Hotspots: Drive from San Francisco to Stinson Beach

Located at a distance of about 23 miles from San Francisco, Stinson beach is one of the most popular beaches for swimming and other fun activities in Northern California. It's white sand and the gorgeous views are a big draw for holiday makers from the city, and that's precisely the reason why a bunch of us planned this mini-road trip to explore the famed Californian coast :)

The drive is full of such stunning views...

However, it's not just the beach, but also the drive along the iconic highway CA 1, which makes the place even more special. Though you can drive upto the beach in less than an hour, it's worthwhile to travel slow, stop at multiple places on the way. Then you can swim at the beach, watch the sun going down, pop some ice cream and then head back home.

Let's begin with the Golden Gate!

So the drive actually begins at the most famous landmark of the city - Golden Gate, which also makes for a great driving experience. Or if you want, it's highly recommended that you simply walk the bridge and then hop on to your friends' car on the other end. Either way, get off the highway after the bridge and walk to the viewing point to have a good luck at this engineering marvel. It was a lovely sunny day when we went on this drive, but I can personally vouch for the fact that it's really beautiful on a cloudy or a misty day as well. Mist adds mystery which is quite unmatched by anything else...

Golden Gate!
The bay...

Now there is a very good reason why this highway is so famous - it's one of the most beautiful roads to drive on, not just in California but the whole world. And the good thing is that stunning views start right after you leave the city and continue all the way. While we are on the topic of the highway, let me also recommend a visit to Point Lobos National Reserve which is accessed by this very road.

By the way did you know that this road was built all the way back in 1930s?

There are multiple stopping points and we stopped at many as we were in no hurry. We knew that the beach would be cold so the destination was not as relevant as the journey. Having done many road trips in different countries, including by a bus in Tamil Nadu, I know it's always worthwhile to be on the road more.

Muir beach overlook

If there is one stopping point I can strongly recommend, it would be the Muir Beach Overlook. There is a 450m long wooden pedestrian bridge which connects the parking lot to the viewing area and then a hike takes you down the beach.

friends beach california
Padam and Kanishk, somehow managed to take this before they posed for me again!
And that's me!

This part of the highway was extremely windy and I was there without a jacket, and my balls literally froze! But it was fun nevertheless. But there were others having even more fun, like sitting on a bench and writing. Could it be a novel in the making?

Stinson beach finally!

Anyway, it was time to move on to the Stinson beach to enjoy the evening walk. By the time we reached there, the sun was already on its way down and that gave me good light to click some. I clicked a lot, but regretted not carrying swimming trunks. The water was freezing cold but there were many others in the water - if they could do it, so could I. Alas I couldn't.

We drove back as the sun set, stopped by Sausalito for dinner and then headed back home to Palo Alto. I could go on and on about how charming the Italian town of Sausalito was, but the town deserves another story just on itself because I went there so many times, and always came back more cheerful :)

Th parking actually looks pretty at the beach :)
A busy man...
And here is the dreamy beach...

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Comments

  1. You sure picked a short but very picturesque stretch of the Bay Area.

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    1. Yes! But this was one of the many drives we did on this particular highway...loved it so much :)

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  2. Have you been to Rodeo Beach as well?

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  3. I think I did...but I am not quite sure! :(

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  4. This is by far one of the best places to hang with friends, have great drinks (amazing beer selection), eat some great food, including the great lunch I had there. Prices at San Francisco event venues are very reasonable and the pizza was awesome.

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