Muir Beach is a semi-circular cove while Stinson Beach stretches beneath the steep hills rising to Tamalpais with vistas out to sea and up into the hills. Swimming is permitted at Stinson Beach only, from late May to mid-September when lifeguards are on duty. If you enjoy being near the water, Angel Island State Park is your kind of place. The Bay is constantly in view from the ferry, along trails, or on the island's beaches. This pastoral landscape is a hiker's paradise of forested canyons, tree-lined ridges, open grassy slopes, and historic farm buildings.
Most trails are long and many are steep, ascending to ridgetops for ocean views.
The valley remains undeveloped with few restrooms and picnic tables.