Stinson Beach: A Coastal Paradise in California
Discover the serene beauty of Stinson Beach, California, where sandy shores meet majestic ocean views and outdoor adventures await.
Stinson Beach, perched along California's breathtaking coastline, offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming local culture. With its soft sandy shores and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, it's an ideal retreat for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. Explore hiking trails, enjoy picnics, or simply relax by the waves.
A brief summary to Stinson Beach
- Stinson Beach, California, US
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a good parking spot as it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Don’t forget to pack a picnic; there are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy your meal by the sea.
- Check local tide schedules if you plan to swim or explore tide pools for safety.
- Bring layers; coastal weather can be unpredictable, with cool breezes even on sunny days.
- Consider visiting during the weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can be quite crowded.
Getting There
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Bus
To get to Stinson Beach from San Mateo, start by heading to the nearest SamTrans bus stop. You can find a stop at 2nd Avenue and El Camino Real. Take the SamTrans Bus Route 292 towards the Millbrae BART station. After 11 stops, get off at the Millbrae BART station. From there, transfer to the Golden Gate Transit bus Route 4 towards Stinson Beach. Stay on this bus for approximately 30 minutes, and get off at the Stinson Beach stop. The beach will be a short walk from the bus stop.
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Bicycle
If you're feeling adventurous and would like to bike to Stinson Beach, start from downtown San Mateo and head northwest on 2nd Avenue. Merge onto the Bay Trail and follow the trail to San Francisco Bay. Continue on the Bay Trail until you reach the Golden Gate Bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the signs towards Marin County. You'll eventually reach Highway 1, where you can follow the road to Stinson Beach. The trip is approximately 15 miles and can take around 1-2 hours depending on your cycling speed.
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Walking
Walking to Stinson Beach from San Mateo is not practical due to the distance (over 15 miles), but if you are determined, you can walk to the nearest SamTrans bus stop at 2nd Avenue and El Camino Real to take a bus. Alternatively, you can walk to the nearest BART station at Hillsdale or Hayward Park and take the train to Millbrae to connect with the Golden Gate Transit bus.
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Rideshare
For a more direct route to Stinson Beach, consider using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Open the app and set your destination to 'Stinson Beach, California 94970'. The driver will pick you up from your current location in San Mateo and take you directly to the beach. The ride typically takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Discover more about Stinson Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Landmarks China Cabin
16.3 km
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Old St. Hilary's Historic Preserve
16.7 km
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Golden Gate Bridge
17.1 km
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Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum
17.2 km
Discover the rich history of Tiburon at the Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum, a charming destination for history lovers and curious travelers.
Strauss Statue
18.1 km
Explore the Strauss Statue in San Francisco's Presidio—a tribute to the visionary behind the Golden Gate Bridge, blending history, art, and stunning views.
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
18.1 km
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Sea Cliff
18.6 km
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Dutch Windmill
18.7 km
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Angel Island State Park
19.1 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Angel Island State Park, a captivating getaway in the San Francisco Bay for nature and history lovers.
Summit of Mt. Livermore
19.2 km
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Angel Island Immigration Station
19.4 km
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Angel Island Immigration Museum
19.5 km
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Antioch Aired
19.8 km
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Livermore Wine Trolley
19.8 km
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Pershing Square
19.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mount Tamalpais State Park
3.2 km
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Bolinas Beach
3.4 km
Discover the tranquility of Bolinas Beach in California, where golden sands meet stunning ocean views in a serene coastal escape.
Mt Tamalpais
4.9 km
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Muir Woods National Monument
5.6 km
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Muir Beach Overlook
6.5 km
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Muir Beach
7.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Muir Beach, a coastal gem in California offering stunning views, serene nature trails, and a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle.
Old Mill Park
8.1 km
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Miwok Trail
10.3 km
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Tennessee Valley Trailhead
10.5 km
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Imagination Park
11.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Chapeau
20.7 km
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Spruce
21.0 km
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Atelier Crenn
21.5 km
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Capurro's Restaurant
22.2 km
Discover Capurro's Restaurant at Fisherman's Wharf - where fresh seafood meets Italian flair in an unforgettable dining experience.
Cioppino's
22.3 km
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Gary Danko
22.3 km
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Surisan
22.5 km
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Franciscan Crab Restaurant
22.6 km
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The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House
22.6 km
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State Bird Provisions
22.7 km
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The Progress
22.7 km
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Street Restaurant and Bar
22.7 km
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Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
22.9 km
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Crab House at Pier 39
22.9 km
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Nopa
22.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ground
16.3 km
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Shop the City
19.8 km
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Foggy Notion
20.7 km
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The Golden Hour
20.8 km
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Button Down
21.2 km
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Current
21.6 km
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Nikoniko Gifts
21.7 km
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Lola of North Beach
22.1 km
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Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
22.1 km
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FRAME
22.2 km
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post.script.
22.3 km
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Frank's Fisherman
22.3 km
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Safe Harbor
22.4 km
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Land of the Sun
22.4 km
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San Francisco Mercantile
22.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Interval at Long Now
21.4 km
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Brioche Bakery & Cafe
22.5 km
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Bar Iris
22.6 km
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The Socialite Crafthouse & Kitchen
22.7 km
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Luau Lounge
22.8 km
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Northpoint Craft Cocktails - Local Brews
22.8 km
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Players Sports Grill & Arcade
22.8 km
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Sweetie's Art Bar
22.9 km
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Hard Rock Cafe
23.0 km
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The Majestic Butterfly Lounge
23.0 km
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Kozy Kar
23.1 km
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Red Jack Saloon
23.1 km
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Bodega North Beach
23.2 km
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Tony Nik's CAFE
23.5 km
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Noc Noc
23.5 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Pa'ina Restaurant & Lounge
22.6 km
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Rouge Night Club
22.7 km
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Carbon
22.9 km
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Providence Night Club
23.2 km
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Club Fugazi Experiences
23.4 km
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Monroe SF
23.9 km
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Vanity San Francisco
24.0 km
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Sam's Cable Car Lounge
24.3 km
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Club Six
24.5 km
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Hawthorn SF Nightclub and Lounge
24.5 km
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Monarch
24.6 km
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OASIS
24.7 km
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Eve Nightclub & Lounge
24.8 km
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Halcyon SF
24.8 km
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Audio Nightclub
24.8 km
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