This article originally appeared on marinmagazine.com.
Part of Marin’s appeal is its proximity to the ocean, but knowing where to actually go makes all the difference. There are beaches along the bay and beaches along the ocean itself, and each type comes with its own set of perks.Â
While this list doesn’t capture every option that Marin has to offer, these six beaches are a few local favorites that are worth the visit.
Feature photo by Tim Porter.
This gem of a beach is popular for its light, rolling waves, ideal for all levels of surfing or paddleboarding, and its low-key and dog-friendly vibe. But because it’s not very big, especially during high tide when half the beach disappears, it can be crowded. Additionally, locals have (notoriously) been inclined to remove the town identification signs, and it’s easy to understand why. Besides being the go-to surf spot in the county, Bolinas is a perfect spot for swimming, boogie-boarding and rock collecting at the southern edge along the entrance to the lagoon. SUP and surfboard rentals are at 2 Mile Surf Shop on the road to the beach.
Amenities: Restrooms, tennis court
Known For: Great surfing beach, especially for beginners
Activities: Surfing, bodyboarding, bird-watching, kayaking, SUP, tennis
Restaurants: Coast Cafe, Smiley’s Schooner Saloon and Hotel
Parking: Free street parking
Dogs: Yes
Located about three miles west of Tomales, this beach was named after Dillon Beach village founder George Dillon, who settled there in 1858. A wide and lengthy white-sand expanse is great for long walks, and it’s a dog-friendly place where pooches can be off leash and run loose. When the tide is low and the surf is too, there’s lots to explore in the tide pools. The resort has a cafe, a general store, a surf shop and cabins to rent if you’d like to make a weekend of it.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire pits
Known For: Tide pool exploring when the tide is low
Activities: Surfing, bodyboarding, tide pooling, bonfires
Restaurants: Dillon Beach Cafe, Dillon Beach Resort Store
Parking: $8
Dogs: Yes
Between Drakes Bay and an estuary sits this soft and sandy beach, more than two miles long, with rolling sand dunes. It is popular with hikers and bird-watchers for its bountiful wildlife, including seals and whales in late spring, shorebirds in fall and ducks in winter. Waves are calmer here, but remember to pack and dress appropriately for the cool, damp weather out in this more rugged part of the county.
Amenities: Restrooms, hostel, wetlands, trails
Known For: Prime beach for beach-combing and looking for birds and other animals
Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, wildlife watching, swimming
Restaurants: Picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms
Parking: Free lot
Dogs: Yes, on leash
This crescent-shaped cove tucked into the coast three miles west of Muir Woods has a lagoon and sandy beach with lots of privacy. Monarch butterflies, salmon and frogs can be seen in the marsh; other wildlife includes fox, birds, deer and coyotes. Hiking trails branch out from Muir Beach in many directions, inviting exploration of the headlands, and the waves are good for boogie boarders and kayakers. The northernmost end is a clothing-optional area.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, trails, fire pitsÂ
Known For: Plenty of hiking trails and the north part of the beach called Little Beach that’s clothing optionalÂ
Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, bonfires, picnickingÂ
Restaurants: Pelican Inn
Parking: Free
Dogs: Yes, if under voice control
On the southernmost beach in the county, the sand is reddish brown mixed with pea-size multicolored pebbles. Situated in the Marin Headlands, Rodeo has western exposure, so it’s experts-only for swimming and surfing, but ideal for all levels of strolling and picnicking.
Amenities: Restrooms, trails, picnic tables, lagoonÂ
Known For: Being dog friendly and a desirable picnic spotÂ
Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, surfingÂ
Parking: Free
Dogs: Yes, if under voice control
For most, going to the beach in Marin means heading over the hill to Stinson. A large crescent swath of white sand and steady break make this spot popular with surfers and tourists year-round. An adjacent small beach town and picnic area attracts large groups looking to spend a day at the shore. On warm days, get there early — traffic builds up thick and quick. Whale watching is popular here January through March, and lifeguards are on duty May through October.
