Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is a surf spot located in Bay Area, California. The spot provides both left and right waves. It features a sand bottom and can be surfed at all tides. Stinson Beach is suitable for beginners and has a wave length of less than 50m. The crowd is typically empty. Nearby surf spots include Bolinas, RCA, Double Point, Rodeo Beach, and Fort Point. When surfing here, it’s important to be aware of sharks, as there have been attacks in the past. The beach can close out when the waves get bigger, and while some days have good sand bars, it’s often mushy and shapeless. Parking is available in the state parks lot by the beach. Check your skills before paddling out to make sure the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. Remember to respect the locals and follow surf etiquette, especially if the spot gets crowded. Stinson Beach is part of Marin County and is about a 35-minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s near attractions like Muir Woods National Monument and Mount Tamalpais. The beach is known for its cleanliness and sandy shore, unlike the rockier beach in nearby Bolinas. Historically, the area was inhabited by Coast Miwok people before European colonization. The town’s original name was Willow Camp, changing to Stinson Beach in 1916 in honor of the largest landowners. The beach became part of the National Park Service in 1977. Stinson Beach is within an area known as the Red Triangle, which has a higher number of shark attacks. In 2012, tsunami warning signs were added to the shoreline. The area has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, with cool and windy summer afternoons. For the latest surf forecast, report, and webcam information, be sure to check current conditions before your visit.