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    Sonoma Coast State Park

    4.7 (58 reviews)

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    Just wow!
    Lisa W.

    I have to pinch myself knowing the proximity of this gorgeous coastal park to where I live. Whether it's sunny or foggy it is beautiful. Today we walked from Shell Beach to Wrights Beach & back via the Kortum Trail.

    Watching the sunset at Blind Beach
    Shayla B.

    Breathtaking doesn't even begin to describe how amazing this place is. I'm in total awe with each and every visit. So much to explore and so little time. Sonoma Coast State Park features a collection of beautiful beaches, campgrounds, and hiking trails that run along the Pacific Coast Highway from Bodega Bay to Jenner. If you've driven down highway 1 passed Bodega Bay, you've literally driven through the park. There are so many amazing beaches along this part of highway 1. And of course, the views of the coast are pretty much numbing. You can pull off to the side of the road, cross the street, and just lose yourself in the scenic coastal views. Although I adore the Bodega Bay beaches, I find that the ones closest to town tend to be the busiest. It makes total sense as these are more convenient. I prefer to drive further down into Jenner. First of all, the drive is so amazingly gorgeous. It'll be hard to focus on the road while driving through because you'll just want to keep on looking out the window. Another reason why prefer the Jenner side over the Bodega side is because it's left crowded and the beaches are way more secluded and peaceful. Two of my favorite Jenner beaches within this park are Blind Beach and Shell Beach. Both are stunning and never super crowded. Parking is usually pretty easy to find. You can actually swim in Shell Beach, but Blind Beach is more of a relax on the sand kind of beach (it's actually pretty dangerous to swim in Blind Beach). The hiking trails are wonderful here too! You've got the more popular hiking trails like Bodega Head and the Kortum Trail which are easy coastal treks. And then there are the more intense hiking trails hidden behind the coast side like the Red Hill and Pomo Canyon trails. Lots of different hiking trails that are all wonderful in their own way. There's also plenty of campsites in this park. I'm not much of a camper, so I can't lend any specifics on this. But, I have hiked through a few campgrounds in the area, and they've always appeared to be very peaceful. The weekends are usually busy and crowded, especially in the summer time. The traffic on highway 1 can turn into an absolute nightmare in the afternoons. You should definitely get here as early as possible or wait until right before sunset if you don't want to be stuck in traffic and/or competing with the crowds. I love picnicking here as well. There are lots of great places to stop on your drive in to pick up food and picnics supplies on the way. All in all, I'm truly in love with this place. It's one of my absolute favorite California coastal destinations. I'm so grateful that it's nearby so that I can take full advantage of its' beauty.

    04.03.21 GOAT ROCK at the Sonoma Coast State Park
    May A.

    The drive along the Sonoma Coast is beautiful! The stretch from Jenner to Bodega Bay is spectacular! The State Beaches at the Sonoma Coast State Park is one of the most visited parks in California. It is actually a series of beaches separated by rocky bluffs and headlands and stretches 19 miles of spectacular views of the mighty Pacific Ocean as the road hugs the coastline. The drive is really curvy, don't drive too fast. There are more than a dozen view points along the Pacific Coast Highway 1 and there are some parts recommended for fishing, walking and picnicking. Anyone for a swim? NOPE! Sonoma Coast is not for swimming! The water will chill you to the bone! We also read about the dangers of rip tides and strong currents, plus the jagged rocks and powerful waves and the deaths caused by the cold water conditions, backwash and large unpredictable sleeper waves. Soooo we enjoyed the views with caution.... from the parking lots! LoL! Our first stop was seeing the Goat Rock. Blind Beach and Goat Rock Beach are separated by one huge rock (Goat Rock)... Goat Rock beach is home to a colony of harbor seals, we did not know about this until later. We'll be back next time to look for them. Looking forward to stopping and exploring the other beaches along the coast on our next return to Bodega Bay. Review #2188

    View
    Lisa W.

    Beautiful state park right on the coast. It's very beautiful in a nice day! We came on the day after Christmas and the rain. So the air was crisp and the view was amazing. Low to no winds and it wasn't packed when we came around 8 but got pretty packed when we were leaving around 11. We parked near Goat Hill and took Kortum Trail all the way down for 3 miles and back another 3- so 6 miles total. You can probably go further. There are no dogs allowed on this trail, which is a bummer because most dog owners are good and pick up after their dogs, but I know it's the ones that don't and ruin for everyone as we saw some large dog poop and a dog owner near with his large dog. Easy, fun trail, family and kids friendly.

    Goat Rock beach love this amazing spot! Super amazing views!
    Bianca W.

    Went out to Goat Rock on Sunday and the weather was perfect just perfect and the wind was subtle, and it wasn't crowded at all! such a lovely spot at the coast amongst others!

    Lillian W.

    I don't say this enough...California is one gorgeous State with tons of natural beauty. Mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, and beaches! Ooohhh, the beaches! Gorgeous No Cal beaches. Let me tell you about the Sonoma Coast State Park. It stretches 17 miles from the Bodega head to the Vista Trail about 4 mikes north of Jenner. It contains several beaches (Goat Rock, Shell, Portuguese, Schoolhouse, Salmon Creek) and about a dozen more unnamed access points. Each and everyone of them are gloriously breathtaking. Wild rocky headlands, windswept cliffs, tide pools, and gravely sand with pebbles of varying gorgeous colors. But I know it is tempting to take pebbles off the beach, just to let you know it is is a penalty to do so. Checkout the website for more deets on each individual beach. Also as always, the beach access is free. Gotta love that! However not all the beaches have restrooms. Plus please take note as the other Yelpers stated, these beaches are not really for swimming especially the beaches not sheltered by an inlet; there are riptides, strong currents, no lifeguards, and cold temp waters. Stay alert and never turn your back on the ocean. Enjoy and be safe!

    Frank W.

    This 17 mile drive along route 1 impresses at every turn. Though it receives far less press than Big Sur, we enjoyed the drive more as there were more opportunities for stopping at a beautiful, relatively secluded beach or just pulling over at a turnout for photos without the hassle of traffic one experiences in Big Sur.

    View From Trail
    Ryan F.

    Hiked in Sonoma Coast State Park on Monday morning. Not overly challenging in terms of the trails, but it is a lengthy hike. Well worth the extra time and effort because of the wide-ranging scope of nature you get to explore. Quality: We took a trail that started at Shell Beach went over Red Hill and down through Pomo Canyon before getting back to our starting point. While only two sections were challenging inclines, the length of the hike may dissuade some. However, it is hard to imagine a hike that lets you truly see all the different landscapes of California like this one. From the cliffs near the Pacific Ocean, to a high point providing panoramic views of the area, down to a Redwood forest, it truly is a bit of everything. It just takes some work to get to each. Quantity: Our hike of Red Hill and Pomo Canyon was more than 7 miles, and the park stretches much longer than that. Value: No fee to park or hike the trail. Ambiance: Sonoma Coast State Park is located near the Pacific Ocean just north of Bodega Bay. The park is massive with many different hiking trails and beach areas. We hiked a stretch near Shell Beach, which required traversing a mountain and then heading down a canyon into a Redwood forest. It is a long trail and one that was relatively easy to follow despite some missing signs. The lower route through Pomo Canyon was very muddy, which was surprising since it had not rained for several days. It was not a problem on the higher trail, so it may be a better option especially after recent rain. Crowd: It is a fairly difficult hike and it was Monday morning, so not too surprising to find it pretty empty. Service: The signs on the trail are sporadic, so we ended up passing our turn and needing to double-back. The lower trail was also quite muddy, despite minimal rain in recent days, so be prepared if you take that route. Parking: We parked in a free lot near Shell Beach, but there also appeared to be more parking on the opposite end of the trail in Pomo Canyon.

    Jackie M.

    It's a great view to look at while driving but it's very windy! The water is super cold . The sand area is pretty clean

    The left side of Goat Rock Beach
    Rebecca H.

    I have such great memories of this beach. In college we would come here to burn a Christmas tree in July, drinking beer and hanging out. One night the noctiluca were in, and the sea was shining green. Running in the sand left sparkly green footprints, and splashing the water was like throwing emeralds in the sky. It was beautiful. If you go to the left you see the arch rock, goat rock, and a beautiful vista, with a rocky shoreline. If you go to the right you come to a sand beach, and if you walk long enough you'll come to sea lions at the end. Swimming is not suggested on either side, it's a beach for walking and thinking. I visited recently and am again reminded of all the wonderful times spent at this beach, and appreciated again how beautiful and peaceful it is. It's worth visiting.

    Alec W.

    This ocean is all that I want oh the sand is all I have oh nature is spread like a buffet bon appetit yay! Appetite for pretty photo production Cool and fresh unlike an oven Air melts in my mouth and I love it Bon appetit, yay! Looks like nature has been missing I have those hiking eyes I could use some beach and views Because my nature/city level aint right Sonoma coast is a five star review A kobe beef hiking spot I want what my hiking guidebook is cooking, oh Let me go Under the sunlight I can let my eyes shine and dine At a great ocean view And it's okay (sung to the lyrics of "Bon Appetit" by Katy Perry) I knew I would be moving from the Bay Area soon (I did last week) so I had to visit a hiking spot I had not visited. I have been hiking in Marin since I was five, I have been there done that with almost every trail there (although I keep going back and doing them). I have even visited parts of the North Coast but I never actually hiked in Sonoma Coast State Park. Picking a time to hike on the beach is tough in NorCal. The beaches are gorgeous but only on the right day. If it's in the winter, it could rain, if it's in the summer, it could be foggy. But April, I have figured out is the best month for hiking. There's not much rain and it's not May or June when the fog rolls over the beach. So I went in late April. I went along the Kortrum trail from the main beach before Jenner and looked down toward Bodega Bay. Good amount of people but they were nice and I saw lots of beaches as well. I got great pictures of the coastline, hiked a bit more and then drove home. I drove by Bodega Bay and was realizing how it would be a great place to go with your boyfriend or girlfriend, it's quiet, there's nice hiking and nice quiet restaurants too. My only quibble was that the parking and exact trail locations were confusing but once I started hiking and taking pictures, I could not stop. I picked one of the most beautiful days this year to hike here and I am so happy I did. I enjoyed what nature served to me, bon appetit.

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    Ask the Community - Sonoma Coast State Park

    Review Highlights - Sonoma Coast State Park

    If you go to the left you see the arch rock, goat rock, and a beautiful vista, with a rocky shoreline.

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    Shell Beach - Gorgeous view. Missing the beautiful cypress that came down last year though.

    Shell Beach

    5.0(7 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    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.

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    Shell Beach
    Shell Beach
    Shell Beach

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    Stump Beach Cove - Driftwood Structure

    Stump Beach Cove

    4.3(3 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Nice secluded beach. Lots of driftwood lying around. Wonderful opportunity for you artists who like…read moreto build structures with driftwood. We, photography enthusiasts, thank you for your lovely creations which make for great pictures. You can find the entrance to Stump Beach along Hwy 1 at Salt Point State Park. Dirt parking lot. Be careful and watch your step. Maybe not for the elderly to travel. There are steps going down to the beach but they are not maintained well and there are drops along the way. The ground can get uneven in some spots. If you make it down to the beach, the rocks are interesting; smooth and they make for a nice display along the beach.

    I've been lucky over the years to have visited some pretty amazing beaches. Some are sprawling and…read morebustling, some calm, some with crashing waves, big rock formations, caves, etc...some secluded, some on the edge of a city, some in the middle of nowhere. If you love the water, you can appreciate a nice beach regardless of the context or the particular environment. That being said, this is the kind of beach that I love the most. Quiet and secluded, no one around, down a long walkway and away from most everything. I could spend all day in a spot like this just napping and listening to the waves crashing in. If you're coming down this part of the coast it's definitely worth a stop if only just to take it in for a moment. There are a few trails that run around the hills overlooking it if you feel like taking a hike and seeing some amazing views, and a short trail that leads to the beach itself from the small parking lot. The parking lot itself could be easy to miss if you weren't watching for it so be on the lookout. Skip the big places that you've heard of and head here. Have the beach to yourself for a while. You'll be glad you did.

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    Stump Beach Cove - Stump Beach

    Stump Beach

    Stump Beach Cove - The shell life.

    The shell life.

    Stump Beach Cove - Wildflowers aplenty!

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    Wildflowers aplenty!

    WaterTreks - Kayaks at the water's edge.

    WaterTreks

    4.0(38 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Easy to book boats in advance on the phone. Was a bit hard to find the shop (van + stall) itself,…read morethey're situated in the parking lot across from a restaurant. There isn't a designated lot but you can either try to park near the visitors center (small amount of not timed parking) or along the street which is what we did. Decided to do some single kayaks. There is an option for either a 2 hour time frame or a 4 hour one. If you have the time then I would honestly recommend the 4 hour one. The routes that they have you travel are different (but the 4 hour also covers the 2 hour loop). Overall the water was pretty calm and we got to see plenty of seals. Recommend stopping by the beach, they'll point out where you can do so during the orientation talk, and walk along the shore to the seal and birds area. It's also a nice area to take a food break.

    Two family adventure - four adults, four teenagers. What a lovely family experience. It was easy to…read morebook a few days in advance, and they even accommodated our request for 1 canoe, and then honored our 2 solo and 2 tandem requests. The on-shore guide showed us a nice map with a suggested route. I would have been happy with 90 minutes, but the rest of my avid kayaker group was happy to have the full 2 hours. Memorable summer family memories. Our friends had kayaked in Bodega in the past, and thought this experience was far more interesting and easier to navigate.

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    WaterTreks - Protected Wildlife Habitat also protects paddlers from River Mouth Currents.

    Protected Wildlife Habitat also protects paddlers from River Mouth Currents.

    WaterTreks - School Field Research or Guided Educational Tours

    School Field Research or Guided Educational Tours

    WaterTreks - Our 2 hour loop in the heart of the wildlife nursery. 1/2 day route available on calm days. It could be quite windy near the upstream bridge

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    Our 2 hour loop in the heart of the wildlife nursery. 1/2 day route available on calm days. It could be quite windy near the upstream bridge

    Sonoma Coast State Beach

    Sonoma Coast State Beach

    4.5(30 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    This is a beautiful stretch of beach that runs through Jenner and the towns in either side…read more Along the way there are several places to pull out. One is Salmon Beach. It's a beautiful beach with plenty of flat sand. There is ample parking and a bathroom Close to Bodega Bay.

    SCW and I drove over to Sonoma Coast State Beach salmon creek during a recent wine tasting trip. I…read morewanted to see the ocean and walk along the beach so we could get some nature. I really enjoyed the area as the highway winds along the beach with many spots to pull off and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean. Salmon creek area is nice with a parking area with restrooms available as well. There are trails that go down to the beach which depending on which you choose can be quite steep. Take your time and be rewarded by the cool fresh air coming off the water onto the beach. We took our time to wander along the water, finding shells and cool rock formations from the constant exposure to the water. There's quite a bit of driftwood on the beach which it looks like some have made into forts/ seating areas all of which are unique. Portions to the north of Salmon Creek are rocky but you'll find cool views from around each bend along the shore. I enjoyed our time on the beach exploring and watching the waves crash, the various birds in the surf and on the shore. Definitely worth the drive and taking the time to stop and enjoy nature.

    Photos
    Sonoma Coast State Beach - A Bunch of Surfers

    A Bunch of Surfers

    Sonoma Coast State Beach - Surfer

    Surfer

    Sonoma Coast State Beach

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    Sonoma Coast State Park - parks - Updated June 2026

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