Bodega Bay Beaches

Location: Bodega Head Beach, Bodega Bay, CA

Recommended For: Hikers, photographers, whale watchers, and anyone seeking dramatic coastal scenery near the Bay Area.

What we 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

Location: Bodega Dunes State Park, Bodega Bay, CA

Recommended For: Campers, families, beachcombers, and coastal explorers looking for a scenic, amenity-rich getaway.

What we 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

Romantic Bodega Bay Beaches:

Location: Gleason Beach, Sonoma Coast, CA

Recommended For: Geology buffs, photographers, hikers, and adventurous coastal explorers seeking dramatic scenery and solitude.

What we 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.

Location: Arched Rock Beach, Sonoma Coast, CA

Recommended For: Nature photographers, sightseers, peaceful fishers, and coastal walkers looking for scenic spots.

What we 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:

Location: Wrights Beach, Sonoma Coast, CA

Recommended For: Campers, beach hikers, photographers, and travelers wanting space to spread out.

What we 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.

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 we 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:

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 we 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.

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 we 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:

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 we 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.