California Coastal Access Guide, Seventh Edition. California Coastal Commission
and has its own parking area off Goat Rock Rd.; the Kortum Trail leads south to Shell Beach. Leashed dogs allowed only on Blind Beach.
▪ Harbor seals haul out at the river mouth; stay well back to avoid disturbing the animals and their pups
SONOMA COAST STATE PARK: Off Hwy. One, from north of Jenner to Bodega Head. Twelve miles of coast with numerous beach access points. At some beaches, dogs are allowed on a leash of no more than six feet; check local signs. For park information, call: 707-875-3483.
▪ Picnic sites at many locations
▪ Campgrounds are at Wright’s Beach, Bodega Dunes, and Willow Creek
Keep in Mind
Unpredictable waves can reach up onto beaches or rocks; always keep an eye on the ocean.
SHELL BEACH: 3.5 mi. S. of Jenner. Stairs to beach. From the parking lot, the Kortum Trail leads north to Goat Rock and south to Wright’s Beach. Hike east on the Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail to Pomo Canyon Campground.
WRIGHT’S BEACH: Along Hwy. One, 6 mi. N. of Bodega Bay. A picnic area and campsites are located near the beach. There is running water; no shower facilities.
DUNCANS LANDING: Along Hwy. One, 5 mi. N. of Bodega Bay. Parking and picnic tables on the bluff; stairs lead to a small sandy beach south of the promontory.
GLEASON BEACH: Along Hwy. One, 4.5 mi. N. of Bodega Bay. Blufftop pull-outs at Gleason Beach and Duncans Cove.
▪ Good views of seabirds roosting on offshore rocks
CARRINGTON COAST RANCH: Coleman Valley Rd., .3 mi. E. of Hwy. One. Open space area with hiking entry via permit. Call the Sonoma County Open Space District at 707-565-7360 or the nonprofit LandPaths at 707-524-9318.
NORTH SALMON CREEK BEACH: Hwy. One, 2.5 mi. N. of Bodega Bay. Parking area off Hwy. One on a low bluff north of Salmon Creek; stairs to beach. A separate parking area at the end of Bean Ave. has been covered by encroaching dunes.
BODEGA DUNES: Hwy. One, .5 mi. N. of Bodega Bay. Part of Sonoma Coast State Park. Day-use parking area near the ocean includes a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. Campground near Bodega Harbor offers 98 campsites, hot showers, and trailer sanitation station. Campsites are wind-sheltered by trees and dunes. Leashed dogs allowed in the Bodega Dunes Campground only.
▪ Campfire center
▪ Hiking and equestrian trails through the dunes
Sonoma County
Bodega Bay
MASON’S MARINA: 1820 Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. Private marina with berths, docks, fuel, marine supplies, and snack shop. Call: 707-875-3811.
SPUD POINT MARINA: 1818 Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. The 244-slip marina is shared by commercial and recreational boats. Twenty-four-hour fuel dock, commercial flake-ice machine, hoist, laundromat, and showers.
▪ Breakwater serves as a public fishing pier where a fishing license is not necessary although catch limits apply
WESTSIDE REGIONAL PARK: Off Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. Day-use boating area with launch ramp; campground with 48 sites, picnic tables, and coin-operated showers. For camping reservations, call: 707-565-2267. For park information, call: 707-875-3540.
BODEGA HEAD: End of Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. The road to Bodega Head forks at the end to two separate parking lots. At the ocean parking lot, take the half-mile trail north to the Horseshoe Cove overlook, the highest promontory on the peninsula.
From the eastern parking lot, follow the trail past the restrooms one-half mile to a dramatic view of wave-washed Bodega Rock offshore.
▪ Pelagic and Brandt’s cormorants nest on Bodega Rock
▪ Memorial to fishermen lost at sea is along the trail
▪ Whales pass offshore from November to early May
CAMPBELL COVE: End of Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. Sheltered bay beach at the mouth of Bodega Harbor.
PORTO BODEGA: 1500 Bay Flat Rd., Bodega Bay. Facilities at the marina include 77-berth boat dock and launch, 57-space RV park with hookups, restaurant, and tackle shop. Call: 707-875-2354.
LUCAS WHARF: 599 Coast Hwy. One, Bodega Bay. Fresh fish market and restaurant; public viewing area on the wharf.
BIRD WALK COASTAL ACCESS: W. of Hwy. One opposite No. Harbour Way. Picnic area and trails; one trail leads to Doran Beach Regional Park.
▪ Look for songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl
DORAN BEACH REGIONAL PARK: Doran Beach Rd., Bodega Bay. Access to the ocean beach and to the harbor; picnic areas, trails, and boating facilities. Campground open year round; coin-operated showers and trailer sanitation station. Dogs must be leashed. For camping reservations, call: 707-565-2267. For park information, call: 707-875-3540.
▪ Fishing off the rock jetty at the end of the sandspit
▪ Boat launch ramp
PINNACLE GULCH AND SHORT TAIL GULCH TRAILS: Mockingbird Dr., Bodega Harbour subdivision. Take S. Harbour Way off Hwy. One, then left on Heron Dr. to Mockingbird Drive. Fee for parking. Half-mile trail to beach. Walk from Pinnacle Gulch parking area one-half mile to Short Tail Gulch trailhead on Osprey Dr.; half-mile trail to beach.
Gerstle Cove and visitor center
North Jenner Beach, Russian River mouth
Kortum Trail, north of Shell Beach