Bodega Bay Beaches

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: 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.

Portuguese Beach: 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.