Welcome to West Marin/Stinson Beach
Expansive rural area with lots of farmland and undeveloped acreage encompasses the white-sand Stinson Beach and tranquil seaside village
West Marin County is notable for its calm and tranquil environment as one of the most pastoral areas in all of Marin. Encompassing the largest rural part of the county, West Marin is cherished for its access to raw nature and untouched wilderness. The entire landscape is dotted with majestic redwood trees, lush hillsides, and farmland. It's countryside living at its finest.
Sparsely populated, residents appreciate the area's quiet and picturesque demeanor. West Marin encapsulates seven unincorporated communities, including the oceanside village Stinson Beach. This exquisite, white-sand beach stretches along 3.5 miles of the California coast and resides within the Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It's a beautiful slice of paradise inside the magnificent West Marin.
What to Love
- Most undeveloped land, leaving plenty of room for custom homes and ranches
- Quiet area without heavy commercialization and congestion
- Home to the beautiful Stinson Beach, an exquisite beach and seaside village
People & Lifestyle
West Marin living is unlike anywhere else in the area. While you can find natural beauty all over Marin County, West Marin is far more rural and filled with bucolic, agricultural fields and farmlands than anywhere else in the area. Most of it is undeveloped, leaving residents with a small, cozy community, just the way they like it. This swat of rural land is home to farm-to-table cuisine and unparalleled scenic beauty.
It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who plan to spend significant amounts of time hiking, kayaking, or backcountry camping. And the seaside town of Stinson Beach makes for the perfect weekend getaway or even full-time residence. In Stinson, you'll find one of the only beaches in California with white sand. There are many different housing options, from conventional single homes to luxurious hillside manors with ocean views.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
There aren't many restaurants in Stinson Beach because of its dedication to preserving the natural scenery and beautiful beaches. But the few that are present make the most of their nautical-themed environment.
Breakers Café is probably the most popular restaurant here, a great place to stop and refuel with fish tacos after a morning spent surfing. Often locals will grab food-to-go and enjoy their meal on the beach. The café is frequently used as a venue for wedding receptions and other special occasions.
Charming mom-and-pop café Parkside features classic seafood dishes like hearty clam chowder, fish and chips, crab cakes, and fish tacos. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, Parkside is a Stinson Beach staple and cherished snack bar.
Since Stinson Beach is a notable surfing destination, there are multiple surf shops in the area, such as Live Water Surf Shop and Stinson Beach Surf & Kayak. Rent wetsuits, kayaks, bicycles, and more, or stock up on the best gear before hitting the waves.
Things to Do
North of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais State Park rises from the heart of Marin County. With its deep canyons, redwood forests, open grasslands, and sweeping hillsides, the park has some of the most arresting vistas in the region. It is the best location for hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife-watching.
Point Reyes National Seashore is a sanctuary open to exploration, with more than 1,500 species of plants and animals to discover hidden among the hillsides, forested ridges, and sand beaches. West Marin hosts the oldest cross-country trail running event in the country, The Dipsea Foot Race, held every second Sunday in June along the scenic 7.4-mile course.
West Marin is home to the county's most beautiful beaches, including Stinson Beach, Bolinas Beach, and Muir Beach. Each year, Stinson Beach hosts the annual "Cuisine on the Green" event in the town's central park, featuring local restaurants and talent.
Schools
The Bolinas-Stinson Union School District is a public school district serving West Marin, Bolinas, and communities throughout Stinson Beach. Bolinas School has continually operated since 1858 and serves grades K-8.
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