits, which you will need in the freezing cold Pacific Ocean water. If you are looking to get some exercise, you can hike from Muir Woods to Stinson Beach along the Dipsea Trail. A shorter hike would be to start at the Pantoll Ranger Station and take the Steep Ravine trail to the Dipsea Trail and then head towards Stinson Beach. Additionally, Fritz Bikes has both bike rentals and tours.