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Bodega Bay, California

Bodega Bay, California, is a top spot for outdoor adventures, offering some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Bodega Head Trail is a must-visit, featuring a 1.7-mile loop with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, migratory whales, and various bird species. The trail is of moderate difficulty, making it accessible for most. Another highlight is the Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail, a 1.9-mile hike with unique rock formations and a secluded beach. Doran Regional Park is an attraction near the location, offering a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach, ideal for picnicking, bird-watching, and fishing. Whether you're a hiker, birder, or beachgoer, Bodega Bay has something to offer.

Top Spots in and near Bodega Bay

  • Bodega Bay, California

    Camp at Bodega Dunes Campground

    These kind of getaways shouldn't be planned many weeks before the trip. So we didn't booked a campground. And from this experience we learn that you don't have to reserve a campground. Just go there - don't panic when you see campground is full sign in the entrance. There are always available spo...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Bodega Dunes Beach

    4.0
    Bodega Dunes Beach is located through the same entrance as Bodega Dunes Campground. There is a fee to enter the parking area for day use, but you can also access it without payment if you have a CA State Parks Pass. From the parking area heading toward the beach, you will see two picnic areas wi...
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  • Sonoma County, California

    Salmon Creek State Beach

    4.0
    Salmon Creek State Beach located is located just off Highway 1, north of Bodega, California. This beach has a parking lot and restroom on the cliff side, just a short walk down to the beach. DogsBoth North and South Salmon Creek sections of the state beach are not dog friendly due to the Federa...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Bodega Head Nature Trail

    4.7
    1.67 mi / 121 ft gain
    Sitting west of the San Andrea fault, the Bodega Head is a massive chunk of granite from the Salinian Block, a geological terrane that contains Point Reyes and the Farallon Islands, and shares its origins with the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Head itself having been carried hundreds of miles to t...
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  • Bodega Bay, California

    Camp at Wright's Beach Campground

    / 32 ft gain
    This campground is defined by the scenery: rugged headlands, craggy coastlines, natural arches, and quiet coves.Wright's Beach Campground features primitive camping - basic tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and amazing ocean views. This is a great location for Bay Area campers who want t...
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  • Occidental, California

    Watershed View Trail

    1.54 mi / 174 ft gain
    The Watershed View Trail is located off of Coleman Valley Road and shares a trailhead with the Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop. This trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back, which makes for a great trail to get the family out on to get some energy out. Be prepared for a muddy trail if there has been rec...
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  • Occidental, California

    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop

    5.36 mi / 853 ft gain
    Hunters Camp and Creekside Loop is an almost 6-mile loop off of Coleman Valley Road in Occidental, California. This trail can get pretty muddy during the rainy season, but as an added bonus, it makes the waterfall along the Creekside Trail that much better.  Dogs are not permitted on this trail. 
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  • Sonoma County, California

    Kortum Trail

    9.27 mi / 968 ft gain
    The Kortum Trail in the Sonoma Coast State Park connects Goat Rock with Wrights Beach, winding along the top of the sea cliffs and affording incredible views of the California Coast and its numerous sea rocks and arches.  To get there take the Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 to either Wright's...
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  • Occidental, California

    LandPaths Grove of Old Trees

    5.0
    0.7 mi / 92 ft gain
    The Grove of Old trees is a privately-owned preserve in Western Sonoma County that is open to the public year round. It is not large, only about 33 acres, but it makes a wonderful spot to go on a walk and to soak in the beauty of the redwoods. To get there from downtown Occidental, drive West up...
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  • Sonoma County, California

    Red Hill and Pomo Canyon Loop

    4.8
    4.73 mi / 981 ft gain
    Park in the Shell Beach parking lot, north of Bodega Bay proper but just south of Goat Rock State Beach on Highway 1. Cross the road to pick up the Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail heading up away from the ocean. Follow the trail, staying right toward Red Hill. (The trail forks off down Pomo Ca...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Lamb's Rock, Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    Lamb Boulder, located within the "Sunset Boulders" collection, contains four fun and challenging V2 - V6 bouldering routes. They are: Calambity: V6Rock Scar: V3+Skullcracker: V2 RThe Specialist: V4 Lamb Boulder is located directly across from the Sunset Boulder itself and its trad routes. To get ...
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  • Jenner, California

    Bouldering at Sunset Boulders

    5.0
    0.6 mi
    You can see the boulders off the left side of the road. Couple of different pullouts you can park at to start your approach. It’s about half a mile from the road all downhill. It’s easy going when you’re on your way, but kind of a pain after you’re whooped from climbing.  Bouldering, high balls, ...
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  • Monte Rio, California

    Islands in the Sky Vista Loop

    4.0
    3.83 mi / 883 ft gain
    The Islands in the Sky Vista Loop in Monte Rio, California, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 3.83 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it suitable fo...
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  • Monte Rio, California

    Monte Rio Community Beach

    Monte Rio Community Beach is located in the Sonoma County town of Monte Rio. The beach nestles up to the Russian River offering a great chance for families to kick back and relax by the water or bring your kayak or stand-up paddle board for fun on the water. Dog-Friendly: Monte Rio Community Be...
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  • Inverness, California

    McClures Beach

    1.44 mi / 243 ft gain
    This beach is really easy to get to. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. It's an easy hike down from the parking lot.  There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. There is likely underwater cu...
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  • Inverness, California

    Tomales Point Trail

    4.7
    9.47 mi / 1165 ft gain
    This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. This trai...
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Camping and Lodging in Bodega Bay

AutoCamp Russian River
Guerneville, California

AutoCamp Russian River

From $149 / night

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA
Petaluma, California

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)
Liberty Glen Campground

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)

Warm Springs Rec Area
Geyserville, California

Warm Springs Rec Area

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA
Cloverdale, California

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA

Guides, Insights and Stories from Bodega Bay

10 Must-Do Adventures in Point Reyes National Seashore

10 Must-Do Adventures in Point Reyes National Seashore

The Outbound Collective

Point Reyes Can Be the Most Amazing Place You've Ever Been To

Point Reyes Can Be the Most Amazing Place You've Ever Been To

Sam Loomis

Looking For Wildlife at Point Reyes National Seashore

Looking For Wildlife at Point Reyes National Seashore

Chase Dekker

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Sara Sheehy

5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

Sara Sheehy

4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

The Outbound Collective