Sonoma Coast Beaches
Sonoma Coast State Parks
As of this year, CA State Parks finds it necessary to enforce their ruling — no
beach fires. Doran (County) Regional Beach has never allowed fires on the
beach. Fires are permitted in the day use area fire pits, generally by picnic
grounds, such as Goat Rock Beach, Wrights Beach and the Dunes, and overnight
camping fire pits. Of course, beach access is not allowed if the sign reads “No
Beach Access After Sunset.” Schoolhouse and Portuguese Beaches have
night access, but visitors must be over 18 and have absolutely no camping
equipment, including blankets, with them on the beach. All beaches on the
northern California coast are cool at night.
For more information please contact either the Sonoma Coast State Beach Ranger
Station at Salmon Creek (707) 875-3483 or California State Parks Regional
Office at (707) 865-2391
Salmon Creek:
A wide expanse of beach at the point where Salmon Creek meets the ocean makes this a great spot for families. Surfers find this one of the best places to catch a wave, kids like the spot for skim-boarding, and the youngest in your group can splash in the calm waveless waters of the creek. Just north of Bodega Bay on Highway One.
Goat Rock:
Three miles north of Bodega Bay on Highway 1, is one of the best beaches for walking and surf wading on a hot summer night. It's one of the Sonoma Coast's most expansive beaches, with lots of sand between the steep interior cliffs and the ocean.More Goat Rock:
This is the spot for kayakers and those who simply enjoy a great view. Goat Rock juts out from the ocean floor, providing a landmark for those who visit the coast. North of Bodega Bay; take River Road to Highway 1, go left and you'll run into it.
Bodega Bay Beaches To Take Your Dog (on a leash)
• Doran Beach
• Marshall Gulch
• Carment Beach
• Schoolhouse Beach
• Portuguese Beach
• Duncans Cove
• Wright's Beach
• Furlong Gulch
• Shell Beach
• Blind Beach
Dogs are Prohibited at:
• Salmon Creek North
• Salmon Creek South
• Miwok Beach
• Coleman Beach
Doran Beach County Park
Doran Park has a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach and is a popular place for visitors to picnic, build sand castles, fly kites, surf, fish and stroll. A rock jetty at the harbor mouth provides access for fishing, crabbing and exploring sea life. The boat launch can accommodate up to 20-foot boats. A parking lot is located adjacent to the launch and can handle 30 vehicles with trailers.
Part of Sonoma County Park system, Doran Beach offers camping, boat ramp, beach combing, surfing, body boarding and of course kite flying is a major activity. Off Hwy 1, Bodega Bay 707-875-3540