Upton Beach

Stinson Beach and Upton's Beach

Hwy. 1
Stinson Beach, California 94970
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Local Phone: (415) 499-6387

Parking at this popular Bay Area playground is is near the southern end of the strand, which is owned by the federal government. North of that, the County of Marin owns a stretch of it (technically called Upton's Beach) where leashed dogs are allowed.  Beyond that, to the mouth of Bolinas Lagoon, the beach is owned by the residents of the Seadrift subdivision.

Upton's Beach is a popular landing destination for hang gliders taking off from Mount Tamalpais.

Getting there: From Highway 101 in Larkspur, take the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard exit west towards Olema, turn left at Highway 1/Shoreline Highway, turn right at Calle Del Arroyo, and turn left at Walla Vista. There is no parking on Walla Vista. You must park on Calle Del Arroyo (before the Seadrift gate) to access Upton's Beach, or walk from Stinson Beach.

Help us keep this beach beautiful and dog-friendly:
• Always follow the posted rules
• Respect natural marine life and habitats
• Be aware of tides and currents
• Pack in and pack out, leaving only paw prints

dog-friendly, pet friendly, dogtrekker.com, beach, marin county

Scoping out Muir Beach - Photo Credit: @quinceytheaussie
Scoping out Muir Beach - Photo Credit: @quinceytheaussie
Muir Beach, Marin County. This is a Bay Area classic: A crescent of sand bordered by high bluffs to the north and south, with wetlands and a lagoon behind the strand. Dogs under reliable voice control (meaning Daisy comes immediately when called) are allowed off-leash in designated areas. more »
Rodeo Beach - Photo Credit: Elaine (CC)
Rodeo Beach - Photo Credit: Elaine (CC)
More than 12,000 acres of the GGNRA are concentrated in the Marin Headlands, a hilly peninsula just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The possibilities for long on-leash walks and off-leash beach frolics with your best furry friend are many—and, as a bonus, you’ll often be playing within view of the famous orange span. Following are a few to put on your dog-friendly Marin bucket list. more »
Photo Credit: Daniel Burka (CC).
Photo Credit: Daniel Burka (CC).
The hang-gliders, surfers and beach-goers might first catch your eye, but it’s the “no dogs” signs you need to watch when visiting Stinson Beach in West Marin. The southern part of this popular playground is under jurisdiction of the National Park Service and off-limits to dogs. But on Upton Beach, the county-owned section in the middle, Rover can join you (leashed) in excavating material for a sand castle or walking in the gentle surf. more »
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