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    Sonoma Coast State Park

    4.7 (58 reviews)

    Sonoma Coast State Park Photos

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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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    Jenner Headlands Preserve

    Jenner Headlands Preserve

    4.9(11 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    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!

    It's been a while since we have been to Jenner Headlands Preserve and every time I go it blows me…read moreaway! This place is full of trails and natural beauty. The views of the ocean are spectacular and it's well worth spending some time here soaking in the views! Pro tip: Arrive early since it's common that by noon if not earlier, the parking lot can fill up since so many people love this place!

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    Jenner Headlands Preserve
    Jenner Headlands Preserve
    Jenner Headlands Preserve

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    Ocean Cove Campground

    Ocean Cove Campground

    4.4(112 reviews)
    12.4 mi

    Absolutely beautiful coastal campground! This might just be the most beautiful place I've ever…read morecamped at! Not to mention, the drive up Highway 1 was breathtaking! On to the campground! My friends and I don't have any trailers or anything, so we just did regular car camping, which was totally fine. You can find a picnic table and fire pit with bbq grill at each regular car campsite. There are various porta potties throughout the campground, and I believe one shower area. Since the ocean is literally feet away, be prepared for sandy/dusty everything. And obviously, colder weather as well. Also, there's lots of coastal area to explore within the campground, and I saw people fishing off the cliffs and rocks as well! This campground closes during the winter, so I'll definitely try to visit again in the Spring!

    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

    Photos
    Ocean Cove Campground - Beautiful view

    Beautiful view

    Ocean Cove Campground - Founds lots of washed up jelly fish on the boat launch

    Founds lots of washed up jelly fish on the boat launch

    Ocean Cove Campground - Ocean cove

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    Ocean cove

    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.

    Photos
    Shell Beach - Thankful for the beauty and coolness of the beach during the heatwave

    Thankful for the beauty and coolness of the beach during the heatwave

    Shell Beach - Steep steps up & down to this beautiful and small beach

    Steep steps up & down to this beautiful and small beach

    Shell Beach - Wonderful walking paths along the Pacific!

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    Wonderful walking paths along the Pacific!

    Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve - Banana slug

    Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

    4.7(405 reviews)
    9.1 mi

    I was quite surprised to see that I had never reviewed this spectacular Redwood State Park. Being…read morehere is magical, especially when you think the thousands of years the trees have been here. If only they could share their stories. The visitor center is quite helpful in suggesting various hikes, especially when you give them the distance and elevation that you are interested in. They also give you a paper map as often there's no signal in this park for Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, the trail to the waterfall was closed and hopefully will be open upon our return. The hike we did today was a little over 5 miles with about 750 feet of climbing. We were happy we brought snacks! My only comment would be that the signage was not sufficient. I know that mostly volunteers make up the staff and perhaps it's not a priority yet we managed to find our way back without too many problems.

    A state park with a good amount of redwood trees albeit mostly smaller/younger ones due to a good…read moreamount of logging done in this area to help build California in the 20th century. It is near the Russian River just outside of Guerneville. Redwood vibes similar to some parts of the Santa Cruz range or Marin Hills, but nothing that compares to the big redwoods in Northern California like near Humbolt Co or Crescent City, those are next level. There's a fee to park inside the park. Think it was about $10. It gets busy during the weekends and spaces can be super limited if you come after 11am. We were with a toddler, so we stayed on the main flat trails that go through redwood groves. It is very shady and well trafficked trails. There are a few loops you can join together, and the circumference may be a 2-3 mile hike. But you can do however long you want it to be. Now the trails that elevate into the hills are much more involved. It can elevate to a 1300 foot gain which is pretty strenuous. I haven't tried those yet but it is on my list to try. But even the easy trails that one day, was still beautiful and relaxing. To majestic red bark trees with healthy ferns all on the ground cover, fallen trees to climb on, large rocks to hop on was just a nice jaunt especially with young kids. We brought a light lunch and refreshments and were able to run into a small area with picnic benches. Perfect way to end a few hours steeped in nature, without having to be totally in the wild. Great intro for those that aren't too versed (yet) and to get them exposed to nature, ecosystems and wildlife. Connect with the world amongst which you live with but rarely see. Weekend mission accomplished!

    Photos
    Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve - Very cool mushroom

    Very cool mushroom

    Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve - Redwood Rooter

    Redwood Rooter

    Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve - Wild turkeys in the park

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    Wild turkeys in the park

    Sonoma Coast State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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