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
Rodeo Cove to Point Bonita Lighthouse
5.03.64 mi / 568 ft gainIf you're looking for a little hike and a lot of beach, you'll find your ideal combo at Rodeo Beach and Point Bonita Lighthouse. Park at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at the head of the 0.8 mile trail to the beach. From the lighthouse to the beach, it will be another 1.5-2 miles there and ba...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Explore WWII Ruins on Point Bonita
4.30.25 mi / 200 ft gainAll throughout the Marin Headlands are WWII-era bunkers, batteries and ruins, including a complex on the hillside above the Point Bonita Lighthouse that provide amazing views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate, and the north coast.Drive out to the parking lot for the Point Bonita Lighthouse in the...Read more -
Corte Madera, California
Ring Mountain Loop
4.02.65 mi / 597 ft gainRing Mountain Open Space is an easy but uphill trail that take you to the top where you can explore more trails. Take the 101 exit for Paradise Dr in Corte Madera, follow the road, and park on the side of the road once you pass Westward Dr. Even though there are many places to start the trail fo...Read more -
San Rafael, California
Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Ridge Trail
5.05.85 mi / 1089 ft gainThis San Rafael neighborhood trail is quite popular, but there is plenty of room for everyone and the parking is easy. After you park at the trailhead, you walk (or bike) up a relatively short and steep path that takes you to the beginning of the trail. This hike takes you along a scenic ridge ...Read more -
Tiburon, California
Bouldering at Ring Mountain
0.5 mi / 400 ft gainItching to climb outdoors near San Francisco? With only a quick drive from the city, Ring Mountain is a beautiful nature preserve overlooking the city of San Francisco offering two main rock formations, Turtle Rock (Pictured) and Split Rock. Split Rock is the slabby rock south of the parking ar...Read more -
Lagunitas, CaliforniaSwim at the Inkwells
4.5These natural swimming holes are filled with water flowing from Kent Lake, so they're usually pretty refreshing. And by refreshing, we mean cold. We know this first-hand by testing the pools in the winter months. Let's just say if you can stay in for more than 5 seconds, you're a hero. If you jum...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Black Sands Beach
5.00.54 mi / 285 ft gainBlack Sand Beach is a beautiful, mile-long stretch of black sand just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. On a sunny day, it’s best to try and arrive in the morning, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. To get down to the beach, you’ll need to hike for about 5 minutes down 250 or so wooden steps....Read more -
Sausalito, California
Slacker Hill
5.01.02 mi / 344 ft gainAlthough the Headlands can be crowded, particularly at the parking-lot chaos of the Vista Point and pull-offs along Conzelman Road, the three routes leading to the summit of Slacker Hill remain relatively quiet, even during busy weekends. Each can be tied into larger loops throughout the Headland...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Ninja Loop
9.37 mi / 1831 ft gainThis loop can start from several different locations, including Rodeo Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot. Starting from the GGB will add 2 more miles onto this run. I like to start at the Coastal Trailhead parking lot off of McCullough and Conzelman Roads (just a notch down from Hawk Hi...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Marin Headlands Trail Loop
10.5 mi / 1990 ft gainThis trail starts at the Coastal Trail in Marin Headlands Park, where there's a small parking lot and outhouse bathroom off the circle when coming from Conzelman Road.Take the Coastal Trail until you intersect with Bunker Road (you can even turn right and spit off the trail just before intersecti...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Hawk Hill
5.00.76 mi / 144 ft gainIf you're leaving from SF, head over the bridge and exit onto Alexander Ave. Make the immediate left under the overpass and you'll be on the road to Hawk Hill. There's a parking area just below the gate leading up to Hawk Hill. From the parking lot you can walk west about ten yards along the outs...Read more -
Lagunitas, California
Bolinas Ridge Loop
10.27 mi / 1568 ft gainNestled in the Samuel P. Taylor State Park this ten miler was a perfect escape from the chaos of the city. Hikers are able to pay a $10.00 park entry fee that includes plenty of parking spaces and restrooms before you hit the trail. The hike starts along the Cross Marin Trail, a path popular to ...Read more -
San Rafael, California
Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site
4.04.37 mi / 988 ft gainThe Gold Hill Grade to Nike Missile Site trail in San Rafael, California, is a moderately challenging hike. The trail spans approximately 4.37 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 988 feet. The path is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels....Read more -
Lagunitas, California
Redwoods Camping at Samuel P Taylor
These West Marin campsites are often overlooked. It does get busy during the summer, but take the rest of the year to explore this state park. The main campground boasts more than 50 campsites with restrooms, hot pay showers, and piped drinking water. A few spaces can accommodate trailers, but t...Read more -
Sausalito, California
Catch the Sunset at Swedes Beach
This is a small tucked away beach in Sausalito, CA. Being in the bay, it has very calm waters and is easy to swim in, though the water will be very cold. There are pilings in the water that are remnants of the old piers. It is a great beach to watch the sunset at. There is very limited street...Read more -
Mill Valley, California
Camp at Kirby Cove
4.5Yes, you can camp just over the Golden Gate! Kirby Cove Campground has 4 overnight campsites and 1 picnic area for day use. The campground is set near a coarse-sand beach and offers amazing views of the Golden Gate, as long as it’s not a super foggy SF day. From the parking lot, it's a steep ~1 m...Read more
