Going north from Bodega Bay, visitors will find dozens of places to access the coast. Check out this list (going south to north) to find a beach that suits your style.
Doran Beach — Easy accessibility at several points. Leashed dogs are welcome and horseback riding is permitted. Several campgrounds and day use parking. Picnic areas, boat launch and wheelchair access. Fee for use. Locals’ tip: Don’t miss the marshy boardwalk that winds from Doran Beach to Highway 1 for great views and bird watching.
Bodega Head — Gorgeous views and hiking along the cliffs. Free parking and restrooms. Whale watching January through May, with whale watching docents available on the weekends.
Salmon Creek Beach — Find surfers and horseback riders here, as well as kayakers. This is a great beach for walking, with about two miles of sandy coast.
Miwok, Carmet and Shell Beaches — Find tide pools at low tide.
Schoolhouse Beach — Find jade stones here.
Duncans Landing/Cove — Big waves at “Death Rock” and dogs on leash allowed. Be very careful — this is one of the most dangerous beaches along the Sonoma Coast. Waves have come up to the parking lot and people have been swept off the rocks. Beautiful wildflowers in the spring.
Wright’s and Blind Beach — Walk the cliffs on the Kortum Trail that connects these two beaches. Check out Arched and Mammoth Rocks. Fee charged at Wright’s Beach.
Goat Rock Beach — Popular beach destination, with easy beach access and safe swimming and kayaking on the Russian River side. Check out the colony of harbor seals, which pup from March to August. Camping available.
North of Goat Rock:
Fort Ross Historic Park Beaches (fees) — Fort Ross Beach and Sandy Cove Beach.
Salt Point State Park Beaches (fees) – Gerstle Cove, Stump Beach, Fisk Mill Cove and Horseshoe Cove.
Sea Ranch Beaches (dogs on leash allowed)– Black Point Beach, Pebble Beach, Stengel Beach, Shell Beach and Walk-On Beach.
Gualala Point Regional Park — Gualala Beach (fee; dogs on leash allowed).
