The Bodega Bay area offers an amazing number of state, local, and regional parks for camping, hiking, nature observers, and history buffs! Below are a list of noteworthy parks.
Doran Regional Park
Doran Regional Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset for day use visitors. Situated on a peninsula that juts out towards Bodega Head, it offers the Pacific Ocean on one side and the bay on the other. It’s beaches are phenomenal for building sand castles, kite flying, frisbee, shell-hunting, and lounging on a sunny day. Parking is $7 per vehicle for day use year round. Special rates apply to buses or trucks carrying more than 9 people. Dogs permitted on a leash no longer than 6′ in length. Rabies certificate required. Boat launch, fish-cleaning station, boat-rinsing station and camping.
Visit Here
Fort Ross Conservancy
Take a scenic drive up Highway One to Fort Ross, an historic landmark and faithful reconstruction of the Russian settlement on California’s coast. Russian fur trappers settled here, built the stockade, and constructed the tiny authentic Eastern Orthodox Church that you can visit today. Special “Living history” days recreate this fascinating glimpse into the area’s past and culture.
Visit Here
Gualala Point Regional Park
Located at 42401 Coast Highway 1 approximately 1 mile south of the town of Gualala, and 36 miles north of Jenner at Mile Marker 58.50. The park is open daily. Most Sonoma County Regional parks open at sunrise and close at sunset. Day use parking fee. Camping spaces are limited and sell out during peak seasons, so call ahead for availability.
Visit Here
Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve
This 317-acre state reserve is located directly adjacent to Salt Point and features a beautiful second-growth redwood forest mixed with Douglas firs, grand firs, tanoaks, and many rhododendrons. Each May the green of the forest is punctuated by patches of pink as these rhododendrons burst into bloom. Well worth a day trip!
Visit Here
Salt Point State Park
Salt Point State Park is located on the rugged northern California coastline about ninety miles north of San Francisco on State Highway 1, nineteen miles north of Jenner. The shoreline within the 6,000-acre park features rocky promontories such as Salt Point which jut out into the Pacific Ocean. There are also a number of coves and tide pools. Day use parking fee. Camping spaces are limited and sell out during peak seasons, so call ahead for availability.
Visit Here
Sonoma Coast State Beach
Broad, shining beaches and secluded coves, rugged headlands and natural arches, and a craggy coastline with tidal pools and reefs characterize one of California’s most scenic attractions – Sonoma Coast State Beach. The beach, actually a series of beaches separated by rocky bluffs, extends 17 miles from Bodega Head to Myer’s Landing.
Visit Here
Stillwater Cove Regional Park
Approximately 16 miles north of the town of Jenner, Stillwater Cove Regional Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Day use parking fee applies. Stillwater Cove is known for its abalone diving, scuba diving, tide-pooling, and as a great beach for relaxing and enjoying the day.
Visit Here
