Hike Through Redwoods and Relax on the Beach in West Marin
Good For
- Beach
- Exercise
- Family Time
- Nature
- Photo Ops
Why Go
Marin County offers a variety of vacation experiences for local travelers. On this trip, you’ll strike a balance between activity and relaxation while doing it all in a beautiful natural setting.
Mount Tamalpais State Park, often called Mount Tam, is part of the many miles of continuous open space that makes west Marin an excellent place for a getaway. There’s something for everyone with over 60 miles of hiking trails on Mount Tam, but we recommend the Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop from Stinson Beach. This famous hike covering 6.1 miles with 1600 feet of elevation gain will get your heart pumping, and it’s not just because of the climbs. You’ll travel through a redwood forest, climb a creekside ladder, and gasp at panoramic ocean views.
After your hike, hit the beach! Stinson Beach is a spacious beach with nice sand where you can do all the usual beach stuff – picnics, long walks, swimming and wading, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing. During the summer, there are lifeguards on duty and a snack bar.
With its awe-inspiring 250′ tall redwoods and wooden pathways, Muir Woods is another beautiful park nearby. It’s deservedly popular, though, so you need to make a reservation to visit.
We have written about a few weekend getaways in Marin, so you can extend this trip to include nearby attractions.
Suggested Itinerary
Arrive on Friday so that you can get an early start (and parking!) on Saturday. The next day, hike Mount Tam and then relax afterward at Stinson Beach. Marin has a lively restaurant scene for dinner. On Sunday morning, visit Muir Woods before heading home. If you aren’t able to make a reservation at Muir Woods, enjoy a leisurely brunch instead.
Things to Do
- Hike Mount Tamalpais.
- Lounge on Stinson Beach.
- Marvel at the redwoods in Muir Woods. Reservations required.
When to Go
Visit on warm sunny days during the dry season, from May through October. However, all of these attractions are very popular, so consider traveling during the offseason to avoid crowds. Whale watching from Stinson Beach is an excellent excuse to visit in the winter.
Cost
It’s free to visit Mount Tam and Stinson Beach, although some Mount Tam trailheads charge $8 for parking. Muir Woods charges a $15 per adult entrance fee and $9.50 to park.