California Coastal Access Guide, Seventh Edition. California Coastal Commission

Bob Stewart Trail off Olema-Bolinas Rd. is a short loop through an alder forest; dogs must be leashed

      ▪ Harbor seals haul out on the mudflats, often far out in the lagoon; bring binoculars

      ▪ Herons, egrets, and black-necked stilts are abundant

      ▪ Surf scoters, ruddy ducks, greater scaups, and pintails may be seen

      AUDUBON CANYON RANCH: Hwy. One, 3 mi. N. of Stinson Beach. Audubon Canyon Ranch, a nonprofit organization, operates the Martin Griffin Preserve with a large nesting colony of great blue herons and great egrets. Facilities include an exhibit hall, nature bookshop, and picnic area adjacent to the 1875 home of Captain Peter Bourne. The preserve is open to the public during the nesting season, mid-March through mid-July, on weekends and holidays, 10 AM–4 PM. Visits to the preserve are self-guided. Blinds for viewing nesting birds, picnic tables, the display hall, and the bookstore are wheelchair accessible. No fee for entry; donations encouraged. Call: 415-868-9244.

      ▪ During nesting season fixed telescopes allow close-up views of activities of nesting birds

      ▪ Eight miles of hiking trails are open in the summer following the nesting season; call for information and hours

      SEADRIFT BEACH: N.W. of Stinson Beach. Roads in the Seadrift subdivision are for residents only; the long curving beach is open to the public from the water’s edge inland to 60 feet from the private seawall. Enter from downcoast.

      WALLA VISTA WALKWAY: Calle Del Arroyo, off Hwy. One. Pedestrian access from Calle del Arroyo, outside the Seadrift Subdivision gate, along the side of Walla Vista. Turn right to Seadrift Beach or left to Marin County–maintained Upton Beach. Limited shoulder parking on Calle del Arroyo. Dogs are allowed on leash on Upton Beach.

      STINSON BEACH: W. of Hwy. One, N. of Panoramic Highway. Parking, picnic areas, and most of the beach are within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Vehicle entrance open daily, 9 AM–sunset; check current closing time upon entry. Lifeguards on duty at the beach from late May to mid-September. Volleyball equipment and a beach wheelchair can be borrowed from the main lifeguard tower. Call: 415-868-1922.

      ▪ Sunbathing

      ▪ Volleyball

      ▪ Surfing

      RED ROCK BEACH: Hwy. One, 1 mi. S. of Stinson Beach. Unpaved parking lot at milepost 11.45; steep trail leads to a clothing-optional beach within Mount Tamalpais State Park.

Marin County

      Muir Beach Area