Hi, I’m Erin Austen Abbott, and this is the Field Trip Newsletter. It’s completely free to access and read once a month, but if you would like to support my work, please consider a paid newsletter subscription: just $5/month or save money with the $50/annual sub. You can also go way above and beyond by becoming a Founding Member at $75. Thank you so much for being here! I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have you a part of this community. Enjoy!
So, yesterday I took you through Napa and Point Reyes National Park, in part 1 of this city story. Today, we are heading to Stinson Beach and Mill Valley. Jump below to get started. - Erin
Stinson Beach:
I’ve never found a beach I (and Tom) love more than Stinson Beach, California. It’s just the perfect blend of everything I want to see; lots of seabirds, foggy days, and great sand. It’s not crowded and is so peaceful. I do love a colder beach, though, so if you are looking for fun in the sun beach, this might not be the beach for you. If nothing else, it’s a charming spot to see as you are passing through and then get soft-serve ice cream from Parkside Cafe. It’s truly the most delicious soft serve I’ve ever had. It tasted like a Mexican Vanilla, with hints of cinnamon. They also make fantastic pizza with a sourdough crust. It’s so tasty.
The beach is part of the Golden Gate National Park so that you won’t see large highrises and private cabanas. It’s just so charming. I have dreams of staying a week at the Sandpiper Lodge, reserving mornings for my writing, then wandering down to the beach in the afternoons with Sean and Tom Otis. Maybe one day.
You might remember more pictures from previous visits to Stinson Beach here and here. We found this beach just by chance two years ago and now love to go back when we can.
On to Mill Valley…
Mill Valley:
Full disclosure, we didn’t spend much time in Mill Valley, although it’s a charming little town, and I wish we had more time. It’s like a miniature San Francisco. Similar architecture and general vibe. Our Airbnb was there and used it as our base, but we spent more time in the real star of Mill Valley, Muir Woods. This redwood forest is one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited! We walked around 3 miles through some of the oldest trees in California. We spent a few hours there before heading to Stinson Beach. It was nice to go earlier in the day to avoid larger crowds. I highly suggest reserving your visit before you go. You don’t want to miss out, and it books up quickly.
Bolinas:
After Muir Woods and Stinson Beach, drive to Bolinas to Agate Beach County Park and walk down to Duxbury Reef. Be sure to check the tide schedule before you go if you hope to explore the tide pools.
We felt like we were on another planet. It was one of the most extraordinary things I’ve ever experienced and probably my favorite part of our trip. Seeing Tom get to see so many great little pockets of sea life in all these little pools was something that I’ll never forget. It was a wonderful family field trip.
I hope that you enjoyed this trip through Northern California! Let me know if you have places that you’d add to this round-up. Thanks so much for reading here! - Erin