Marin County's spectacular Pacific coast has been noted as both one of the most beautiful locations on earth and—for some early mariners—a place of absolute terror. The rocky coast here has claimed hundreds of ships and the lives of thousands of sailors. Though long known for its beautiful natural settings of woodlands, beaches, and hills, Marin's maritime history is surprisingly varied, with tales of English pirates, Spanish explorers, Yankee whalers, and an immense wartime shipbuilding effort. The rocky seascapes and sandy beaches of Point Reyes, Bolinas, and Stinson Beach—along with the bay-side villages of Sausalito, Tiburon, and San Rafael—have long been important ports for commercial and pleasure mariners.