Accommodations

Given Stinson Beach’s [1] status as a beach resort town, you will find a few inns and motels in which you can stay the night. The Sandpiper Inn (1 Marine Way, 415/868-1632, www.sandpiperstinsonbeach.com [2], $120–170) is one such spot. With six rooms and four cabins, you can choose between motel-style accommodations with comfortable queen beds, private bathrooms, and gas fireplaces. The four individual redwood cabins offer additional privacy, bed space for families, and full kitchens.

Another nice spot is the Stinson Beach Motel (3416 Shoreline Hwy. 1, 415/868-1712, www.stinsonbeachmotel.com [3], $150). It features eight “vintage” beach bungalow-style rooms sleeping two to four guests apiece. Some rooms have substantial kitchenettes; all have private baths, garden views, televisions, and blue decor. The motel is a great spot to bring the family for a (possibly chilly) beach vacation.