Stinson Beach, California
Stinson Beach, California is a popular spot for adventurers. With its scenic views, stunning beaches, incredible trails, and a variety of activities to choose from, this is the perfect spot for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors. There are a wide range of outdoor experiences, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes and bike rides, so whatever you’re looking for, you can find something to suit your unique needs in Stinson Beach. With stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills, and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the area’s history and ecology, this is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Top Spots in and near Stinson Beach
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Mill Valley, California
Camp at Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park
4.0Bootjack Campground is located within California's Mount Tamalpais State Park. There are a couple of campsites within the park, but if you are driving on the Panoramic Highway from Mill Valley, this will be the first campground you pass. The fee is $25 fee to camp, but they have bathrooms and ru...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Steep Ravine and Bootjack Trails Loop
5.06.66 mi / 2083 ft gainThis hike is best done in the winter and spring in order for the creeks and waterfalls to be flowing. Park at the Bootjack Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Cross the road to reach the Bootjack trail. Continue on this until you reach the Alpine trail. Go right towards the Pantoll Ranger ...Read more -
Bootjack Campground, California
Bootjack Campground to Muir Woods
8.61 mi / 1594 ft gainGetting permits into Muir Woods can be hard, but if you want to work for it, there's a much better way to visit the National Monument. To do this loop into Muir Woods National Monument, first drive to the Bootjack Parking Area in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The Bootjack Parking Area should be fou...Read more -
Stinson Beach, California
Cataract Falls
4.22.81 mi / 1184 ft gainThe Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain. Cataract Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed near Stinson Be...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Summit of Mt. Tamalpais Loop
5.01.15 mi / 394 ft gainMt. Tam is a large park with plenty of amazing viewpoints, but the East routes and the East Peak are best for sunsets. Once you're at the top, it's an amazing spot to view a large number of Marin trails, which can help you can get a head start on planning your next adventure. At 2,570 feet, this ...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Canopy, Panoramic, Redwood Trail, Sun, Dipsea Trail Loop
4.74.31 mi / 1145 ft gainWhile there are other, less crowded redwood groves in the Bay Area, Muir Woods National Monument is easily one of the best. It is a beautifully maintained site, with wooden footpaths meandering between towering redwoods that are between 600 – 800 years old. It’s home to some true giants, with its...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Muir Beach Overlook
4.9The Muir Beach Overlook is one of the most convenient spots to take in an amazing view of the entire coastline, and one of the best places to catch a dramatic sunset. It’s conveniently located one mile north of Muir Beach and parking is easy. It’s a 5 minute walk down the trail to the Overlook. O...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Owl Trail
5.01.2 mi / 300 ft gainThe Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast. The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...Read more -
Fairfax, California
Lake Lagunitas
4.01.68 mi / 0 ft gainLocated near Fairfax, California, this trail is relatively flat and provides peaceful views of the lake as you pass over small creeks and groves of redwoods. It's good for all skill levels and is accessible year-round. It's a great trail for families and beginner mountain bikers.It can be a littl...Read more -
Fairfax, California
Carson Falls
4.03.75 mi / 863 ft gainAre you tired of crowds on your hikes? First, shame on you for getting up so late and moving so slowly. Did you really need Philz before you got on the trail? Ok, now that you’ve been thoroughly chastised, let’s start planning a hike to the less-frequented Carson Falls. Like any of the falls in ...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Bonfire at Muir Beach
5.0Take in a scenic sunset and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! Muir Beach changes the number of fire pits it has seasonally. May through November, the beach offers 6 fire pits, and in the colder months (December through April), there are 3 fire pits on the beach toward the south end of t...Read more -
Muir Beach, California
Pirate's Cove
5.03.43 mi / 856 ft gainPirate's Cove is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mill Valley, California.Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Temelpa Trail
4.52.94 mi / 1929 ft gainThe Mt. Tam Hill Climb via Temelpa Trail is an iconic, "best-of" climb in the trail running community, drawing some of the world's greatest athletes to experience its breathtaking views and technical downhill. Surprisingly though, outside of locals and the running community, the trail remains lar...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Dipsea Trail
4.613.03 mi / 3701 ft gainThe Dipsea Race is the 2nd oldest foot race in the US. The race is named after the Dipsea Inn at the end of the trail at Stinson Beach. The good news is that you can enjoy this scenic trail and its sweeping ocean views at your leisure. The bad news is that the race is only one-way. If you choose,...Read more -
Larkspur, California
Dawn Falls Trail Loop
2.79 mi / 466 ft gainDawn Falls Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Larkspur, California.Read more -
Larkspur, California
Dawn Falls Trail
4.52.29 mi / 344 ft gainTake the Dawn Falls trail down into the Baltimore Canyon for an in-depth exploration of northern California nature. Rather than the usual dry, hardy vegetation that speckles the hills of many nearby trails, this trail is bursting with lush ferns and mossy trees as it meanders along next to Larksp...Read more
