Environment

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Stinson Beach sits in a fragile and beautiful corner of the California coast. From sea level rise and climate reports to links with the California Coastal Commission, this section connects you with important organizations and planning efforts that protect our shoreline and ecosystems. We also share local environmental group links and real-time tide and weather resources to help you live in rhythm with the land and sea.

Environmental Resources

Marin County Reports & Sea Level Rise Planning

Coastal Oversight

Local Environmental Groups

Tide & Weather

Map of Seadrift neighborhood along the Pacific Ocean, showing boundaries, streets, lagoon, beach, and tide gauge location.

Living Shoreline Project 

Learn about the South End Living Shoreline Project from The Greater Farallones Association. What is a Living Shoreline? Why is this project important?

More Details

Bolinas Lagoon

Bolinas Lagoon is a Marin County nature preserve and is recognized by the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance. Home to over 23 rare, threatened, and endangered species and a diverse array of marine, terrestrial, and plant species, Seadrift considers itself a steward of this precious wetland. 

Crucially located on the Pacific Flyway, Bolinas Lagoon is a vital staging and stopover site for numerous migratory birds, including tens of thousands of birds annually.


Main Line: (415) 868-0943

An Afternoon at the Lagoon

The Greater Farallones Association's virtual series, An Afternoon at the Lagoon, was held on Thursday, February 11th, 2021. See details about the lagoon and Stinson Beach.

Learn about the South End Living Shoreline Project from The Greater Farallones Association. What is a Living Shoreline? Why is this project important?

Learn more
Map of Bolinas Lagoon with highlighted areas in yellow, showing the location of a virtual tour event scheduled for February 11th, 2021 at 6:00 pm, as part of GFA's 'An Afternoon at the Lagoon' series.

Seadrift Beach

What attracts many to purchase in Seadrift is of course the private beach that extends for more than a mile. The recreational and scenic characteristics of it are unparalleled. Seadrift balances its private property rights with public access, and there are a number of important agreements related to Seadrift’s beach rights and responsibilities. 

Public Access to Seadrift Sandspit Beach

The Seadrift sandspit beach is private property from the rip rap rock seawall to the mean high tide line.  The location of the mean high tide line changes from day to day, and is not the spot where the high tide wave wash reaches each day.  During the summer months, the mean high tide line may be as far seaward as 300 feet from the rip rap seawall, which means that the mean high tide line may actually be under water from time to time.

The public has an easement, and a right to use the beach, starting at a point 60 feet from the top of the rip rap seawall, and extending into the ocean. Members of the public may engage in water sports, including fishing, surfing, etc., without limitation, and other low intensity, passive recreational activities. 

However, there are some restrictions on public use.  There is no picnicking on the Seadrift Beach.  Coolers, radios, beach umbrellas, Frisbees, footballs, volleyballs (and nets), and other non-water-oriented articles of sports equipment are not allowed.

Caring for the Beach

Seadrift takes its environmental stewardship role seriously, and actively supports beach and wildlife care and conservation. Security conducts beach patrols (as tides allow), cleans up trash, reports injured or sick wildlife, and assists rescue professionals from the Marine Mammal Center and Marin Humane with wildlife rescues. 

Seadrift homeowners are the eyes and ears of this beautiful environment and its conservation efforts. Their regular presence allows them to spot and report situations that require attention. Here’s what you can do: 

  • If you see a sick or injured animal, immediately call The Marine Mammal Center hotline: (415) 289-SEAL (7325). Then call (415) 868-1520. Do not disturb the animal and stay 50 yards away. This will help minimize stress. 

  • Always clean up after your pet. 

  • Whether out for a day on the beach or a quick walk, take a bag with you so you are prepared to remove any trash you find. Keep pets on leash. Animals inhabiting the beaches and nesting in dunes are easily disrupted by curious pets. 

Caring for the Dunes

  • Alterations or improvements to the rip rap rock seawall (including stairs) are considered unpermitted development. Read more in this.

  • Vegetation removal and/or improvement in the dune area seaward of residences is subject to Seadrift’s Architectural Guidelines and requires a permit from Marin County. 

  • Natural grasses that support dune integrity and wildlife habitat are appropriate plantings, as designated in the Architectural Guidelines. (See pages 29-31 in Architectural Guidelines). 

Beach Access Points

  • Seadrift beach has private-only access at the end of Seadrift Road, and public access at Walla Vista. 

  • The beach is frequently impassable at the northwestern end, so exercise caution. 

Limited Mobility Access

  • Seadrift has designated two parking places at the end of Seadrift Road as reserved for those with limited mobility. Please honor the use of these reserved spots for their intended purpose so all those in Seadrift who wish to access the beach can. 

  • A beach wheelchair is available for loan through the Seadrift Association Office. It is free of charge. Beach wheelchairs are also available at the national park. 

Seadrift Beach Dog Walking 

  • Dogs must be on a leash.

  • Dogs shall not harass wildlife or disturb wildlife habitat.

  • Dogs are not allowed on the national portion of Stinson Beach.

Adjacent Beaches

There are miles of spectacular beach adjacent to Seadrift, with features to please everyone on your list. Explore more here.

Government

Marin County, District 4

Unincorporated Stinson Beach is under the jurisdiction of Marin County District 4. District 4 includes coastal wet Marin from Dillon Beach to Muir Beach, and inland areas of Nicasio, Chileno Valley, the San Geronimo Valley, and west Novato, as well as areas of east San Rafael, San Quentin, Corte Madera, Larkspur and Mill Valley. Supervisor Denis Rodoni represents District 4.

Stinson Beach Village Association

The Stinson Beach Village Association acts as a steward of the Stinson Beach Community Plan, serves as a conduit for information, and advocates on behalf of the community to support the rural atmosphere of the Village. The SBVA provides a forum to promote communication regarding county, state, and federal regulations that affect all areas of the Village, including the commercial area, the hill, Panoramic, the Calles, the Patios, and Seadrift. The Stinson Beach Village Association meets the first Saturday of every month at the Stinson Beach Community Center (and by zoom) at 10:00 AM. They have a robust email newsletter highlighting local events. 

Stinson Water

The Stinson Water was established in 1962, under enabling legislation from the State of California Water Code, Section 30000 et seq., with service categories of Domestic Water, Onsite Wastewater Treatment Management and Solid Waste. Serving about 10 square miles along the western shoreline of Marin County, its leadership is composed of a five-member board, elected by community members for rotating four-year terms.

Stinson Beach Fire Protection District (SBFPD)

The mission of the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District is to ensure the safety and peace of mind of our community and its visitors. The SBFPD extends just above Stinson Beach to the east, to the white gate on Panoramic Highway, Steep Ravine to the south, and Volunteer Canyon to the north. Visit SBFPD.

Bolinas Lagoon Advisory Council

The purpose of this organization is to advise the Marin County Board of Supervisors, the Board of Directors of the Marin County Open Space District, and Marin County Parks on the management and ecological restoration of Bolinas Lagoon. There are twelve members of the council, a representative selected by each of the following: Marin County Parks, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and Pt. Reyes National Seashore; a representative nominated by each of the following: Audubon Canyon Ranch, Bolinas Rod & Boat Club, College of Marin, Point Blue (formerly the Point Reyes Bird Observatory), and Seadrift Homeowners Association. In addition, 3 members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors: 1 from the community of Bolinas; 1 from the community of Stinson Beach; and 1 At-Large representative. Jean Gould, Community Manager, represents Seadrift as Vice Chair.

Local Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations

Marin County hosts a website listing local District 4 organizations - a great connection people to community organizations that can engage all in realizing a sustainable and equitable future.