The Stinson Beach Hotel

Wake up to the sound of waves and step onto one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern California. The Stinson Beach Hotel offers intimate, coastal lodging in the heart of Stinson Beach — a small community nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County. Our rooms are simple, comfortable, and designed for guests who come for the ocean, the trails, and the unhurried pace of life on this stretch of coast.

Accommodations

Ocean View Rooms

Rooms with direct views of the beach and the Pacific beyond. Fall asleep to the sound of surf and wake to morning fog burning off over the water.

Garden Rooms

Set back from the beach with views of the hotel's coastal garden and the wooded hillside. Quieter and more sheltered, these rooms suit guests who prefer a peaceful retreat.

The Cottage

A standalone cottage with a small kitchen, private deck, and space for families or longer stays. Walking distance to the beach, village shops, and trailheads.

Local Dining

• Parkside Café — The anchor of Stinson Beach dining, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor seating steps from the sand
• Breakers Café — Casual breakfast and lunch with ocean views and strong coffee
• Sand Dollar Restaurant — Evening dining with a seafood-heavy menu and full bar

Things to Do

The Beach

Stinson Beach is one of the few swimmable beaches in the Bay Area. A wide crescent of sand stretches for 3.5 miles, with lifeguards on duty during summer months. The beach is managed by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Hiking

• Steep Ravine Trail — A forested descent from Mt. Tam through a redwood canyon with a ladder section over a waterfall
• Dipsea Trail — The historic route from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach, featuring the oldest trail race in California
• Matt Davis Trail — A ridgeline traverse with dramatic views of the coast and the Farallon Islands

Surfing

Stinson Beach is one of the most accessible surf spots in Marin. Beginners enjoy the gentle beach break near the parking lot, while more experienced surfers head to the northern end for larger, more consistent waves.

Bolinas Lagoon

Just south of Stinson Beach, Bolinas Lagoon is a critical habitat for harbor seals, great blue herons, and migrating shorebirds. The calm waters are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Getting Here

From San Francisco, take Highway 1 north through the Marin Headlands and over the dramatic hairpin turns of the Panoramic Highway. The drive takes about an hour and is one of the most scenic in California. Alternatively, approach from Highway 101 via the Stinson Beach exit in Mill Valley.

Your coastal escape starts here.