Sonoma Coast State Park Day Trip

Along the stunning Sonoma coastline, an expansive and exquisite park has been created by California. Dedicated to preserving this unique environment, Sonoma Coast State Park offers various activities for families, couples, and seniors.

Sonoma Coast State Park stretches 17 miles along the coast from Bodega Head to 4 miles south of Fort Ross. Some trails and paths are well-marked and easy to access. The terrain is varied; sandy beaches are interspersed with rocky outcrops. There is plenty of room to roam, and you’ll have no trouble carving out your peaceful park paradise.

Camping Sonoma Coast State Park

Many visitors choose to camp with their RV or trailer. There are several campgrounds to choose from: Bodega Dunes Campground, Wright’s Beach Campground, and Willow Creek Environmental Campground. Be sure to check the park’s website for current campground information. There are picnic tables, fire pits, running water, toilets, and showers available at most sites.

Hiking Trails

1. The Bodega Head trail makes a nice loop hike with fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean and Bodega Bay. 2. Another popular hiking area is Bodega Dunes, which features a five-mile trail system for Equestrians and hikers through the Dunes. 3. there is a short trail to the beach at Duncan’s Landing Overlook. 4. The 4-mile Kortum trial runs from Wright’s Beach Campground to Blind Beach. 5. And finally, the Vista trail at the northern end of the Park features a fantastic vista of the Sonoma Coast.

Whale Watching

Thousands of Gray Whales migrate annually between the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Cortez in Mexico. The newborn whales and their mothers journey north between January and May, staying close to the California coast. Pack your binoculars, and pick a cliff to perch on. Even a brief and distant encounter with these magnificent marine mammals is unforgettable.

Lodging Sonoma Coast SP

For those looking for more upscale accommodation, boutique inns, and hotels can be found throughout the area. B&Bs offer a more personal experience; some are just a stone’s throw from the beach. Wake up to the sound of the birds and the sea. River’s End Restaurant & Inn, Jenner Inn, and Cottages are on or near the Russian River.

Nearby Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay is a haven for aquatic marine birds and shorebirds that feed and breed in the shallows along the beach. Tidal pools teem with tiny life forms, and nobody is ever too old to be a beachcomber. Eco-tourism adventures include guided walks, bike tours, and open-water kayak excursions.

Getting to Sonoma Coast SP

The park is 75 miles north of San Francisco and is about a 2-hour drive. Day-use fees are only a few dollars per vehicle; campsites run about $60.oo per night. The beaches along the Sonoma Coast are not recommended for swimming or wading. There is a small visitor center in the town of Jenner run by the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, where you can pick up a trail map and learn about this area of the Sonoma Coast.

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