Stinson Beach, California
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Travelers who make their first trip to San Francisco, and perhaps their first visit to California are shocked by the cold weather that persists during the summer months. Who wants to be bundled up in a sweatshirt when hiking those hills? Fortunately, there is a remedy close at hand, less than 25 miles from the heart of the city. Stinson Beach, located 22 miles north of the city on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1 provides an instant cure to the San Francisco summer weather blues. As you cross the Golden Gate Bridge into the Marin Headlands, it’s amazing how the cold fog lifts and the sun shines brightly beneath a bright azure sky. The drive up California 1 is windy and full of hairpin turns for half the journey, and it’s unwise to travel more than 25 mph on many of the stretches. However, it’s a gorgeous span of road and the fresh air is some of the most fragrant you will ever experience. Stinson Beach is unlike the beaches of So Cal; you don’t go here to be seen. Rather, it’s a spot of heaven on earth where families can frolic in the waves and build sand castles and those seeking solitude will find some here. If your inner child is telling you to try out surfing, a few of the local shops offer rentals of surfboards and kayaks. Don’t forget the wetsuit! Stinson Beach also offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails if you are looking for something a little more active. Franchises are non-existent, and Stinson has worked hard to keep the developers away. There are a few markets/ shops selling beach wear and foodstuffs, and the restaurants tend to be casual, not much more than beach shacks. Mom and pop hotels control the lodging scene. Whether you decide to visit for an afternoon or an overnight stay, you’ll go home feeling as if you spent the entire weekend on retreat.
For more information on Stinson Beach, visit the website www.stinsonbeachonline.com.