Exploring Sonoma Coast State Park

There's still time to enjoy the outdoors before winter really sets in. Right off of Highway 1 just north of San Francisco, Sonoma Coast State Park encompasses the area between Jenner and Bodega Bay. Sonoma Coast State Park offers one of the region's most spectacular views of the California coastline. Besides the wonderful views, thousands visit the Sonoma Coast State Park for the beaches, hiking and fresh local cuisine.

The views and beaches of Sonoma Coast State Park

On a clear day, the sight of waves crashing against giant rocks jutting out of the ocean and hitting the sandy beaches before receding back is wonderful to see. There are several lookout points where visitors driving along Highway 1 can pull over to take in the scenery. The most famous views are toward the north near Jenner. Near Goat Rock Beach are majestic rock formations rising out of the ocean.

Reminiscent of Los Arcos in Cabo, Arch Rock has a hole in the middle where the rock collapsed due to waves. Painters set up shop at the cliffs overlooking the beach for inspiration. Park at the South Goat Rock parking lot to access Goat Park Beach. While some attempt to climb down from Highway 1, the old saying applies that it's better to be safe than sorry.

Continuing down Highway 1 are numerous other beaches. Shell Beach, Portuguese Beach, Schoolhouse Beach and Salmon Creek Beach line the coast one by one. Wide parking lots make it easy to pull over from the highway whenever you feel like exploring a beach. Many of the beaches have picnic facilities.

None of these beaches are for swimming as the waves are strong and there are no lifeguards. Visitors to the park frequently see rescue personnel rushing by to save someone who was caught off by the waves.

Hiking the trails of Sonoma Coast State Park

Sonoma Coast State Park has three hiking areas. For relatively short and easy hikes, do the Bodega Head or Vista Point trails. "The key to budget travel is to approach ahead. When it comes to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new places we have never been before, the truth of expense and budgeting is often in the back of our thoughts. Planning and consuming our travel budget wisely is a priority for most families. Minimizing consuming and expenses, while still experiencing your vacation to its fullest, is the key to assured success and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The reasoning behind economizing money while touring is simple: Even if your personal funds is highly limited, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, no matter whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a huge vacation or travel bill!..". The aptly named Vista Point trail goes to Vista Point which has unobstructed views of the coastline. The Kortum and Pomo Canyon trails, both accessible from Shell Beach, are moderate hikes.

Places to eat near Sonoma Coast State Park

If you don't feel like packing a picnic lunch, Jenner and Bodega Bay has several restaurants to choose from. While the food can be a hit or miss, River's End Restaurant's location on top of a bluff provides fantastic views of the Russian River joining the ocean. In Bodega Bay, Terrapin Creek Cafe Restaurant serves up sophisticated food adored by locals. The chefs at Terrapin Creek make a point to feature local produce and meats. Join the long line of customers waiting for their clam chowders and crab sandwiches at Spud Point Crab Company. There's no fancy cutlery or linens here, only the freshest seafood from owner Tony's fishing boat.

California's Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is often recognized as one of the most beautiful road trips that people can take. While most in the Bay Area start or end their journey at San Francisco, be sure to spend some time in Sonoma Coast State Park, where the winds are strong but the views breathtaking.

Sonoma Coast State Beach - California State Parks
www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25143
California State Parks ... The names alone are intriguing: Blind Beach and Schoolhouse Beach, Arched Rock and Goat Rock, Penny Island and Bodega Head.
Harbor Seals, Goat Rock Beach, Sonoma Coast State Park -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ4rebMTQYE
Harbor Seals, Russian River, Goat Rock Beach, Sonoma Coast State Park, Sonoma County, California, March 15, 2010 See also: http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub ...
Exploring the Coast - Olympic National Park
www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/exploring-the-coast.htm
Changes to Visitor Services Due to Sequestration. Due to mandatory, across the board budget cuts, some visitor services at Olympic National Park have changed.
Doran Regional Park Sonoma County Regional Parks
parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov Get Outdoors Parks A-Z
This is a description of doran park ... Doran Park has a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach and is a popular place for visitors to picnic, build sand castles, fly kites ...
The Parks of the Sonoma Coastal Region in California
parks.sonoma.net/coast.html
Along more than thirty miles of rugged and scenic coastline of the Sonoma coast are numerous parks where the visitor can camp, hike, observe a variety of sea ...
Sonoma Coast State Park
www.sonoma-coast-state-park.com
Sonoma Coast State Park. One simply description of Sonoma Coast State park might go something like this: a collection of coastal parks spread across a jagged ...
Sonoma Coast SP - California State Parks
www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451
California State Parks ... Due to service reductions at Sonoma Coast SP, the following facilities will be closed with the exception of the specified dates:
Doran Beach - Sonoma County Coast - Parks and Recreation in Sonoma ...
www.parks.sonoma.net/doranbeach.html
Doran Beach. Doran Park is a wonderful coastal resource for Sonoma County. This sheltered beach is nearly two miles long and is a popular place for ...
Campground Details - SONOMA COAST SB, CA -
www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Sonoma_Coast_Sb/r/...parkId=120089
Description Season for Peak Fees: All Year . Sonoma State Beach features coastland with beaches, reefs, coves, tidepools, headlands, and natural arches.
Sonoma Coast State Park - Duncans Mills, CA
www.yelp.com Active Life Parks
Jun 30, 2013 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=4 Add Photos. Good for Kids: Yes