Moving to Stinson Beach, California: What You Need to Know About Real Estate, Commute & Lifestyle

Are you interested in living in a quiet, coastal town where you can walk to the beach, hike Mount Tam, and escape the city  — but still get to San Francisco when you need to? In this video, I’ll share everything you need to know if you're considering a move to Stinson Beach, CA— from the real estate market and commute times, to amenities, lifestyle, and what to do nearby. I grew up in west Marin and spent a lot of time in this beautiful town. It’s awesome!

Let’s start with real estate — because this is one of the most important things to understand if you’re thinking about moving to Stinson Beach.

The real estate market here is very small. Inventory is usually low, and most properties are second homes, vacation rentals, or legacy family properties that rarely change hands. At the time I’m recording this, the cheapest home is $3,995,000 and the most expensive home is $11,750,000. I’d say in general, homes here typically range from around $1.5 million for a modest cottage a few blocks off the beach, up to $5–10 million for something beachfront or architecturally significant. And over the past year, homes have spent on average 83 days on the market. So, real estate definitely moves in this area, but it’s not selling particularly fast. The more reasonably priced properties tend to sell quicker than the more luxurious, higher-end properties take longer to sell.

Many homes are older — 1950s, 60s, or 70s beach cabins — but you’ll also find beautifully remodeled modern properties with massive windows and panoramic ocean views. There are also a few homes tucked up in the hills if you’re looking for more privacy or want to be closer to hiking trails.

Next, let’s talk commute — because Stinson is beautiful, but it’s also remote.

The drive to San Francisco is just over an hour on a good day, and there are actually two main ways out of Stinson: Highway 1 along the coast and Panoramic Highway which travels over Mount Tamalpais. Both are scenic — and both are curvy. If you get car sick, both routes over the hill are brutal. I get car sick even when I’m the one driving. For daily commuters, it can be a bit of a haul. But for remote workers or second-home buyers, the reward is ocean air, natural beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle.

As for amenities, Stinson is charming, but limited. There’s a small grocery store, a post office, a very limited array of restaurants — like Parkside Café and the Breakers Cafe. Live Water Surf Shop, a Stinson Beach staple since 1978, is the go-to spot for surf gear, rentals, and iconic beachwear. Nearby, Sacred Tide offers handcrafted clothing, upcycled denim jackets, and coastal-inspired goods that reflect the town’s laid-back, artistic vibe. Stinson Beach is definitely not the place to move to for shopping or nightlife. You’re moving for peace, the sound of the ocean, and connection to nature.

If you need a bigger grocery run, you’re probably heading to Mill Valley or Tam Junction, which is about 30–40 minutes depending on the route. You could also drive to Point Reyes Station in about 25 minutes and get groceries at the Palace Market.

So what’s there to do in Stinson Beach? If you love the outdoors, you’ll never run out of options. The beach itself is wide, sandy, and swimmable, with great surfing and gentle waves. For hikers, the Dipsea Trail and Matt Davis Trail offer unforgettable routes through redwoods, waterfalls, and coastal bluffs. Just to the south, you’ll find Mount Tamalpais State Park and Muir Woods, both perfect for day hikes and nature escapes. And if you're up for a short drive, you’re close to Bolinas, Point Reyes, and the rest of the stunning Marin coastline.

It’s peaceful here. It’s beautiful. It’s a place for people who want to slow down, spend more time outdoors, and live closer to nature. If that sounds like your kind of lifestyle, Stinson might be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you're thinking about making a move to Stinson Beach — whether as a full-time resident, second-home buyer, or investor — I’d love to help you navigate this unique and very special market.