The hang-gliders, surfers and beach-goers might first catch your eye, but it’s the “no dogs” signs you need to watch when visiting Stinson Beach in West Marin. The southern part of this popular playground is under jurisdiction of the National Park Service and off-limits to dogs. But on Upton Beach, the county-owned section in the middle, Rover can join you (leashed) in excavating material for a sand castle or walking in the gentle surf.
Where dogs can go at Stinson Beach
The key to a stress-free visit is knowing the boundaries. Upton Beach sits between the lifeguard tower and the Seadrift lagoon—look for the signs marking where NPS land ends and county land begins. Dogs must be leashed on Upton Beach at all times, but there’s plenty of room to walk along the waterline and let your pup splash in the gentle waves. Low tide is the best time to visit, when the beach widens significantly and tide pools appear along the rocky edges.
For a little more exercise, keep walking north over “private” Seadrift Beach, where dogs and their people have a legal easement, to the mouth of Bolinas Lagoon. This stretch is quieter and especially beautiful in the late afternoon light.
Off-leash fun at Bolinas Beach
Want to cut your pup loose for a romp? You’ll have to do a little sleuthing to find Bolinas Beach—or for that matter, even the town of Bolinas. Territorial locals routinely remove the road signs, but believe us, there’s a nice, legally leash-free strand at the end of Olema Bolinas Road.
Bolinas Beach is a wide, sandy stretch backed by low cliffs where dogs can run, dig, and chase each other to their heart’s content. The waves here are generally mellower than at Stinson, making it a safer spot for dogs who like to wade. On calm days, the beach extends far enough at low tide that it feels like your own private dog park. Just keep an eye on the incoming tide—the water rises quickly and can cut off sections of beach near the cliffs.
Parking and getting there
Parking at Stinson Beach fills up fast on weekends, especially during summer. The main NPS lot opens at 9 a.m. and is often full by 11. Street parking along Calle Del Mar and Highway 1 is your backup, but arrive early for your best shot at a spot. For Bolinas, the small lot at the end of Wharf Road is the closest option—it’s first come, first served and limited to about a dozen cars. Weekday visits are far less hectic at both beaches.
Where to eat with your dog
Memorable places to enjoy a meal with Rover abound in the Stinson/Bolinas area. Stop for a pint at Smiley’s Schooner Saloon, one of the oldest operating bars in California, or grab breakfast or lunch on the patio at the Parkside Café, another California classic. We’re also fans of the Sand Dollar, where the cioppino and clam chowder are sure winners. Most of these spots have outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, and the laid-back Marin vibe means your pup will fit right in.
