Looking to escape the everyday with dramatic ocean views and rugged coastal serenity? These Bodega Bay beaches offer the perfect romantic setting for windswept walks, sunset picnics, and peaceful moments along the Northern California coast.
Highlights:
Recommended Bodega Bay Beaches:
1. Bodega Head Beach
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Bodega Head Beach, Bodega Bay, CA
Recommended For: Hikers, photographers, whale watchers, and anyone seeking dramatic coastal scenery near the Bay Area.
What I Love: ♥ "Crashing surf, rocky cliffs, and panoramic views — Bodega Head Beach is a wild and windswept escape perfect for hiking and spotting migrating whales."
- Walk rugged trails around Bodega Head for cliffside views of Bodega Harbor and the Pacific beyond.
- Spot migrating whales from high viewpoints — this is one of Bodega Bay’s top whale-watching locations.
- Relax at the small picnic area tucked near the headland — a cozy place to refuel with a view.
Cost: Free beach access and parking. No reservations required.
Best time to visit: Late winter to early spring for whale watching; year-round for hiking and coastal photography.
Local tips: Dress in layers — strong winds are common, even in summer. Bring binoculars for whale watching, especially from December to April.
Distance: About 1.5 hours north of San Francisco via CA-1 and Bodega Highway.
How to Get to Bodega Head Beach: From Bodega Bay, follow Westshore Road past the marina to the Bodega Head parking area. Trailheads and viewpoints are well-marked from there.
More Info: Explore Bodega Head Beach
2. Bodega Dunes
Location: Bodega Dunes State Park, Bodega Bay, CA
Recommended For: Campers, families, beachcombers, and coastal explorers looking for a scenic, amenity-rich getaway.
What I Love: ♥ "Towering dunes, driftwood-strewn sands, and crackling campfires under the stars — Bodega Dunes blends raw coastal beauty with comfort and convenience."
- Camp overnight at one of Bodega Bay’s largest beaches, with well-maintained facilities and beach access just steps away.
- Stroll the sandy shoreline collecting driftwood or wander through the namesake dunes for a peaceful nature walk.
- Gather around picnic tables and BBQ grills for seaside meals with family and friends.
Cost: Day-use and camping fees apply. Reservations for campsites are recommended during peak season.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for camping, beach walks, and moderate weather; winter for solitude and stormy coastal views.
Local tips: Bring layers — fog and coastal breezes are common. Campsites book up fast in summer, so plan ahead.
Distance: About 1.5 hours north of San Francisco via CA-1 and Bodega Highway.
How to Get to Bodega Dunes State Park: From Bodega Bay, head north on CA-1 and turn onto Bodega Dunes Road. The park entrance and campground are well-marked.
More Info: Explore Bodega Dunes State Park
Review:★★★★★ "Bodega Dunes is a hidden gem. We hiked on the trails and took lots of ocean pictures to send. home. I especially enjoed the sunset. "
Romantic Bodega Bay Beaches:
3. Gleason Beach - Under 2 hours from San Francisco
Location: Gleason Beach, Sonoma Coast, CA
Recommended For: Geology buffs, photographers, hikers, and adventurous coastal explorers seeking dramatic scenery and solitude.
What I Love: ♥ "Gleason Beach isn’t for lounging — it’s for wandering. With sea stacks, cliffs, and moody Pacific skies, it’s a geologic gallery shaped by wind and wave."
- Explore the unique rock formations and sea stacks that make this beach a favorite for geology lovers and coastal photographers.
- Wander along the rugged shoreline and admire sweeping views of the dramatic Pacific coastline — perfect for a windswept stroll.
- Discover the raw beauty of an untamed beach, away from crowds and development, with a truly wild feel.
Cost: Free public access; no parking or facilities available.
Best time to visit: Year-round for geological exploration and moody photo ops; visit during low tide for better access to rock formations.
Local tips: There are no restrooms, picnic tables, or lifeguards. Swimming is not advised due to strong currents and rocky conditions — this one’s all about the views and terrain.
Distance: About 1.75 hours north of San Francisco via CA-1.
How to Get to Gleason Beach: Located along CA-1 between Bodega Bay and Jenner. Look for a small turnout and beach access trail near mile marker 15.84 — signage is minimal.
4. Arched Rock Beach
Location: Arched Rock Beach, Sonoma Coast, CA
Recommended For: Nature photographers, sightseers, peaceful fishers, and coastal walkers looking for scenic spots.
What I Love: ♥ "This beach’s namesake arch is like nature’s sculpture — framed by sea spray and stone, it’s perfect for postcard-worthy photos."
- Snap a photo of the iconic arched rock formation, a striking natural landmark that gives this beach its name.
- Stroll the rocky shoreline and enjoy gentle waves, which make the area feel calm and meditative.
- Cast a line — this beach is a popular fishing spot, ideal for anglers seeking a peaceful, uncrowded location.
Cost: Free public access with limited parking available.
Best time to visit: Year-round, especially on clear days for photography or early morning for fishing.
Local tips: There are no facilities, restrooms, or picnic areas. Dogs are not permitted. Come prepared with water, snacks, and sturdy shoes for navigating the rocky shore.
Distance: About 1.75 hours north of San Francisco via CA-1.
How to Get to Arched Rock Beach: Located just south of Jenner, CA, along CA-1. Look for the small roadside parking area near the Arched Rock Overlook — beach access is down a short trail.
Family Bodega Bay Beaches:
5. Wrights Beach - Under 2 hours from San Francisco
Location: Wrights Beach, Sonoma Coast, CA
Recommended For: Campers, beach hikers, photographers, and travelers wanting space to spread out.
What I Love: ♥ "Even on busy weekends, this beach feels wide open — with endless ocean views and the soothing sound of crashing waves."
- Camp beside the coast at one of over two dozen ocean-view campsites just steps from the sand.
- Fish from the shoreline or enjoy a beachside picnic with friends at one of the tables near the dunes.
- Explore scenic rock formations and hike nearby bluff-top trails offering panoramic coastal views.
Cost: Free for day-use; camping fees apply at Wrights Beach Campground.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for camping and clear skies; early mornings for solitude and photography.
Local tips: Reserve your campsite early — they fill up fast on weekends. The beach is rugged, with no lifeguards. Restrooms and picnic tables are available near the lot.
Distance: About 1.75 hours north of San Francisco via CA-1.
How to Get to Wrights Beach: Located off CA-1 just south of Jenner and north of Bodega Bay. Look for the Wrights Beach Campground sign — parking and beach access are next to the campsites.
6. Pinnacle Gulch Beach
Location: Pinnacle Gulch Beach, Bodega Bay, CA
Recommended For: Sunset seekers, wildlife watchers, and travelers looking for a quiet, scenic spot off the beaten path.
What I Love: ♥ "A local gem that feels like a secret escape — the sunsets here are unforgettable, especially when the sky turns pink over the rocks."
- Hike the short Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail to reach the beach — a peaceful walk with ocean views.
- Spot local wildlife along the rocks and in the tide pools — sea birds, crabs, and seals are frequent visitors.
- Watch a spectacular sunset from the sand as the light dances off coastal rock formations.
Cost: Free
Best time to visit: Evening, especially just before sunset. Spring and fall offer the clearest skies.
Local tips: There are no amenities here, so bring water and anything else you need. The trail is short but moderately steep — wear good shoes.
Distance: About 1.5 hours north of San Francisco.
How to Get to Pinnacle Gulch Beach: Drive south of Bodega Harbor and park at the end of Mockingbird Road. Follow the Pinnacle Gulch Trail down to the beach.
Unique Bodega Bay Beaches:
7. Dillon Beach
Location: Dillon Beach, 1 Beach Avenue, Dillon Beach, CA 94929
Recommended For: Surfers, families, tide pool explorers, and visitors looking for a laid-back beach day with nearby amenities.
What I Love: ♥ "The best of both worlds — powerful surf for thrill-seekers and calm tide pools for curious little explorers. Plus, the café and cabins make it feel like a hidden coastal retreat."
- Surf the big rolling waves — this is one of the top surf spots on the North Coast.
- Explore the tide pools during low tide — perfect for kids and anyone fascinated by sea creatures.
- Relax with a drink or bite at the on-site café, or rent a cabin for a cozy overnight stay.
Cost: Small day-use fee (check Dillon Beach Resort site for current pricing)
Best time to visit: Mornings for calm tide pools or late afternoon for golden-hour surfing and great light for photos.
Local tips: Bring cash or card for the access fee. Stop by the general store or surf shop for snacks or gear. The waves can get big — keep an eye on surf conditions.
Distance: About 1.5–2 hours from San Francisco, depending on traffic.
8. Doran Beach
Location: Doran Beach, 201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
Recommended For: Families, birdwatchers, campers, kite flyers, beginner hikers, and anyone craving ocean air and wide-open spaces.
What I Love: ♥ "From campfires to kite flying, Doran Beach makes it easy to pack in a full day of fun — or a weekend of wave-watching and stargazing right by the water."
- Camp with ocean views — choose from over 120 campsites for tents and RVs.
- Stroll the beginner-friendly 1.3-mile trail through grassy dunes to the boardwalk.
- Fly a kite or surf the gentle waves — this beach is made for classic coastal fun.
- Birdwatch or fish — the surrounding habitats are rich with wildlife and marine life.
Cost: Day-use fee (check Sonoma County Regional Parks for current rates)
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for the best weather and clear skies for camping and hiking.
Local tips: Reserve your campsite in advance — weekends book up quickly. Bring layers — coastal breezes can cool down fast!
Distance: About 1.5–2 hours from San Francisco by car.
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
9. Coleman Beach
Location: Coleman Beach, Coleman Valley Road and Highway 1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
Recommended For: Adventurous explorers, rock hoppers, and beachcombers who love a rugged coastline.
What I Love: ♥ "This hidden gem isn’t for everyone — and that’s exactly why we love it. Quiet, wild, and full of tide-washed surprises."
- Access this secluded spot during low tide via Miwok Beach.
- Explore the rocky shoreline for sea-tossed treasures and tide pools.
- Fish off the rocks or just admire the raw natural beauty of the coastline.
Cost: Free
Best time to visit: Low tide only — always check the tide schedule in advance for safe access.
Local tips: Wear sturdy shoes and skip the swimwear — this beach is all about the views, not the surf. No amenities here, so pack in what you need.
Distance: About 2 hours north of San Francisco by car.
Plan Your Trip