Rock the Goat Smallish beach located inside Sonoma Coast State Park that's known for its eponymous rock formation and for being in the cult classic film "The Goonies." The Good: * Several small parking lots * Picnic tables * Restroom in the parking lot * Free to visit * There's a colony of harbor seals that reside here, and you can see the babies during pupping season from March - August. The Meh: * No dogs allowed at this beach due to the seals. The Ugly: * Not recommended for swimming due to sneaker waves and strong rip currents. * As usual, Yelp's location is absurdly wrong, and the mods are asleep at the wheel. Big shock, eh? If you want to get here, put 9528 Goat Rock Rd, Jenner, CA 95450 into your GPS or just use Google, whose locations are always correct. Conclusion: Nice beach to visit if you're in the area and especially if you like to visit old film locations. read more

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Lots of I interesting rocks an pebbles to be found! Just look down! And keep walking and walking. Great for rock enthusiasts. There are some dried up sea life in the sand too like dried sea urchins and hermit crab shells Free parking read more

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Beautiful beach with pebbles smoothed by the sea. Always bring a warm coat and a blanket would be nice for sitting in the beach.

Great place for photos and view of the bay and rock formations. Not sandy. Not crowded at all. read more

Goat Rock Beach - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

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Great views from the lookout viewpoint and shore So many north coast beaches along the Sonoma Coast State Park as we took the scenic route on Highway 1 heading to Bodega Bay. We stopped at Goat Rock where Blind Beach and the Arch View were also based. Blind Beach in Goat Rock is located south of Jenner. It was the first beach we came upon as soon as we hit Highway 1 coming from Guerneville. It has a great view of the Arch Rock. There is an upper parking lot with a steep narrow trail that leads down to Blind Beach. We did not go further down as our schedule that day did not permit us to explore more. The good news is we are not very far from Sonoma County so we can always return and venture on another trip here. Fun trivia: Goat Rock beach is home to a colony of harbor seals and pupping season is between March to August. It is advised to stay at least 50 yards away from the seals during this time. Because of their protected status, dogs are NOT allowed on Goat Rock Beach. We had a beautiful view of the beach but did not see any seals (maybe if we knew ahead of time we would've looked for them). There is an interpretive sign in the upper parking lot and warns that Sonoma Coast is not for swimming because of the strong rip currents and the unpredictable "sleeper" waves. We did see a surfer braving the angry waves. Both the Goat Rock Beach and Blind Beach are part of the Sonoma Coast State Park. Review #2186 read more

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Goat Rock Beach is a hidden gem along Highway 1 with picturesque views! I always love coming to this beach for so many reasons! This place has lovely coastal views that are breathtaking! It also has lots of trails along the rugged coastline for you to have lots of opportunities to take in the views! There is plenty of parking, which is really convenient! There are also restrooms. There are two sides of the beach. One is dog friendly and the other is not. It's a great place to take your dog! It's also a great place to watch the waves, enjoy the sunset, and have a picnic. I would recommend dressing in layers since it can get a little chilly on the coast. I would recommend hiking shoes and water if you are wanting to go on the trails. read more

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There is no shortage of scenic lookouts and dramatic beaches along the Sonoma Coast. Goat Rock Beach, though, seems to be the pinnacle of scenic windswept coastline on this part of Highway 1. To arrive you'll need to drive down a winding road off the highway with some narrow areas and steep drop offs. Along the way there are pullouts to overlook the rocks and beaches below as well as a trailhead for the Kortrum trail which runs along the bluffs. The beach itself has two sides. The surf here is rough with rip currents, a steep drop off in the water and possible sneaker waves. There are a ton of warnings to stay out but I still always see someone going in up to their ankles (makes me nervous every time!) Aside from that it's a lovely place for a beach walk with rock formations in the water, high bluffs and colorful rocks. Usually it's very cold and windy so do bundle up. Free parking but does get crowded on nicer days. I usually find myself stopping here when in the area even for just a short beach walk. Review #94 of 100 review goal in 2021 read more

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A few months ago, my husband and I did a road trip to Oregon where we visited Astoria -- the shooting location of the 1980s classic movie The Goonies. However, we were a little bummed to learn that the film's most iconic scene -- featuring One-Eyed Willie sailing off on a pirate ship -- wasn't actually filmed in Astoria. While I was initially bummed, I saw that it was filmed at Goat Rock Beach, located just a 15 minute drive from downtown Guerneville. We were so excited since our friends were planing a wedding in the tiny wine country town. Know what that means? Road trip! Se made our way to the crown jewel of our Goonies tour -- to check out Goat Rock Beach. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road. At one point, the 2 lane road turns into just one lane. It's quite an adventure but it's all worth it to see the famous backdrop for that final Goonies scene. There are hiking trails and opportunities to walk along the beach. But truth be told, we pretty much snapped the photo and headed out. It was FREEZING and wet the day we visited. It certainly felt like we were in the movie with the fog rolling in. But that allowed us more time to squeeze in one more stop along the way back to Guerneville -- and sample some cheese and Sonoma wine! read more

Goat rock beach doesn't seem like much when you're looking on the maps! But oh my was this beach perfection! The winding trail down to the beach can be taken by car or bike and is literal perfection! The views are stunning and there are so many hiking trails and rocks to climb for those skilled enough! The beach itself is perfect! Almost black sand and a great spot for beach combing! Dog friendly as well our little guy peter loved it searching for shells all around the beach! There were so many dogs it was such a fun sight seeing them run and play in the waves! This beach is a hidden gem! Not overcrowded! We actually went twice and were the only ones on the beach at one point! Stay at the Jenner inn, it's a short 2 minute drive to the beach! Absolutely stunning! read more

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When we visited the Sonoma Coast last year, we were stuck in traffic as we got closer to the coastline, so we took a detour to Goat Rock instead. We found some parking and got great views of Goat rock, Arch view and Blind beach. Fun times! This is a really nice coastline in Northern California, we want to come back some day for a longer visit! read more

GORGEOUS yet... DANGEROUS !.!.! Google, " Most Dangerous beach in California" and will will see Goat Rock State Beach pop up over and over again. Striking beauty with bluffs, dunes and glorious crashing waves. There are 2 sides to this beach. The Southside ( DOG FRIENDLY ) and the Northside (NO DOGS ALLOWED). I do not reccomend taking your pooch off leash and this beach. The surf is way too strong, there are sleeper waves and the rip currents deadly (LITERALLY) DO NOT SWIM HERE ! The Northside has a long strech of coast where the mouth of the Russian river meets the ocean. A popular spot for kayakers. And a huge colony of harbor seals. You can rent kayakers in Jenner. However, make sure the sandbar is up so you dont get swept out to sea. I do recommend this beach but just remember, RESPECT MOTHER NATURE and NEVER EVER TURN YOUR BACK TO THE OCEAN. Especially here !!!!! read more

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One of my favorite views ever in the view of the Russian River meeting the Pacific Ocean as you cruise through Jenner. The technical term for that particular stretch of nature is estuary, but in layman's terms, the term is "gorgeous" or "stunning". The san, the water, the waves, the birds. It's all there and more at Goat Rock Beach. You can go hike through the sand, play in the waves (though I recommend the river side for that), check out the birds, or look for driftwood. you can also be like me and smile at the lifeguard (yes, please note they definitely need one on site). Just listening to the surf or watching the other beachgoers will definitely put a smile on your face. My friend and I were enthralled by a seagull who broke into a bag of cool ranch Doritos. He gobble them down whole with great relish. I almost felt sorry for the kid they belong to until I realized by his reaction that this is something that must have happened to them before. It was definitely worth navigating the twisty road to get down to the beach parking. A must visit when in Sonoma County. read more

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Goat Rock was a surprise to me when we finally arrived - I wasn't expecting much - but it was beautiful. The road is well-kept until you get to the final one-lane stretch but even that isn't bad at a slow pace. There is plenty of parking and the views are beautiful, even on a foggy windy and cold day like yesterday when my dad and I visited. The rocks are lovely and the view of Jenner from one side and the Pacific from the other are worth the trip. read more

What a beautiful beach! This is the place I come to for a short walk, long walk, or just wave-watching. There are so many different rock formations that are interesting to photograph. Despite the name, I don't think any of the rocks look like a goat though... The beach is big enough that many people can enjoy the views without crowding into one another. Walking down to the beach is a little rocky though, so be careful. read more

This is easily my favorite spot on the Sonoma Coast. The views here are absolutely beautiful. Tons of different options to park and explore here. Make sure you go all the way to the bottom for different views of the ocean and rocks. If you walk down the trails make sure you familiarize yourself with poison oak because it is around. Not something you want to get on vacation. Watch out for pot holes on the road. read more

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Highly recommend ... you don't normally hike and beach day in one ... until Goat Rock! read more

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Love this beach! Easy parking. Restrooms. Picnic tables. Never crowded. Plenty of wild life to view. The water is gorgeous. This is an excellent location for a quiet afternoon especially if wanting to get out of the heat. Bring a sweatshirt just in case. Snacks and drinks. The sand is warm so you won't be too cold. read more

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Breathtaking! Just like watching Heaven and Earth meet! One of MANY favorite spots for this California Kid, raised on family trips to the mountains and ocean. Thankful my girls love coming too! This trip was a short one, and the surf was angry this day, making for AMAZING digital shots (will post later.) Plenty of parking, not too many people. The tide here can be unforgiving, so we refrain from wading OR swimming. Even as a certified Aquatics Coach, I don't take chances (life jackets please!) A visual stunner! Well maintained and a GEM of this stretch of Nor Cal! read more

Goat Rock Beach - Goat Rock from above! - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

This beach was one of our favorite. It is so beautiful and there is so much to see. First of all it is right near the American River so you will be able to see where the freshwater meets the saltwater. You can also watch a colony of harbor seals as they mate and take care of their pups. On the other side of the beach you will find a place where you can search for crabs, starfishes, clams, and more. This is also where you can see the Arched Rock which was formed by waves. Swimming is highly not recommended on the ocean as well as playing in the water on the North end of the Goat Rock Beach. However, you can swim on the river side but I have to worn you that the water is cold. This beach has warm sand, at times too warm to have your shoes off. This beach is located on Highway 1, between Jenner and Bodega Bay, Sonoma, California. read more

What a magnificent place! I have always been fascinated with the points where rivers end into the ocean (in this case the Russian River). You get the best of both worlds. It was a very long walk to get to the beach on a windy day. I was pleasantly surprised to see many sea lions banked on the riverside. It's such a joy to see these animals out in the wild vs. an aquarium or zoo. I sat a distance away from them on some rocks and just watched them. It was a first for me. Some of them were curious about me & would swim by and peek at me & then quickly bob back in the water. It was so cute & made my day. The beach was pretty scenic with its rocks & had a clean bathroom. The drive is s long steep one coming down. read more

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This was my favorite beach. View were the greatest here. Goat Rock Beach is located between Goat Rock Point and the Russian River along the Sonoma County shore near the town of Jenner. There are two parking lots for Goat Rock Beach. One is at the north end of Goat Rock Road with easy access to the sand spit at the mouth of the river and the other is right below Goat Rock itself. The ocean here is part of the Russian River State Marine Conservation Area so fishing is prohibited. read more

Welcomed 2020 here and it was my first checking this beach out. I loved it! I recommend it for family trip. The hike is easy and trails are very easy to navigate. Check it out read more

Goat Rock Beach - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

First time here, plenty of parking, wasn't crowded and the view of the beach was spectacular. read more

Goat Rock Beach - Super Bowl Sunday! - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

Stunningly beautiful views. Clean and easy to get to and park. We always come here when we are vacationing in the area.

Walked north to the mouth of the Russian River to see some seals, and was not disappointed! Almost 100 of them lying on the north bank, and one sea lion! read more

This beach is amazing. We had a fantastic time! When getting there, make sure to keep driving until you reach the end of the road to get as close as possible to goat rock. We tented on the beach and had a little picnic. The water is pretty cold (like all other norcal beaches). The drive up does get a bit foggy, so drive safe! read more

Goat Rock Beach - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

Well worth the extra few miles from the crowded beaches north from Bodega Bay. We decided to chase the sunlight on a Sunday evening and we're not disappointed with stumbling upon this beach. The road is a little iffy looking for a tiny sedan but it would do just fine. Just drive slow and you won't be disappointed. We plan to go back and spend the whole day. Having lived in the Bay Area all our life, we are ashamed to have not discovered such a beautiful beach earlier. read more

Goat Rock Beach - Beautiful summer evening - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

I absolutely love this beach one of my favorite places to go when I need to destress.

When driving home from a mini-vacay we saw this incredible beach from Highway 1 and decided it was a must-see stop. As we had my dog, we couldn't go to the Goat Rock Beach, but this park had another beach where it does allow dogs called Blind Beach. The views are simply stunning with the ocean, huge rocks and rock archway in the distance. The sand was super soft and there was enough beach to walk and picnic if you wanted to. The rocks on the beach are beautiful in an array of colors which were fun to look through. Beach goers also stacked rocks in cool art formations that we marveled over and even inspire one of us to make our own. read more

Amazing views. Just happened to stop here and loved it. Saw some sea lions and a whale, too. The fog blanket added to the beauty of this area. Next time we are up this way, we will definitely stop by. read more

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Stunning views! My sister was married here (requires permit but you can reserve the beach for a couple of hours). Goat's Rock in the background gave a mystical feel to the ceremony. All the assembled guests were moved by this lovely locale. The wild crashing surf gave energy to the experience. The wedding was truly memorable and the beach was the most magnificent venue anyone could imagine. A bit of heaven on earth. It is often extremely windy so bring a light cover up. Parking is adequate. read more

Very cool beach! Apparently the waves are dangerous, but the rock formations are very beautiful, and the ground is littered with many small and colorful stones and pebbles. There was also some pieces of redwood washed up on the shore...the color was so vivid, you could really see why it has its name. I saw some type of vulture up on the rocky cliffs you drive down from to get to the beach, it was pretty cool, no seals though. Lots of people brought their dogs the day I went, everybody seemed to be having a really nice time. The sunset here is beautiful and the surrounding areas become pretty mysterious-looking in the fog. It's a nice place to explore. read more

Beautiful, amazing beach. This is not a beach for swimming or even wading - (one of the most dangerous beaches) -- pretty much stay a safe distance away from the water. Very nice to look at and you can enjoy the view and play in the sane by the dunes. read more

Goat Rock Beach - Goat Rock Beach - Jan 2014 - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

PLEASE FIX THE ROADS!!!!! There are so many holes and potholes the road is crumbling away and is very dangerous in some places. I see this week that they finally closed the narrow road to the actual Goat Rock parking lot. I LOVE this place and visit several times a week to take pics. I appreciate this park so much. Highly recommend a visit! (after they fix the roads!) Also, can you please re-open the upper restrooms???? Thank you read more

Beautiful place! We arrived around 6:30a and saw a masterpiece get painted in the sky. Wildlife spotted (seals, birds galore, bobcats, and deer). Noticed T and H model 206 parts out in the rocks near the ocean waves, neat experience. read more

Goat Rock Beach - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

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A very scenic and beautiful portion of California along the Sonoma coast. The rocks and waves along this portion of the Pacific Ocean are just amazing! Goat rock beach has history too, remember the family adventure movie-The Goonies. This is where they shot the ending scene. You'll get a first hand look. I stayed for the sunset and one word will sum it up for me-Peaceful. read more

The word "gorgeous" doesn't do this beach justice. You've got everything here... views, nature, wildlife, serenity, and even no cell phone service (peace and quiet). I love to bring my dogs here a couple of times a month, and they love it too. read more

Goat Rock Beach - Baxter basking in the sun along the trail down to Blind Beach - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

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Great beach for little kids. Parking is close to the sandy beach and very few rocks to climb over. We found a crab and a jelly fish. Not many shells to collect though. Unfortunately a dead sea lion also washed ashore. read more

Honestly, I've never been to the beach. We always park on the road in and walk down to the Sunset Boulders for rock climbing. It's an AWESOME outdoor climbing spot for beginners and more advanced climbers alike. Lots of bouldering, never tried the top rope routes but I'm sure they're fun! Can't wait to get back out there and top some more boulders!! read more

Goat Rock Beach - Ready to climb the sunset boulders! - Beaches Near Me - Bodega Bay, California

Seriously one of the best beaches in the area with several parking lots along the way to the final beach below. On one side is the beach- although there is a super strong undertow and you can not swim here, and they are quite serious about that- (only beach I have seen lifeguards driving around regularly) and on the other side the Russian river. You are very likely to see seals and and sea lions here too! read more