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
-
Forestville, California
Mother's Beach ("Mom's Beach")
4.0Mother's Beach, known locally as Mom's Beach, is located in Forestville, California. This beach is a hidden gem situated on the scenic Russian River, between Steelhead Beach and Sunset Beach. Dog Friendly: Mom's Beach is a great spot to bring your pup on a leash. Times of Operation: The bea...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Pioneer Nature Trail
1.53 mi / 233 ft gainThe Pioneer Nature Trail, a gentle 1-mile pathway, offers one of the most accessible introductions to the majestic coastal redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville, California. This family-friendly trail provides an intimate encounter with towering ancient trees while r...Read more -
Forestville, California
Steelhead Beach
4.0Steelhead Beach offers two great spots to access the river. There's a small beach on the right-hand side of the beach (south end) and a launch site on the left (north end) of the beach. The launch point makes for a great spot to start your float down the river. Make sure you have a shuttle car or...Read more -
Inverness, California
Marshall Beach
5.02.41 mi / 305 ft gainMarshall Beach located on the Tomales Bay side of Point Reyes National Seashore is reached via an out-and-back hiking or mountain biking trail. Camping:There are boat-in campsites available at Marshall Beach. The campsite does not permit hike-in campers, boat-in only via kayak, canoe, paddleboa...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Parson Jones and Colonial Armstrong Redwood Trees
5.0The Parson Jones Tree is the tallest tree in the reserve, measuring more than 310 feet (94 m) in height. This is longer than the length of a football field! Named after a lumberman who chose to preserve this portion of the park in the 1870s, the Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest tree in the ...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa Creek Trail: Willowside Road to Fulton Road
5.04.2 mi / 46 ft gainThe Santa Rosa Creek Trail segment from Willowside Road to Fulton Road offers a delightful 2.3-mile journey through one of Santa Rosa's most accessible urban nature corridors. This well-maintained paved trail provides cyclists, walkers, and runners with a scenic route that perfectly balances natu...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Austin Creek State Recreation Area Loop
3.08.65 mi / 1722 ft gainThe hike starts at the Gilliam Creek Trailhead, halfway up Armstrong Woods Road on the way to Bullfrog Pond. There is an $8 fee to enter the park, to be paid at the ranger kiosk as you enter Armstrong Woods. HIKING Begin hiking by descending the Gilliam Creek Trail. The descent is long and ste...Read more -
Inverness, CaliforniaAbbotts Lagoon Trail
4.63.43 mi / 102 ft gainIf you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. Although it only takes about an hour to complete the out-and-back, the vibe surrounding this area is just begging you to slow down and enjoy your natural surroundings. T...Read more -
Guerneville, California
Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop
4.01.18 mi / 180 ft gainDiscover the awe-inspiring Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville, California, where the gentle 1.2-mile Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop Trail guides visitors through a pristine ancient redwood forest. Walk among towering coastal redwoods, including the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armst...Read more -
Santa Rosa, California
Joe Rodota Trail
4.512.67 mi / 174 ft gainJoe Rodota Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Sebastopol, California.Read more -
Inverness, California
Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes
4.3Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a “tree tunnel”. Loved by Bay Area locals, it's a tucked away spot in the Point Reyes National Seashore for photographers to capture early morning sun rays, or for anyone to get some moments of solitude. At the...Read more -
Cazadero, California
Bouldering at Fort Ross
3.0The main boulder is right there on the water. You literally have to watch out for the waves coming up on the shore otherwise they might wipe out your camp. But it's an awesome spot with even more awesome routes. There's also a traverse along the back wall if you're looking for something a little ...Read more -
Inverness, California
Kayak Camping in Point Reyes
4.9Like camping in remote locations? Love oysters? This is it! Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at...Read more -
Jenner, CaliforniaTimber Cove Coastal Trails & Bufano Peace Obelisk
0.53 mi / 112.5 ft gainHiking at Timber Cove: Sonoma Coast's Hidden Coastal Trail Network Timber Cove offers over two miles of private hiking trails right in front of the resort, providing guests and visitors an intimate connection with California's rugged Sonoma coastline. These accessible oceanfront trails wind thro...Read more -
Inverness, California
Estero Trail to Drake's Estero
5.07.94 mi / 696 ft gainJune sunshine blazes on your shoulders during this scenic stroll through the Point Reyes Seashore. The trail is alive and awash with colorful wildflowers around every corner. Beginning at the trailhead, just off Home Ranch Road, with a convenient parking lot and bathroom, you'll wade through a h...Read more -
Inverness, California
S.S. Point Reyes Shipwreck
3.9Explore the shipwreck of the S.S. Point Reyes, perched on a sand bar off the shoreline of Tomales Bay. It is located in the small town of Inverness, just behind the grocery store. If you are driving North on Sir Francis Drake Blvd it will be on your right side. Parking is easy and you will see a ...Read more
