Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is a public beach along California's Pacific Coast, stretching for several miles with light sand and bordered by coastal hills and mountains. The shoreline features a parking area, visitor facilities, and access points that make it easy to walk along the water's edge.

The land was purchased by Nathan H. Stinson in 1866, who established the first settlement known as Willow Camp. The place received its current name through official recognition in 1916.

The annual Dipsea Race, California's oldest trail running event, finishes here after starting in Mill Valley and attracts runners from across the region. The beach serves as a gathering point where athletes and outdoor enthusiasts experience the link between mountain terrain and ocean.

The parking area fills up quickly during sunny weather, especially on summer weekends, so arriving early is important. Lifeguards are on duty during warmer months, but water conditions can be rough and require caution.

Marine researchers monitor this area regularly because great white sharks occasionally appear in the waters, leading to the installation of warning systems. This presence is natural to the local ecosystem and shows the beach sits within a wild marine environment.