Muir Beach: A closer, quieter alternative to Stinson
It seems that half the people in San Francisco and Marin County, based on the traffic crawl on Highway 1, head to Stinson Beach on those special days when it’s sunny on the coast. That’s why most people know about Muir Beach—as “that beach on the way to Stinson.” Yet it draws a fraction of the crowd that invades Stinson.
Maybe it’s because there’s only one restaurant (Pelican Inn) and no stores (like Stinson, Muir Beach is also a village). Maybe it’s because the beach itself is not visible from the road; you have to take the turn at the inn. Maybe it’s because Muir Beach is smaller. Whatever the reason, people are missing out.
Here’s why: (a) Muir Beach is only half as far on windy roads—6.5 instead of 13 miles—from the Hwy. 101/Hwy. 1 junction in Mill Valley. (b) The beach occupies a crescent-shaped cove that’s largely protected from the wind that often kicks up at Stinson. (c) Parking is free and close to the beach. (d) There are often only a handful of people on the beach, even on sunny days, which is never true of Stinson.
Unconvinced? Well, here’s what else Muir Beach has to offer:
> Besides the 250-yard-long sandy beach, which is nearly as wide as it is long, there’s a 75-yard stretch of beach past the boulder pile (easily negotiated in sandals) that’s clothing-optional.
> Fire rings and picnic tables are situated near the beach, and leashed dogs are allowed.
> Muir Beach doubles as the northern terminus of the Coastal Trail, a spectacular path that follows the rugged Marin coastline almost to the Golden Gate.
> Between the parking lot and beach, you’ll walk across a wooden bridge through a pretty dune habitat restoration area, where it’s hoped that adjacent Redwood Creek will come back strong as a coho salmon run.
One note of caution: don’t even think about swimming. If the dangerous currents don’t get you, the sharks will.
HelloSanFrancisco tip: A perfect prelude to a Muir Beach visit is a stop at Muir Woods for a short hike. It’s just five minutes up Muir Woods Road from the beach. And a perfect post-beach plan is a meal or a brew at the very British Pelican Inn.
Posted by Bob Cooper
