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.

Eats & Drinks 4 Stay 2

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
38 /100
ok
6 Swim
66 Sunbathe
77 Walk
76 Photo

Best for walking today

Water level 0.8 ft above predicted

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.

NOAA station 9415020 · Observed 6.57 ft · Predicted 5.79 ft

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 8:42AM PST until November 9 at 3:00AM PST by NWS San Francisco CA

NWS · In effect through Nov 9, 3:00 AM

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.

Air Temp
64°F
Mostly Sunny
Wind
5 mph
NW
Rain
0%
Today
Air Quality
10 Good
Ozone · San Francisco
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
64°F
Partly Sunny
Water Temp
65°F
Cold
Next High Tide
10:13 PM
4.5 ft · in 3.7h
Wave Height
7.9 ft
15s · WNW swell
Barometer
30.07 inHg
1018 hPa · buoy 46026

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

NWS SRF · MTR · Issued Nov 7, 10:26 AM

Sunrise
6:42 AM
Sunset
5:06 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
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

High/low predictions from NOAA station 9415020, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Nov 7
64°

Mostly Sunny

0%
38
Sun Nov 8
64°

Partly Sunny

0%
67
Mon Nov 9
64°

Partly Sunny

0%
67
Tue Nov 10
65°

Patchy Fog then Sunny

0%
68
Wed Nov 11
68°

Mostly Sunny

0%
72
Thu Nov 12
65°

Partly Sunny

14%
64
Fri Nov 13
64°

Chance Light Rain

33%
47

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

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

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerssnack barvolleyball
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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