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    Bodega Bay Trailhead

    4.6 (25 reviews)

    Bodega Bay Trailhead Photos

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    Memorial on the trail
    Tiffany M.

    It's not hard for an oceanside trail to reach 5 stars! What was nice, too, was that parking was not too tricky too find (there are 2 parking lots, and a handful of "street" parking as well). I never use trailhead bathrooms so obviously I'm not going to write about that here. My husband and I did the short loop that goes a little over 1.5 miles. It was windy the day we went, but there was so much beautiful scenery of the rocks, oceans, and plants. Just be aware that for windy days, you may feel more comfortable having full head coverage so your head and ears aren't freezing! I have more photos of this hike on my blog ! : https://theheartasitis.com/2025/04/14/our-1st-anniversary-at-bodega-bay-ca/

    Alex M.

    Such a beautiful place. It's a pretty gentle trail and not crowded at all during the week. Gorgeous views. Lots of wildlife- especially birds. Parking is easy. There are restrooms.

    Sharon P.

    This area is always beautiful per usual. Looking to cool off from the valley heat? This is the drive you need to take. So many cool restaurants in the area to try. Good for overnight or day trip. There are plenty trails to discover and dog friendly. Spend the day bird watching or watching the waves crash endlessly into the beach.

    Lisa W.

    Come for the views- they can't be beat! Easy hike to the beach or to the top of Horseshoe Cove. Always bring a windbreaker as wind is likely. Grateful for this preserved land.

    Kimberly L.

    Really beautiful trail! Wish we had a bit more sunshine but enjoyed this loop. Lots of lovely flowers, shrubs, rocks and waves.

    If you are visiting Bodega Bay and have some free time, we highly recommend you take a hike along the Bodega Bay Trailhead. "Hike" might be a bit of a misnomer since you walk along a well-maintained path with minor elevation gain. We saw people of all ages, from kids to seniors, enjoying the views. And those view are spectacular as you stand hundreds of feet above the Pacific Ocean. The loop also gives you an opportunity to look back on the town of Bodega Bay. The trail can get a bit crowded, and the parking lot fills up fast -- although there is plenty of parking along the roadway. Overall, just a fantastic way to spend an hour or two.

    Sunshine S.

    Bodega Bay Trailhead is just stunning. The views alone is worth the trip. There's a small beach area you can hike to below, but the water beyond is what truly amazes me.

    Trails are unprotected, careful when you are walking near the cliff
    Joyce T.

    Nice place to enjoy the summer, limited parking on weekends. The trail is unprotected, please be careful when walking near the cliffs. It is very windy.

    View from parking lot (don't even need to take the trail to get a nice view if you don't wanna walk :p)
    Gillian A.

    I'm trying to keep my tradition of doing something outdoors-y for my birthday and this year I decided to head to this spot. What a lovely hiking trail! Very beginner-friendly as there are no steep inclines/declines (especially if you stick to the graveled route), it's not too long (took me a little less than an hour to complete the loop frequently stopping to take pics and to catch the views), and it's very hard to get lost with the well-defined walkways (when in doubt, just follow along the cliffside lol). A little too easy of a hike for me to be quite honest but hey it was a nice birthday stroll. :) I will say though that this time of year (October to winter) is not the best time to visit because pretty much all of the flowers and most of the greenery are dead lol. Still, if it's your only time to go then go!! The year-round gorgeous elevated sights of the Pacific Ocean are worthwhile. If you do go at this time, I think it's better to double back once you start moving away from the cliffside because the rest of the trail is just gray sadness lol (well, I guess you could see Doran Beach when going this way but eh it's nothing really spectacular IMO haha). The gusts here can get pretty strong so sweaters and coats are strongly recommended!! Ample parking (at least for a weekday afternoon at this time of year). No parking fee. Not a difficult drive at all to reach (paved roadway, no hairpin turns, GPS gives accurate directions to the parking lot.....all good stuff!). Decent phone signal here; for whatever reason I completely lost phone signal specifically at the parking lot but on the actual trail my phone signal returned lol.

    Jean L.

    Currently looking out my window of dark clouds and drizzle is making me wish it were last Sunday again where I was hiking Bodega Bay Trailhead. Couldn't have asked for better weather as the fog burned off at my arrival of 820am. The main objective was to look for whales, but didn't see any after wandering the various paths at the lower part of the parking lot and later up the other trails with a light incline and elevation. Somehow ended up at a path that overlooked the University of California Marine Lab Building. The sunshine and light breeze made for peaceful moments of staring out into the ocean. Nobody came to this part of the trail so the tranquil of nature surrounded me. Perhaps my review is biased of coming here for the 1st time with the perfect weather and not very many people. Parking was easy so early in the morning. There are a couple of non-flushable toilets, bring your own TP and hand sanitizer. #8/2021

    View from the lower parking lot.
    Rick Z.

    Apparently this spot is a favorite of my in-laws; they took me on a hike here on Christmas Eve day. It has fairly non-strenuous trails that will take you up onto the bluffs with a great view of the ocean waves hitting the rocks and of the bay itself. The trails are not significantly long; you'll most likely be done within an hour unless you pause frequently for photos or to soak in the salty breeze. There are two parking areas-- the larger one is lower to the right and the upper one is to the left on a less well-maintained road (if your vehicle can handle it, there are typically more spots available there). Both parking lots have pit toilet restrooms available. No payment is required to park or visit.

    Perfect whale watching spot
    Geminyna J.

    When the fog burns off you're treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the ocean, vast deep blue seas as far as the eye can see. Parking is free but hard to come by especially on warm days when the sun is beaming down upon the coast, enticing beach goers. The trailhead is part of Sonoma Coast State Park that shelters the north and west sides of Bodega Harbor from Pacific storms. Bodega Head has two leisurely trails that you can hike individually or combine into one longer loop. Both are family friendly. The East Trail is a 1.7-mile loop that travels across Bodega Head's southern coastal bluffs. Bodega Head is the rocky headland that forms the entrance into Bodega Harbor. Along this trail are stunning views of the open Pacific Ocean, sea stacks, Bodega Bay, and the Doran Split (a 2 mile long sandy peninsula within the peninsula that protects the bay on the south). The West Trail, a 1.2-mile loop, will have you trekking over coastal bluffs and leads to an overlook view of Horseshoe Cove and the Bodega Marine Laboratory and Marine Reserve west of the trailhead (accessible from Westshore Road, call to confirm if they're still open to the public for free guided tours on most Fridays). The highest point of the promontory is 265 feet, take head as the sheer drop off the cliff side is no joke. One of the best whale-watching spots in all of NorCal is along these cliffs near the West Trail parking lot, where you'll find a plethora of sealife and Grey Whales migrating between October through February from Alaska to Mexico. Come back and brave the wind between February through April for their return voyage. During each weekend from January to May, volunteers from the Whale Watch Public Education Program are at Bodega Head to enlighten you with their knowledge of whales and migration (look out for their telltale vests). BYOBino's! From Westshore Road: Veer left for the east trailhead; Or right for the west trailhead. "Dogs not allowed" though we frequently see many on the trails.

    View from parking lot.
    Michele O.

    A truly amazing place with incredible ocean views, bluff trails and beach access. Bring a picnic, and enjoy your lunch at one of the picnic tables near the beach access point. After lunch, head up on one of the trails. I took the southern loop trail which was a very well marked and easy trail on the bluffs with ocean views. The late-May wildflowers were abundant; quite a few different varieties and so beautiful. It was a clear day so we had fantastic visibility, but the wind was very strong. Make sure you dress in layers, you never know what kind of weather you will get on the coast. Note: Although leashed dogs are allowed in the little picnic area, dogs are not allowed on the trails.

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    2 years ago

    Beautiful scenery with parking and picnic tables! We brought a picnic and just enjoyed the relaxing afternoon.

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    3 years ago

    It's beautiful we loved it, walked along the trails with ocean views it's breathtaking

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    Ask the Community - Bodega Bay Trailhead

    Does anyone know if dogs are allowed on the trail?

    No dogs are allowed (environmental protection for an endangered species)

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    Review Highlights - Bodega Bay Trailhead

    Easy hike to the beach or to the top of Horseshoe Cove.

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    Westside Regional Park - Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival (boat parade)

    Westside Regional Park

    3.2(20 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    Although more known for its campgrounds, this park is also a decent setting for occasional special…read moreevents. I came here this past weekend to attend the annual Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival for the second time. Enjoyed the boat parade, helicopter display, interacting with starfish and other sea creatures, and live music by multiple bands on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The nearby camping area looked less than desirable. But as an event space, it's not bad at all, offering lovely views looking out onto the water, especially near the boating facility, while fitting a multitude of food and merchandise vendor tents on site.

    So the wife booked this place. For a campground that's full, there were a lot of open spots. Weird…read more I guess online reservations are taking the spots even though they're not showing up. We had slots 27 and 29. One row from the water. We were just a short walk to the bathroom. Bathrooms were fine. I did not use the showers because I forgot the quarters. We had water hook up for slot 29. Remember not all spots have water. Also this place is not full hook ups. So be prepared. They do have a dumping station but that cost $7 bucks. Not bad plus they have a water hose for cleaning at the dump station. As for the stay, I really enjoyed our spot. The water when it receded, was safe enough for my kids to play and look for sea life. Easy to find a red rock crab or monkey face eel. Also plenty of baby crabs under the rocks. The views were amazing. The girls went out on hikes while I was out crabbing. Fun times for sure. They do have a generator rule. You can run them from 8am to 8pm. I might have ran mine past the time because it was windy and cold and I was not about to make my kids suffer. I did have a quiet generator which helped keep me out of trouble. Would I come back? You betcha. Everyone I talked to were nice.

    Photos
    Westside Regional Park - Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival (helicopter demo/display)

    Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival (helicopter demo/display)

    Westside Regional Park - Team S killing the crabs

    Team S killing the crabs

    Westside Regional Park - Keeper

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    Keeper

    Steep Ravine Hot Spring - This is a piece of cake as long as your fear gene is non-existent.

    Steep Ravine Hot Spring

    1.9(23 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    This hot spring has a few names, Steep Ravine Hot Springs, Marin Tidal Hot Springs and Rocky Point…read moreHot Springs. Plan ahead by looking for the lowest tides, the more negative the better. We stayed overnight at the Steep Ravine Cabins which is a short but rocky hike to the hot springs from the beach. It can get a little sketchy with rising tides. Alternatively, if you drive right past the cabins, if you see cars parked on the left, it's straight down from there. The cars parked are also a sign that people are soaking. The reason this hot springs is so popular is its location. You can soak nestled in some rocks above the Pacific Ocean. Also it's rarity, you can only use it when the tide is negative. You can't argue with the natural beauty. Many people will take a cold plunge with the ocean water below. The spring fits about a dozen people and the closer you go to the enclosed portion the hotter the water. The reason it doesn't rate higher is the over crowding and the crowd itself. Naked hippies go along with soaking, it's a given, that's not the downside. Generally in your hot spring adventures you meet some really nice folks who are not fake who are all there for the same reason. This crowd here is hostile and overbearing about this spot. There were a few locals that were cool who helped maintain the flow of water which is much appreciated, but they were the exception. If you happen to like to soak in a bathing suit, you may get a public shaming. There was a lot of bad mouthing about anyone from outside of Marin being there. It was very crowded at 5 in the morning and you couldn't help but feel like you were on top of the person next to you because you have 30 people trying to soak in a natural tub meant for 12. For that reason I get why they are protective and don't want to encourage people to find the place but please share. No matter how many negative ratings you put on yelp to discourage novelist hot springers, you will be found.

    Miss this place despite how much I detest it. First of all you will stink like rotten eggs if you…read morehave the courage and fortitude to make it down to the springs. Second of all, the crowds are binomial. Meaning either you've come at the wrong time or you'll be overwhelmed by the silent ohms and having to siphon or the springs will be covered by the ocean. Take pictures and someone will smash your phone. Bring glass and you'll be everyone's favorite! The trek down is short, but can be deadly and gruesome. One misstep and you'll be hitting your health insurance deductible. This place is not for the faint hearted.

    Photos
    Steep Ravine Hot Spring - Make sure you have life insurance!

    Make sure you have life insurance!

    Steep Ravine Hot Spring - Literally standing on top of the marker...

    Literally standing on top of the marker...

    Steep Ravine Hot Spring - King salmon

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    King salmon

    Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival - Wooden boat building challenge and race

    Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival

    3.7(3 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    This is a cool annual weekend-long festival taking place at Westside Regional Park. Plenty to see…read moreand do, including an art show, Sheriff's helicopter demonstrations, wooden boat building challenge and race on Saturday, which was hilarious and entertaining (especially rooting for the sunken ships and riders, and amused by the quirky boat names, like Deep Ship and Ship Happens), boat parade on Sunday, awesome live music with 3 different bands each day (performing mostly rock tunes), numerous craft booths and merchandise vendors, various food/drink trucks and stands (had some giant gourmet corn dogs from Aunt Betty's, yummy bbq ribs and mac n cheese from Fire Bros BBQ, and an iced mocha from Sunshine Coffee Roasters), as well as ample covered seating with tables, hay bales in front of the stage, free wifi, and multiple restroom areas with minimal waits at the porta potties. Parking and traffic was easy, and the crowds were much larger in the afternoon (after the rain subsided on Saturday and the sun came out), but it never felt overcrowded or uncomfortable. Lots of adorable well-behaved dogs too. Overall it was a well-organized and thoughtfully planned family-friendly (and pet-friendly) event, at a lovely location along the water, and we had a lot of fun.

    My husband our daughter & I drove 3 hours to attend, and are so disappointed with this event. We…read morepurchased our tickets early and were so excited, even counting down the days until the fesrival... but there were only 2 booths selling seafood. The venue is nice and there was plenty of space, but not nearly enough food booths. I was hoping for shrimp skewers, shrimp pasta, lobster rolls, clams, different types of chowder, crab, crawfish, poke bowls, i dont know... just more seafood options at a fisherman's festival. There were more booths selling candles, handbags, crafts and other trinkets than seafood. Also, there were very few garbage cans, and limited places to sit. Organizers or Planners need to STEP IT UP!

    Photos
    Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival - Wooden boat building challenge and race

    Wooden boat building challenge and race

    Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival - Live music

    Live music

    Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival - Food trucks/stands

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    Food trucks/stands

    Hole in the Head - Spring wild flowers

    Hole in the Head

    4.0(1 review)
    0.3 mi

    "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world."…read more I don't trust PG&E, the world's largest utility. Ever since that neighborhood in San Bruno imploded in 2010 I've been leery. Thankfully, I'm not the first person who's felt this way. Back in the late '50s/early '60s PG&E began erecting a nuclear power plant right beside the ocean on Bodega Head in the town of Bodega Bay. The site sat directly atop the San Andreas fault (that worked so well in Fukushima...) near environmentally sensitive dairy farms and ranches. PG&E got as far as drilling a hole in Bodega Head; a hole 142 feet across and 120 feet in depth. A hole sizable enough to drop a 10-story building into if one desired though the actual plans for that hole were to contain the biggest boiling water nuclear reactor ever. And then the opposition began. A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens banded together to fight it. Their opposition ran on for five+ years and represented an early step in the environmental movement. After years of loud and ongoing opposition as PG&E pressed on for their "Atomic Park" (sic), the PUC in 1963 rejected PG&E's request. The hole was left to fill naturally and has now become a freshwater "pond" for birds and wildlife. PG&E eventually sold the entire 225-acre site to the state park district for $1 and abandoned their scary plans for the site. Hole in the Head is, today, most easily viewed from the parking lot at Campbell Cove. There you'll see a little walkway and signage which will take you to a viewing area looking out on the large water feature. Signage on the Bodega Head trail will also alert you to Hole in the Head which can be seen far below that trail. Without historical knowledge there's nothing either interesting or exciting about this body of water. Only when you know its history however, and realize that California's Environmental Quality Act and California's Coastal Commission were borne out of the fight against PG&E's plans do you begin to respect it as you should. * That opening quote is attributable to cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead. * Read more about the hole here: http://sonomacountyhomesforsaleonline.com/bodega-bay/hole-in-the-head-bodega-bay-ca/ and http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/2296499-181/battle-over-bodega-head-nuclear * Truth be told, I've not been a fan of PG&E since far before the San Bruno incident. * Oh no she didn't... oh yes she did. I just reviewed a hole in the ground.

    Photos
    Hole in the Head - See, I didn't make up that moniker.

    See, I didn't make up that moniker.

    Hole in the Head - Hole in the Head as viewed from the Campbell Cove (Bodega Bay) parking lot lookout spot.

    Hole in the Head as viewed from the Campbell Cove (Bodega Bay) parking lot lookout spot.

    Hole in the Head - Hole is 10+ stories deep & was to have had a 70 foot nuclear reactor shaft atop it, forever altering the Sonoma coast.

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    Hole is 10+ stories deep & was to have had a 70 foot nuclear reactor shaft atop it, forever altering the Sonoma coast.

    Bodega Bay Trailhead - hiking - Updated May 2026

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