Summer is right around the corner, as shown by the flip flops and shorts popping up all over campus. Marin is lucky to have access to many beaches, but choosing the right one can be stressful. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of the top five beaches to visit this summer, so grab sunscreen and sunglasses for these must-visit places.
No. 1: Bolinas Beach
Bolinas is one of the closest beaches on this list, and like all Marin beaches, it has cold, choppy water, not ideal for swimming but perfect for surfing. The town of Bolinas is sleepy, laid-back, and nice to stroll through on a lazy day or visit the shops. Bolinas is a small beach, also good for fishing, with fishermen usually posted around the rocks. The beach is dog-friendly, allowing many dog owners to populate the beach with their sandy pooches. Unfortunately, this beach often has poor parking availability, so make sure to come early to secure your spot.
No. 2: Wildcat Beach
Wildcat Beach is a secluded beach, tucked away like a hidden gem. It takes a five-mile hike from the Palomarin trailhead to reach the sand, with a beautiful lake along the way that offers a rope swing that lets you launch into the water for a cool, fun splash. There are scenic waterfalls on the hike as well, which are available to hike to at low tide. If you’re just looking to hike, there are multiple trailheads to choose from and explore. Because it’s rarely visited, it’s usually calm and clean, with cold, refreshing waters. While it isn’t dog-friendly, it is family-friendly with a nearby campground to stay at.
No. 3 Limantour Beach
Limantour Beach has beautiful views, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset with a friend. The parking is free, and there is a five-minute walk from the lot to the beach through the grasslands. Limantour Beach is known for its grassy, sandy dunes and cold but calm water. It’s a long stretch of beach, and if you walk along enough at low tide you’ll find tide pools filled with starfish, mussels, and other sea creatures. Other sea life sometimes shows itself at the beach as well, with some locals noting whales and sea lions near shore. Sadly enough, this is not a dog-friendly beach.
No. 4 Muir Beach
Muir, first and most importantly, has free admission and parking. It’s a quiet, peaceful beach for a relaxing day out, with trails for hiking. The beach is dog-friendly on the western side and has a refreshing creek flowing down from the mountain to the beach. It can be quite windy at times, with cold waters, and is also a local surfing spot. Overall, Muir is a wonderful beach for a fun day with friends and family and has permitted bonfires unlike the others.
No. 5 Stinson Beach
Like Muir, Stinson Beach has free admission and plenty of parking. Stinson Beach is known for being a well-kept beach with beautiful views and occasional fog. It has a secluded area that is dog-friendly with plenty of nearby attractions such as a playground, basketball court, restaurants, and grocery stores. The water is often too cold for swimming, but in summer it is perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and body surfing. The peaceful, uncrowded setting creates a laid-back and relaxing vibe, justifying the long, twisty car ride there.
