Stinson Beach

Stinson is the only designated swimming beach in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a long stretch of sand with seasonal NPS lifeguards. The ocean is cold, averaging about 58°F in summer, and rip currents occur year-round, so swim in front of a staffed tower. On hot days the parking lot often fills before noon and there is no overflow, so come early or take the weekend bus.

Directions

Photo: MARELBU · CC BY 3.0

Get your personalized SwimScore

Latest reading · SwimScore 78/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 20°C, wind 14 km/h, waves 1.6 m, UV 7. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Average summer water temperature is about 58°F; NPS advises swimming only when a lifeguard is on duty.
Getting in: National Park Service beach open every day; entrance gates open at 9:00 a.m. and closing times vary by season. Dogs are not allowed on the NPS section of the beach.
Parking & transport: Large NPS lot that often fills before noon on hot days, with no overflow lots; cars left after closing are ticketed. A Golden Gate Transit bus serves the beach on weekends and holidays.
Lifeguards: NPS lifeguards are generally on duty from the first week of July to Labor Day (the Parks Conservancy lists Memorial Day to Labor Day); lifeguard tower (415) 868-0942.
Water quality: Marin County Environmental Health samples Stinson Beach weekly from April through October for total coliform, E. coli and enterococci and posts warning signs when state standards are exceeded.
Season: Open year-round; lifeguarded in summer.
Watch for: Rip currents year-round
Sneaker waves
Cold water
Shark attacks have occurred in Stinson Beach waters
Facilities: Restrooms next to each parking area · Cold shower at the central restroom building · Picnic tables and barbecues · Lifeguard tower