12/05/06

Avoid Hostile Parkside Cafe, Enjoy the Rest of Stinson

by globedancer

We love driving over Mt. Tam to enjoy a relaxing day in Stinson Beach. Unfortunately the selection of dining venues is limited and hostile. On a recent Saturday we were greeted without a smile by a surly hostess/waitress at the Parkside cafe in Stinson Beach. When we requested to be seated at one of about seven empty tables by the fire we were told that they were reserved and directed to sit anywhere in the back dining room. The tables by the fire remained empty throughout our dinner. We were dismayed by this and the unfriendly service she provided throughout our less than savoury meal. As a result we left a tip we believed matched the quality of the service, 12%. Shockingly we were followed out by three men with whom the waitress was clearly friendly for she had been sitting at their table. As we left the restaurant, these men hurled profanities and insults at me and my husband for leaving a small tip and attempted to engage in a physical altercation with my husband. I have never experienced a situation like this before, where a waitress sends out her thugs if a customer does not tip enough. I would adivse anyone not to waste their time or money in this hostile environment.

• Pros: Scenery
• Cons: Parkside Cafe

A lively Bay Area hangout with mellow surf, sands that stretch for miles and a neighboring picnic haven.

by Contributor

In Short
This long, gently curving beach serves as a landing pad for hang gliders, and a mecca for kayakers, surfers and other water babies. From May through October, it's overseen by lifeguards, but exercise caution: Great white shark attacks have occasionally happened here. Another draw is the 51-acre park adjacent to the beach. With more than 100 picnic tables tucked among the park's shade-bearing trees, it offers refuge from sand kickers and the sun.

08/01/02

Windy Roads, Beautiful Beach!

by jeortez

When I first saw the fog at Stinson Beach, I thought it was going to be cold. It was actually pretty warm, with no sun out! Don't worry about the windy roads and minor traffic, Stinson Beach is worth it with it's barbeque grills on top, and its gorgeous sands and waters on the bottom!!

• Pros: Free access, Barqbeque Grills, Clean bathrooms
• Cons: No soap in bathrooms

07/30/02

sea lions, sand, surf, sculptured beach

by judyeoh

try to go at low tide! you can see sculptured beach. you can also see sea lions at the end of the the beach.

• Pros: not crowded, long beach walks
• Cons: windy, can be foggy

06/26/02

What a drive!

by Alicia

The road is pretty windy, but it's worth it! The views are fabulous, the sky and water are endless.

06/24/02

More than simply sand

by karen02

Stinson Beach has so much more to offer than sand to sit on. The area is surrounded by beautiful views, miles of hiking trails, bike riding routes and ocean breezes. The local restaurants all have a unique flare (casual, cozy, comfort food or something new) with a welcoming atmoshpere. You can play until you are exhausted or simply relax and soak in the scenes. But whatever you choose, you won't be disappointed.

• Cons: Long Drive