FOOD AND DRINK

• Stinson Beach Market is a great little shop for basic necessities.  Newspapers, coffee, snacks, dried goods etc.  For fresh produce, visit the People’s Market in Bolinas or the Bolinas "Super Market" for a great deli and fresh meat and seafood.

• It’s hard to pick the best eatery in town, so try them all!! 
  1. Parkside Café is a fantastic breakfast spot with omelets filled with fresh seasonal produce and homemade baked goods.  It is also a great place to get take out pizza!  See take out menu in our kitchen by the phone.  Lunch is also available to go through the take out window and is a great place to pick up a hot dog and a milkshake to take across the street to the park.
  2. The Sand Dollar is a Stinson Beach landmark and has some of best clam chowder around.  Eating inside or out, the food is delicious and the service always great!  With a full bar, sports on the TV and live music inside, it’s also a great place to sit at the counter and have some calamari.
  3. Stinson Beach Grill also has fabulous food with frequent jazz ensembles playing outside.  A large variety of seafood pastas and a great kid's menu make this a hit for our family.  Also, like the Sand Dollar, a full bar with sports on the TV make this a great watering hole.
  4. Surfer’s Grill is located in the lifeguard tower at the southern end of the beach.  Simple “beach” food is available.  This place is usually pretty crowded on nice days, with sporadic opening schedules in the off-season.
  5. Make sure to stop for an afternoon ice cream cone at the Flying Pig, one street over toward town from our house.  You can also rent DVDs here.

• If you would like to go for a drive, there are several recommended spots both North and South
  1. The Pelican Inn is a charming pub-style restaurant nestled in Muir Beach.  With authentic British beer and darts, you will feel like you are on the beach in Wales.  Head south on Hwy 1 and follow the signs.
  2. Coast Café in Bolinas has amazing BBQ’d oysters and excellent clam chowder.  To experience the true local Bolinas subculture, head over to Smiley’s for a drink.
  3. Pt. Reyes is filled with small cafes and markets.  The most notable might be Cowgirl Creamery, known for its deliciously fresh and unique cheeses.
  4. Continuing North head to the Olema Inn for a true gourmet dining experience, or to any one of the several spots in Marshall for fresh oysters.  See maps etc by the phone in the kitchen.

• Finally, the closest BIG grocery stores etc are located in Mill Valley back “over the hill”.  Mill Valley is a charming town filled with antique stores, clothing boutiques,wellness centers and Whole Foods…

SHOPPING

West Marin is filled with creative and talented artisans and merchants.  Take advantage and pick up some unique gifts to remind you of your stay.

• Meristem right in Stinson Beach is one of our favorite shops.  Have a look at the beautiful cut flowers and then head upstairs to check out the shell collection from around the world.  Handmade jewelry, hats, and other gifts are hard to resist!

• Right up there with Meristem is the Stinson Beach Book Store.  A HUGE hit with grown ups and kids alike, it is the perfect place to pick up the latest best selling novel, a seashore reference book, or a new journal for yourself.  Even better, they have a big selection of children’s books and toys.

• Support our local surf shops.  Whether it is a surf shop t-shirt, a Live Water sticker or the latest in board shorts, one of the two surf shops in Stinson Beach has it all.

Our house is located within a short walk to all of the Stinson Spots listed, with Bolinas just a short drive around the bend ( or a swim across the lagoon!)