Partly 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 photography.
NWS alert active · 58°F water · 62°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy. Low around 55, with temperatures rising to around 57 overnight. West northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Weather
- 62°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 58°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued june 25 at 2:22am pdt until june 26 at 9:00am pdt by nws san francisco ca
Best for photography 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 June 25 at 2:22AM PDT until June 26 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt expected. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Point Reyes to Pigeon Point California out to 10 NM. * WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 9 AM PDT Friday. * 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
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:14 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 9:59 AM | High | 3.6 ft |
| 1:54 PM | Low | 2.8 ft |
| 8:21 PM | High | 5.9 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Drizzle
Slight Chance Drizzle then Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 58°F — dangerously cold
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
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Stinson Beach.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Stinson Beach from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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