Where to Stay at Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is a small community, and lodging options are limited — which is part of its charm. Accommodations range from cozy beachside inns to private vacation rentals and rustic camping in the surrounding hills. This guide covers every option so you can find the right fit for your coastal getaway.

Hotels & Inns

Stinson Beach Hotel

The village's signature lodging, offering simple, comfortable rooms within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and the community center. Ocean view and garden rooms available.

Sandpiper Lodging

A small collection of cottages and motel-style rooms on the main road through town. Each unit is individually decorated, and several include kitchenettes for longer stays.

The Redwoods

Set back from the beach in a grove of second-growth redwoods, The Redwoods offers vacation cabins that sleep between two and eight guests. The forested setting provides a different experience from the beachfront properties.

Vacation Rentals

Stinson Beach has a strong vacation rental market, with privately owned homes available through platforms like VRBO and Airbnb. Options range from modest beach cottages to large family homes with ocean views.

What to Expect

• Minimum stays — Most rentals require a two-night minimum; weekends and holidays often require three nights
• Pricing — Ranges widely from $200/night for a small cottage to $800+/night for ocean-view homes
• Amenities — Many rentals include full kitchens, outdoor decks, beach gear, and fireplaces
• Book early — Summer weekends fill months in advance

Camping

Steep Ravine Environmental Campground

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific just south of Stinson Beach, Steep Ravine offers rustic cabins and tent sites with some of the most dramatic campsite views in California. Reservations through ReserveCalifornia are essential — sites book out months ahead.

Pantoll Campground

Located on Mt. Tamalpais above Stinson Beach, Pantoll offers walk-in tent camping with access to the mountain's trail network. First-come, first-served.

Olema Campground

A private campground in the nearby town of Olema, offering tent and RV sites in a creekside setting near Point Reyes National Seashore.

Nearby Lodging

If Stinson Beach is fully booked, consider these nearby alternatives:

• Bolinas — A secluded village 10 minutes south with a small selection of rentals and bed-and-breakfasts
• Mill Valley — 20 minutes inland with more hotel options and a charming downtown
• Olema & Point Reyes Station — 30 minutes north with inns and lodges near Point Reyes National Seashore

Booking Tips

• Summer weekends — Book 3–6 months in advance for any lodging type
• Midweek — Rates drop significantly and availability improves Tuesday through Thursday
• Winter — The quietest season, with lower rates and dramatic storm-watching opportunities
• Cancellation policies — Check carefully, as many small properties have strict cancellation terms

Find your perfect place to stay and let the sound of the ocean do the rest.