Mostly Sunny
Marin County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Stinson Beach
Hwy 1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
A 3.5-mile crescent in Marin County, half an hour over the headlands from the Golden Gate. One of the few northern California beaches actually swimmable in summer (relatively — water is still 55-60°F), with lifeguards Memorial Day – mid-September. Mount Tamalpais looms behind.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
7.9ft waves · NWS alert active · 64°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Mostly sunny. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 62 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Weather
- 64°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 65°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
Safety
- 7.9ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 8:42am pst until november 9 at 3:00am pst by nws san francisco ca
Best for walking today
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 8:42AM PST until November 9 at 3:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Seas 7 to 12 ft expected. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Point Reyes to Pigeon Point California out to 10 NM. * WHEN...Until 3 AM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Water
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (CAZ502)
The MTR office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- CAZ505 SONOMA AND MARIN COUNTY COASTAL AREAS n/a
- CAZ509 SAN FRANCISCO AND SAN MATEO COUNTY COASTAL AREAS n/a
- CAZ529 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY COASTAL AREAS n/a
- CAZ530 MONTEREY BAY AND BIG SUR COASTAL AREAS n/a
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:36 AM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 8:48 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 3:46 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:13 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:11 AM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| 9:16 AM | High | 6.3 ft |
| 4:25 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| 11:04 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:45 AM | Low | 2.8 ft |
| 9:44 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 5:03 PM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| 11:53 PM | High | 4.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:20 AM | Low | 3.1 ft |
| 10:14 AM | High | 6.1 ft |
| 5:40 PM | Low | -0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:41 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 4:55 AM | Low | 3.3 ft |
| 10:45 AM | High | 5.9 ft |
| 6:19 PM | Low | -0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 AM | High | 4.3 ft |
| 5:32 AM | Low | 3.5 ft |
| 11:20 AM | High | 5.7 ft |
| 7:00 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:24 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 6:13 AM | Low | 3.6 ft |
| 11:57 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 7:44 PM | Low | -0.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9415020, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Chance Light Rain
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 65°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free National Park Service lot; fills early on warm Saturdays.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the main beach. Upton Beach (north end) allows dogs.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Hwy 1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Stinson Beach today?
Stinson Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Stinson Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the main beach. Upton Beach (north end) allows dogs.
Is there an entry fee at Stinson Beach?
Entry to Stinson Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Stinson Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Stinson Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Stinson Beach?
Amenities at Stinson Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, snack bar, volleyball.
When is the water warmest at Stinson Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Stinson Beach located?
Stinson Beach is in Marin County, CA, at Hwy 1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS