Stinson Beach has a handful of lodging options for anyone wanting to stay close to the ocean. Whether you’re into beachfront motels or prefer a low-key bed and breakfast, there’s a spot for you to crash after a day in the sand. The Sandpiper Inn, Stinson Beach Motel, and Redwoods Haus Bed and Breakfast seem to get a lot of love from visitors.
If you’re planning to stick around for a while or just want more elbow room, vacation rentals might be your thing. Stinson Beach has plenty of rental homes and cottages, and honestly, having a kitchen and a living room can make group trips or family getaways way easier. It’s a good way to get that homey vibe while soaking up the coastal scenery. Some places are right on the beach, others tucked into the hills—there’s a range.
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Surf Lodge
Surf Lodge sits right on Shoreline Highway in Stinson Beach. It’s got that cozy, beachy feel, and you can tell the place is all about comfort and charm. If you’re hoping to soak up the natural beauty of the coast without much fuss, this one’s a solid bet.
You won’t have to walk far for beach access. The sand and waves are basically at your doorstep, plus there are hiking trails and natural attractions nearby if you feel like wandering off the beach for a bit.
Rooms here keep things simple and clean, with just enough thoughtful touches to make you feel at home. People appreciate the laid-back vibe—it fits Stinson Beach perfectly.
Since it’s a smaller property, you get a more personal experience than you would at a big hotel. The staff actually know the area and can point you toward local gems. It makes a great base for exploring both Stinson Beach and the rest of Marin County.
Rating: 4.9 (29 reviews)
Location: 3416 Shoreline Hwy #1, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Website: Visit Website
Sandpiper Lodging at the Beach
Sandpiper Lodging is just steps from the sand—no exaggeration. They offer a mix of rooms, cabins, and even some units with kitchenettes, so you can pick what fits your trip.
If you like the outdoors, this spot makes it easy. Hiking trails on Mt. Tamalpais are close, surfing is right there, and you can even kayak along the coast if you’re feeling adventurous. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance, which is always a plus.
You get the best of both worlds: a quiet beach setting, but you’re still a short drive from places like Muir Woods, Point Reyes, Bolinas, and Mill Valley. All easy day trips.
After a day out, the garden area is a nice place to chill. There are barbecue grills and a picnic spot—perfect for a casual meal outdoors while you listen to the waves in the distance.
Rating: 4.7 (137 reviews)
Location: 1 Marine Way, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Contact: (415) 868-1632
Website: Visit Website
Limantour Lodge
Limantour Lodge sits close to Stinson Beach and offers both dorm-style and private rooms. This hostel-style spot keeps things affordable, but you still get comfort and a peaceful vibe—definitely a find if you’re not into splurging on fancy hotels.
You’ll get practical stuff here, too. There’s a guest kitchen if you want to cook (sometimes you just need your own food, right?), shared lounges, and an outdoor patio. The common areas make it easy to meet other travelers, or just hang out and read. It’s a good setup for longer stays or solo trips.
With nearly 200 reviews and a 4.8-star average, Limantour Lodge clearly hits the mark for folks looking for a quiet place to unwind. The location on Limantour Spit Road puts you right by the beaches and hiking trails in Point Reyes National Seashore, and Stinson Beach is just a quick drive away.
Rating: 4.8 (196 reviews)
Location: 1390 Limantour Spit Rd, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Contact: (415) 663-8811
Website: Visit Website
Olema House at Point Reyes
Olema House is about an hour north of San Francisco and feels tucked away at the edge of Point Reyes National Seashore. If you’re into forest parkland and wild coastline, this place is a pretty solid pick.
The hotel mixes a bit of city polish with relaxed Bohemian touches—think cozy, not pretentious. You get free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and a bunch of rooms come with their own patios facing Olema Creek. There’s a big lawn out back where you can just sprawl out and take in the view, too.
Right next door, Due West Tavern serves up local food in a building from 1865. Grab dinner there, or swing by Due West Market for picnic snacks before you head out exploring. If you’re in town on a weeknight, their “Love to the Locals” deal gets you a comfort food dinner and wine for under $30—hard to beat, honestly.
Olema House makes a great base for outdoor stuff—hiking, biking, kayaking, birdwatching, you name it. Sometimes they host live music under the redwoods or fireside gatherings, which adds a little something extra to your stay.
Rating: 4.5 (283 reviews)
Location: 10021 Coastal Highway #1, Olema, CA 94950
Contact: (415) 663-9000
Website: Visit Website
Nick’s Cove Tomales Bay
Nick’s Cove is a pretty unique coastal retreat tucked along Tomales Bay. This spot brings together rustic charm and a splash of waterfront luxury. Think cozy cottages with a fishing lodge vibe—honestly, it feels like the antidote to city chaos.
They’ve got a private beach, so you can wander right down to the water. Most of the rooms give you your own bathroom, a balcony, and a little kitchenette. Quite a few have fireplaces too, which is a lifesaver when the fog rolls in and you just want to curl up somewhere warm.
The restaurant has picked up some serious praise—SF Magazine called it one of the Best Seafood Restaurants in the Bay Area for 2024, and it landed on Travel + Leisure’s “It List” and Sunset Magazine’s Best Coastal Retreat in 2023. Fresh seafood takes center stage here, and the water views really do make every meal feel a bit special.
While you’re there, maybe hit the nearby trails, chill out in the garden, or just soak up those sea views from the terrace. Couples seem to love it for romantic getaways, but honestly, it’s easy to see why anyone would want to escape here for a bit.
Rating: 4.3 (1539 reviews)
Location: Marshall, CA 94940
Contact: (415) 663-1033
Website: Visit Website
Location Considerations Near Stinson Beach
Picking the right spot to stay near Stinson Beach can really shape your trip. Where you end up affects how easy it is to hit the sand and how much time you spend in your car.
Proximity to Beach Access Points
Stinson Beach has a few different access points. If you stay along Highway 1, you’re pretty much right there—some rentals are just a few steps from the ocean. Yeah, those places cost more, but you won’t have to mess with the main parking lot.
The main public entrance is at the end of Calle del Arroyo. Staying within a quarter-mile of this spot means you can just walk to the beach, no problem.
If you want more peace and quiet, check out the northern side near Bolinas Lagoon. It’s a longer walk to the main beach, but you’ll dodge the crowds.
Rentals up in the hills? They’ve got killer views, but you’ll need to drive down to the shore. Something to think about if you’re all about easy beach access.
Transportation and Parking Tips
Parking in Stinson Beach gets tight, especially on weekends and holidays. If you’re staying in town, park your car and forget about it—most things are walkable.
If your place is north or south along Highway 1, you’ll probably end up driving to the main beach. Try to get there before 10am on busy days, or you might be circling for a spot.
There’s the West Marin Stagecoach (Route 61) if you want to skip driving altogether. It links up with Marin County transit, which can save you some headaches with parking.
Uber and Lyft exist out here, but don’t count on them as much as you would in the city. Having your own car is just easier if you want to check out spots like Muir Woods or Point Reyes.
Amenities and Unique Features
Stinson Beach places try to offer a little something for everyone. Whether you just want a comfy bed or you’re after special touches, you’ll find it.
Pet-Friendly Options
Bringing your four-legged family members? Plenty of vacation rentals around Stinson Beach welcome pets. The better ones have:
- Fenced yards so your dog can run around
- Easy routes to pet-friendly parts of the beach
- Walking trails your pup will actually enjoy
- Extras like water bowls or dog beds
Some places do charge pet fees or have rules about size, so double-check before you book. Sandpiper Lodging and a few vacation homes call out their pet-friendly status right in the listing. Always nice when you don’t have to leave anyone behind.
Ocean Views and Private Outdoor Spaces
Honestly, the biggest draw of staying in Stinson Beach is how close you get to the ocean and those open-air living spaces.
You’ll find plenty of spots with:
- Sweeping ocean views right from your bed or living room
- Decks and patios—some private, some shared—furnished for lounging
- Fire pits for those late-night hangouts
- Outdoor showers, because who wants sand in the house?
The Stinson Beach Cottage sits just a minute from the sand, so you can wander over barefoot if you feel like it. There are quirky options, too—like an Airstream that feels more boutique hotel than camper, with its own daybeds and picnic nook.
Beachfront rentals? Yeah, they’re pricey, but you get those front-row views and the sound of the waves rolling in. If you’re watching your budget, you can still find places set a little further back. They might not have the same jaw-dropping view, but you’ll catch glimpses of the ocean and save some cash.
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