The Sonoma Coast near Jenner was a nice stop during our trip. We weren't completely blown away, but…read moreit was still a pleasant place to visit and take in the scenery. The coastline is rugged and peaceful, and it was really cool to see the seal nursery - lots of seals lounging and playing, which was definitely the highlight. Jenner has a quiet, calm vibe, making it a good spot to get some fresh air, take photos, and enjoy a low-key coastal view. Overall, a nice experience if you're already in the area.

I solo adventured to Sonoma Coast State Park in approximately 2018. I was looking for a beach a…read morenice drive away from where I was living in the East San Francisco Bay Area and had found this site listed on the California State Parks website. I went exploring around a large rock named Goat Rock. I did not see any of the hoofed ungulates on my visit. To the south of Goat Rock, the beach was a little narrowed with occasional pieces of rounded sea glass and intact mussel shells. I picked one of the shells up and noticed a faint violet color. It was one of those light phenomena where exposure to light drains the color from the shell, meaning the next day the faint violet color was gone. Parking was limited and I was fortunate to arrived before the masses. There were not any trees for shade on the beach, though the cool of the water on my feet did provide reprieve from the warmth for my feet.

Another fabulous Sonoma Coast hike. One of our favorite day trips…read more Anytime is beautiful to visit this hiking destination but we love going in but May! It is the perfect time to soak in vibrant wildflowers and lush green landscapes. We love taking Plumette, our Schnoodle. She loves sniffaring here. ‍ Pups must be on Leash. Leave no trace.

Dog-friendly hiking?! Sign us up!…read more What an absolutely beautiful preserve! The parking lot was full on Sunday midday so we had to backtrack along the road to an auxiliary pullout parking area. Next time we'll drop off one human and the pups before moving the car as it was sketchy walking our pups on Rt 1. There's a nice Info Center at the trailhead, with signage and maps - both posted and printed copies to take. Bathrooms are just a short walk down the trail. There are various trail options, with I think up to 15 miles if you're up for the challenge. We planned to hike ~4 miles but the steep trail was in the direct sun and we all started feeling it. I don't think there's any water on the trail, so bring more than you think you need. We hiked ~1.5 miles up and our pups were getting a bit too warm so turned it around. Not mad about it as we enjoyed stunning ocean views on the way down/back. We all still enjoyed a workout and some peaceful time out in nature. Cows live on the preserve so expect to see cow pies/dung along the path. We didn't see any upclose, but there are warning signs at the trailhead advising you what to do. Despite the full parking lot, the trail wasn't crowded. We can't wait to return!

Cool place to hang out for a hour or so and take some nice pictures, Goat rock reminds me of a…read moresmaller version of "The Rock" and Morro Bay. The beach around goat rock is space but has a lot of character (see pictures). If you dare you can climb the shale rocks and get really close to the breaking waves. As you look out from Goat Rock you will see a very picturesque rock formation that looks like a bridge out in the ocean. Overall if you're driving up the coast on highway one and need a restroom break or just want to chill for a couple then this is you stop.

I have been enjoying this gorgeous beach for over 25 years now- surprised I've not submitted a…read morereview before. My friends and I have a ritual of coming to this beach on New Years Day (last year was the first year we couldn't due to the king tides). We bring roses and "plant" them on the shore to remember the loved ones we've lost. Today was another of these special days

Super nice beach up by bodega bay with plenty of space to roam around and find seashells and live…read moremussels! It's a bit of a decline going to the beach from the parking lot, so be weary with littles!

Portuguese Beach is definitely a must see. I visited a few years ago and was very impressed with…read moreit. It has some amazing rocks in the water and to see the water and waves hit thos tall rocks is a magical experience. It has a lot of multi colored pebbles ! That was amazing, I never saw soooo many colored pebbles and colored rocks before, it is absolutely a magical beach. The road to get there was a lot of fun as well, very curvy.

Can't believe I haven't reviewed this amazing trail sooner! I've hiked it for years and it never…read moregets old. Usually I stop at the Pomo Campground, but this time we went all the way up Red Hill and looped back. The views are unreal -- ocean, Russian River, and the coastal range all in one sweep. If you make it to the top, bring a sandwich and take in the scenery from the picnic table. Totally worth it!

Beautiful trail to take the whole family. Make sure to pack layers as it can get a little windy…read moreand chilly on the coast - even during summer months!

Arriving was tricky because it was late and dark. Luckily our other party members had already…read morearrived, so they met us at entrance. We tent camped and waking up to the sounds of crashing waves, smells of early risers cooking breakfast, emerging from my slumber to feast my eyes on the Pacific Ocean crashing against our California Coastline... ahhh ZEN We hiked, sort of. Just down to the tide pool area (or whatever ya call it), checking out rock formations. I found a couple of heart shaped rocks and even made a face from rocks. I called him "stoned"... Before we left come Sunday, I rocked a table. Meaning I painted a rock and left a piece of my inner peace to the finder (whomever it would be). Sincerely C.Wray

Always a beautiful visit! October camping!! Embrace the…read moremagic of October at Ocean Cove! Unwinding with breathtaking sunsets, friendly smiles from the fabulous staff, and beautiful serene sounds of nature all around. What else do you need!

This is a small secluded beach with a pretty steep stairway down to the beach from the parking lot…read more It's a good bit of cardio climbing up and down. The parking lot has lots of spaces and it's free. The restroom is well maintained, port a potty style, no running water. Once on the beach it's a smaller area, easy walk to the water and the rocks at the end. There's a small tide pool area too. A nice relaxing beach with not many people, so can enjoy it almost to yourself. There are also many trails off the parking lot. I walked the Kortum Trail - it's a beautiful trail with stretches of wooden paths, sprawling greenery with mountains to on side and the, coast along the other. This trail leads to goat rock. It's a pretty steep incline towards the end but worth the views when you reach the top. It's a 2.3 mile round trip hike. I wish I had read a little history before I went on the hike, I later learned the large rocks you can see from the trail are named "Mammoth Rocks" it's believed the Mammoths rubbed against the rocks and created smooth polished patches 10-14 ft high. Probably end of ice age 10 to 14 thousand years ago. Great area, beautiful state beach and lots of hiking with breathtaking views of the coast.

Shell Beach is a favorite location for beach combing and tide pooling. Note that the walk down to…read morethe beach is a little steep so take your time. There are many hiking trails that start from this beach. Some are flat with gorgeous views if you want to walk and soak in the views. If you are looking for more of a challenging hike with an incline there is the Shell Beach to Pomo Canyon or the Shell Beach to Red Hill loop. You will just need to cross the road. There is a large parking lot and the parking is free. They also have bathrooms that are well kept. Whatever trail you decide you will have picturesque views of the Sonoma Coast. Enjoy this beautiful area on the Sonoma Coast. These pictures are of the Shell Beach to Red Hill hike around 10:30am, before the fog burned off for the day.

Spectacular views! My favorite spot in Bodega Bay is Bodega Head to see majestic ocean views and…read morehike along the bluffs. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of migrating whales! We enjoy getting chowder and sipping it while watching the waves. It is such a tranquil sight away from the hustle and bustle of life. Today was a beautiful sunny day at Bodega Head but even if it's raining, I love coming here to enjoy the views. Come prepared for some windy conditions just in case. The parking lot will get full on the weekends, especially during spring when you have a better chance of seeing whales. Several picnic tables available with friendly seabirds checking out what you're eating. Restrooms are next to the parking lot.

Incredible views of the coastline that I enjoyed every step of the way. Would be a great place to…read moretake out of town family or friends to show off California's natural beauty and to walk your dog too to the Blind Beach side. Goat Rock side no dogs allowed because the seals always wean their pups on the beach, but the dog friendly side is so spacious and a nice long stretch of beach with iconic rock arches out in the water that you will never forget. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in all of California and if it is low tide, there will be many starfish visible on the rock formations on shore lower section which is normally submerged! If you get a good sunset, this place cannot be beat for photos overlooking the water with those rock formations. It could make anyone with a cell phone camera take photos that look like a professional landscape photographer took them.

gorgeous place with amazing views. It's just absolutely stunning. I love that you can climb on top…read moreon the other side and just go close enough the edges to see everything.

What a massive & beautiful part of the Bodega Bay coast! I have photographed a couple Wedding…read moreelopements here, along with a proposal, and its by far one of my favorite spots in the area!

Wow! Love this place so much. Went with my partner and our friends who were pretty familiar with…read morethe campsite and the area. Stayed for 3 nights at the campsite and it was great! Stayed at 22 and 23 and it felt like we were away from people enough. Campsite was clean and well kept up and the camp hosts were so nice and helpful! A bonus with this campsite were the showers and they were hot! Good bathrooms too with flushable toilets. Just remember to bring enough quarters for the showers. The best small hikes next to the campsite and one of them even went down to a beach area! I would say this was one of my favorite campsites to stay at and we will definitely be coming back to explore some more!

Beautiful campground and beach (and dogs are allowed on the trail to the beach and the beach…read moreitself. Near Salt Point State Park, which has good mountain bike trails.