Sonoma Coast State Park Beaches

Sonoma Coast State Park runs about 17 miles along Highway 1, from Bodega Head to the Vista Trail about 4 miles north of Jenner. Its beaches include Goat Rock, Shell Beach, Portuguese Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Salmon Creek Beach, Duncan's Landing, Blind Beach and Wright's Beach, and Bodega Head is a headland with trails and whale-watching views.

Not for swimming

State Parks is blunt: like most North Coast beaches, these are not for swimming. Rip currents, heavy surf and sudden ground swells are common, and lifeguards may not be close by. Duncan's Landing is the most dangerous point on the coast. Never turn your back on the ocean, and stay above the high-water mark. Goat Rock's gate closes to cars in dangerous conditions.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed at Shell, Blind, Portuguese, Schoolhouse and Wright's beaches, but not at Goat Rock, Salmon Creek or Bodega Dunes beach.

Camping and fees

Campgrounds are Bodega Dunes, Wright's Beach, Willow Creek and Pomo Canyon. Day use is $10 per vehicle. The Bodega Dunes boardwalk and easy-access ramp are permanently closed after storm damage.