Bolinas Bay is a coastal bay on the Marin County coast, forming a broad, open expanse of saltwater facing the Pacific Ocean. The bay is characterized by a three-mile arcing beachfront, most notably at Stinson Beach, which is known for its generally calm surf, especially in late summer and early fall. This makes the southern shores of the bay a popular area for stand-up paddleboarding and swimming. The bay is bordered to the north by the Bolinas Headlands and Duxbury Point, offering scenic views across the water. Paddlers can access the water from roadside points if the tide is sufficiently high, and there is a single public boat launch, which serves as a critical access point for boaters. The terminus of this launch is the single accessible public boat launch for seagoers in Bolinas. The bay is subject to tidal influence, and paddlers must be mindful of the tide level for accessing some launch points. The open nature of the bay means it can be exposed to wind and swell, and surf is a consistent factor, with reports of sets reaching five feet. The area is also used by fishing boats and is near major shipping lanes, indicating the potential for boat traffic. To the north, the bay leads into the mouth of Bolinas Lagoon, a tidal area with a light surge. The surrounding area is remote and scenic, surrounded by parks and wildlife, with pelicans commonly sighted. Parking, especially at Stinson Beach, can be extremely limited on weekends, often filling before noon.