Sonoma Coast State Park stretches along Sonoma County’s Pacific edge from Bodega Head down toward Jenner. It is a sweeping coastal sanctuary. Rugged sea stacks, windswept headlands, hidden coves, and kaleidoscopic tidepools meet endless ocean views. This all occurs across miles of natural shoreline.
What Makes This Park Unique
Sonoma Coast State Park spans roughly 17 miles of coastline across more than 5,000 acres. It offers an extraordinary tapestry of beaches, bluffs, rock arches, and marine terraces. These formations have all been shaped by waves and uplift over millennia. Its dramatic landscapes support thriving seal rookeries, prolific shorebird activity, whale migrations, and vibrant tidepool ecosystems. Hikers and nature lovers also tread on lands the Pomo and Coast Miwok people traversed for centuries. The park’s geological story continues to unfold before your eyes with annually retreating bluffs, sculpted sea stacks, and fossil-rich formations.
Top Activities and Amenities
Beach Access & Tidepooling
The park is actually a chain of dozens of named beaches. These include Goat Rock, Shell Beach, and Salmon Creek. Each is accessible via pullouts along Highway 1. Hidden coves and tidepools brimming with anemones, sea stars, and hermit crabs await discovery at low tide along these rugged shores.
Hiking Trails & Coastal Access
The Kortum Trail is part of the California Coastal Trail. It links Goat Rock through Shell Beach to Blind Beach. Wooden walkways and bridges weave through wetlands and dunes along the trail. Pomo Canyon Trail ascends grassy hills into redwood groves, while the Vista Trail Loop near Jenner offers an accessible, paved overlook of the dramatic coastline.
Camping & Picnic Areas
Wright’s Beach Campground offers around 30 beach-adjacent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault restrooms (no showers). Bodega Dunes Campground is larger, offering 98 sites, hot day-use showers, restrooms, and an RV sanitation station. Primitive environmental camps at Willow Creek and Pomo Canyon offer quieter, first-come first-served woodland retreats.
Fishing, Wildlife Viewing & Surfing
The ocean, river, and estuary zones support perch, salmon, steelhead, and smelt seasonally. Tidepooling, birdwatching, and harbor seal rookeries enrich wildlife experiences. Surf breaks at Salmon Creek draw experienced surfers, though cold water and strong currents make swimming hazardous along much of the coast.
Visitor Center & Interpretive Programs
The Jenner Visitor Center, operated by park docents, offers interpretive displays on marine and cultural history. Seasonal guided tours are available. Wildlife programs are also offered. Educational outreach via the Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods brings context and inspiration to your visit.
Restrooms, Parking & Accessibility
Restroom facilities are available near many beach access points and campgrounds; however, amenities vary. Parking areas are dispersed along Highway 1, with accessible options at the Vista Trail overlook. Beach wheelchairs are available upon advance request.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Day-use vehicle parking is typically $10; annual state park passes are accepted.
- Campers should reserve spots at Wright’s Beach or Bodega Dunes in advance; environmental sites remain walk-in only.
- Dogs must be leashed. They are prohibited on protected beaches like Goat Rock, Salmon Creek, and Bodega Dunes. This is to safeguard wildlife.
- Be cautious of sneaker waves, cold water, and rip currents—avoid swimming and stay behind the high surf line.
- Practice Leave No Trace—tidepools are fragile; handle rocks and organisms with care or not at all.
- Dress in layers—coastal fog often gives way to sun, but wind and chill persist even on clear days.
Local insight: Time your visit to Bodega Head or Vista Trail for spring or fall sunset. During these times, seabirds and whales pass offshore under golden light. This view is framed by windswept wildflowers. Hike the Kortum Trail from Goat Rock to Blind Beach. Experience tidepools and sweeping trails along the way. Marvel at the dramatic bluffs for a day of unforgettable coastline immersion. In spring, pay a silent visit to the harbor seal pupping colonies at Goat Rock from designated overlooks—respectful distance is essential, yet the sight of seal pups lazing near the estuary feels both intimate and profoundly wild.