{"id":44481,"date":"2025-08-06T11:20:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T18:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/?p=44481"},"modified":"2025-08-06T12:02:53","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T19:02:53","slug":"best-sonoma-county-beaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/best-sonoma-county-beaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Sonoma County Beaches: From the Russian River to the Pacific Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Summertime in Sonoma County calls for several beach trips to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/cool-things-to-do-in-sonoma-county-when-its-too-hot\/\">cool off<\/a> in the water or sunbathe on the shore while sipping a cold drink.<\/p>\n<p>Scroll on below to find the best beaches in Sonoma County for all your summer waterfront needs.<\/p>\n<h4>Best for those who like some space: Blind Beach<\/h4>\n<p>Nestled near Goat Rock south of Jenner, this narrow pebble beach offers great views of the ocean and the impressive Arch Rock. It\u2019s the perfect beach sanctuary for those who want to get away from it all while listening to waves crashing against rocks. <em>Highway 1 and Goat Rock Road, Jenner, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parks.ca.gov\/?page_id=451\">parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_127932\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-127932\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-127932\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/parks_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Blind_Beach_arched_rock_Sonoma_County_004-1024x765.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/parks_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Blind_Beach_arched_rock_Sonoma_County_004-1024x765.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/parks_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Blind_Beach_arched_rock_Sonoma_County_004-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/parks_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Blind_Beach_arched_rock_Sonoma_County_004-768x574.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/parks_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Blind_Beach_arched_rock_Sonoma_County_004-1536x1148.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/parks_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Blind_Beach_arched_rock_Sonoma_County_004-2048x1530.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/parks_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Blind_Beach_arched_rock_Sonoma_County_004-1200x896.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/ alt=\"Blind Beach at Sonoma Coast State Park near Jenner. (Sonoma County Tourism)\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-127932\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Blind Beach at Sonoma Coast State Park near Jenner. (Sonoma County Tourism)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_44488\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-44488\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-44488\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/aj0618_RiverBeaches_03-1024x682.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/aj0618_RiverBeaches_03-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/aj0618_RiverBeaches_03-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/aj0618_RiverBeaches_03-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/aj0618_RiverBeaches_03-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/aj0618_RiverBeaches_03.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/ alt=\"Tamara Bautista, 3, laughs as she floats in the water at Veterans Memorial Beach in Healdsburg, California on Saturday, June 18, 2016. (Alvin Jornada \/ The Press Democrat)\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-44488\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tamara Bautista, 3, laughs as she floats in the water at Veterans Memorial Beach in Healdsburg. (Alvin Jornada \/ The Press Democrat, 2016)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Best for kids\/families: Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach<\/h4>\n<p>Sometimes it can be difficult to find a beach that\u2019s both entertaining and safe for kids. Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach offers essential summer activities, has lifeguard patrols and provides life vests to loan for free. River&#8217;s Edge Kayak &amp; Canoe Trips is located nearby, off Healdsburg Avenue, to help plan your family river excursions. <em>13839 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, <a href=\"https:\/\/parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov\/visit\/find-a-park\/healdsburg-veterans-memorial-beach\">parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Best for beachcombers: Schoolhouse Beach<\/h4>\n<p>Enclosed by rocky headlands, this beach has a glorious pebble shore and a low tide that sea scavengers will enjoy. The vibrantly colored and ocean-polished small stones and seashells are great for collecting, and the tidepools are teeming with colorful marine life, such as starfish, mussels, hermit crabs, sea anemones and other interesting critters and crustaceans. <em>Viking Strand and Highway 1, Bodega Bay, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parks.ca.gov\/?page_id=451\">parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_106833\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-106833\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-106833\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/coast_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Schoolhouse_Beach_Sonoma_County_003-1024x633.jpeg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/coast_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Schoolhouse_Beach_Sonoma_County_003-1024x633.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/coast_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Schoolhouse_Beach_Sonoma_County_003-300x185.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/coast_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Schoolhouse_Beach_Sonoma_County_003-768x475.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/coast_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Schoolhouse_Beach_Sonoma_County_003-1536x949.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/coast_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Schoolhouse_Beach_Sonoma_County_003-2048x1266.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/coast_Sonoma_Coast_State_Park_Schoolhouse_Beach_Sonoma_County_003-1200x742.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/ alt=\"Schoolhouse Beach at Sonoma Coast State Park near Bodega Bay. (Sonoma County Tourism)\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-106833\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Schoolhouse Beach at Sonoma Coast State Park near Bodega Bay. (Sonoma County Tourism)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74440\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74440\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-74440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/cc0603_BeachOpen_DogFly-1024x613.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/cc0603_BeachOpen_DogFly-1024x613.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/cc0603_BeachOpen_DogFly-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/cc0603_BeachOpen_DogFly-768x460.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/cc0603_BeachOpen_DogFly-1536x919.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/cc0603_BeachOpen_DogFly-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/cc0603_BeachOpen_DogFly-1200x718.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/ alt=\"Mikos leaps into the air to catch a ball tossed by Ingrid Stearns on the beach at Doran Regional Park, in Bodega Bay on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Sonoma County parks and beaches reopened Wednesday, with State beaches expected to open this weekend. (Christopher Chung\/ The Press Democrat)\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74440\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mikos leaps into the air to catch a ball tossed by Ingrid Stearns on the beach at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay. (Christopher Chung\/ The Press Democrat, 2020)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Best for dogs: Doran Beach<\/h4>\n<p>This regional park beach is popular for a number of activities: picnicking, fishing, paddling, bird watching, kite flying and even horseback riding. But perhaps one of its most beloved aspects is that it&#8217;s dog-friendly (on a leash, that is). Take your playful pup on a trail through the grassy dunes or wade by the gentle seashore for a memorable time. <em>201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay, <a href=\"https:\/\/parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov\/visit\/find-a-park\/doran-regional-park\">parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Best for couples: Sea Ranch<\/h4>\n<p>There are six public access trails in Sea Ranch leading to coastal beaches, such as Shell Beach and Stengel Beach (temporarily closed to replace a wooden stairway) with its seasonal waterfalls. But perhaps the best beach for couples here is Black Point, a long sandy cove accessed via a steep wooden staircase. The beach is typically secluded and enjoys beautiful ocean views. <em>Access Black Point Beach via Sea Walk Drive, located off Coast Highway 1, The Sea Ranch, <a href=\"https:\/\/parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov\/visit\/find-a-park\/sea-ranch-coastal-access-trails\">parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_127933\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-127933\" style=\"width: 1707px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-127933 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cities_towns_The_Sea_Ranch_Sonoma_County_011.jpg\" alt=\"A beach at The Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cities_towns_The_Sea_Ranch_Sonoma_County_011.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cities_towns_The_Sea_Ranch_Sonoma_County_011-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cities_towns_The_Sea_Ranch_Sonoma_County_011-934x1400.jpg 934w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cities_towns_The_Sea_Ranch_Sonoma_County_011-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cities_towns_The_Sea_Ranch_Sonoma_County_011-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cities_towns_The_Sea_Ranch_Sonoma_County_011-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cities_towns_The_Sea_Ranch_Sonoma_County_011-1200x1800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-127933\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A beach at The Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast. (Sonoma County Tourism)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_36307\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-36307\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-36307\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/CC0525_BEACHES_YELLOWBOARD_780595-1024x678.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/CC0525_BEACHES_YELLOWBOARD_780595-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/CC0525_BEACHES_YELLOWBOARD_780595-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/CC0525_BEACHES_YELLOWBOARD_780595-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/CC0525_BEACHES_YELLOWBOARD_780595-1200x794.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/CC0525_BEACHES_YELLOWBOARD_780595.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/ alt=\"Bill Blaze, of Sebastopol, walks up the beach after surfing at Salmon Creek Beach, north of Bodega Bay. (Christopher Chung)\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-36307\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bill Blaze, of Sebastopol, walks up the beach after surfing at Salmon Creek Beach, north of Bodega Bay. (Christopher Chung \/ The Press Democrat, 2016)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Best for surfers: Salmon Creek beaches<\/h4>\n<p>Both North and South Salmon Creek beaches are popular spots for the local surfing community. On days when conditions are just right, experienced riders can enjoy some powerful swells while navigating gnarly rip currents. It\u2019s also a good place for beginners when the waves are less intense. The sandy bottom of the ocean floor lessens the blows of wipeouts. <em>3095 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parks.ca.gov\/?page_id=451\">parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Best for water activities: Johnson\u2019s Beach<\/h4>\n<p>Floating down the river is what summer is all about. This Guerneville beach is perfect for those who want to kayak down the flowing currents or simply relax on the water in inner tubes with a cold drink in hand. Whether you want to paddleboard solo or canoe with a group of friends, there\u2019s no shortage of summer fun here. <em>16215 First St., Guerneville, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.johnsonsbeach.com\/\">johnsonsbeach.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_127471\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-127471\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-127471\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bs_062122_Heat02-1024x683.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bs_062122_Heat02-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bs_062122_Heat02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bs_062122_Heat02-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bs_062122_Heat02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bs_062122_Heat02-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bs_062122_Heat02-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/ alt=\"Mina Housh, 8, and her mother Nicole swim at Johnson&#039;s Beach in Guerneville, Calif. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. (Beth Schlanker\/The Press Democrat)\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-127471\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mina Housh, 8, and her mother Nicole swim at Johnson&#8217;s Beach in Guerneville. (Beth Schlanker\/The Press Democrat, 2022)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_44495\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-44495\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-44495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/jb0701_rocky_006-1024x682.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/jb0701_rocky_006-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/jb0701_rocky_006-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/jb0701_rocky_006-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/jb0701_rocky_006-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/jb0701_rocky_006.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/ alt=\"The Big Rocky Games at the Monte Rio Beach brings back good old all-American fun with sack races, rock skipping and ice cream eating contests. (John Burgess\/The Press Democrat)\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-44495\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Big Rocky Games at the Monte Rio Beach brings back good old all-American fun with sack races, rock skipping and ice cream eating contests. (John Burgess\/The Press Democrat)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Best for land activities: Monte Rio Beach<\/h4>\n<p>While there are plenty of water sports to enjoy at Monte Rio Beach, its shore is superb for landlubbers. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are free. There are also barbecue areas to grill by the beach and a food concession stand with summer grub. <em>20488 Highway 116, Monte Rio, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mrrpd.org\/\">mrrpd.org<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Best for animal sightings: Goat Rock Beach<\/h4>\n<p>This beach is a great destination for animal lovers. Go birdwatching for gliding seabirds like gulls and sandpipers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/where-to-go-whale-watching-on-the-sonoma-coast\/\">catch a glimpse of breaching whales<\/a> during migrating season and see a colony of Pacific Harbor seals with their pups throughout summer. No dogs are allowed and people should stay at least 300 feet away from the seals, especially during pupping season from March to August. <em>Highway 1 and Goat Rock Road, Jenner, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parks.ca.gov\/?page_id=451\">parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_33072\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-33072\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-33072\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/CC0415_SEAL_SWIM_643198-1024x642.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/CC0415_SEAL_SWIM_643198-1024x642.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/CC0415_SEAL_SWIM_643198-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/CC0415_SEAL_SWIM_643198-768x482.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/CC0415_SEAL_SWIM_643198-1200x753.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/CC0415_SEAL_SWIM_643198.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/ alt=\"4\/18\/2013: A1: PC: A seal pops its head out of the water at the mouth of the Russian River at Goat Rock Beach, near Jenner on Monday, April 15, 2013. (Christopher Chung\/ The Press Democrat)\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-33072\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A seal pops its head out of the water at the mouth of the Russian River at Goat Rock Beach near Jenner. (Christopher Chung\/ The Press Democrat, 2013)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_44487\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-44487\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-44487 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/shutterstock_1433267645.jpg\" alt=\"Portuguese Beach\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/shutterstock_1433267645.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/shutterstock_1433267645-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sonomamag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/shutterstock_1433267645-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-44487\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">While any beach along the Sonoma Coast can provide excellent sunsets views, Portuguese Beach is the ideal spot to get comfortable and really soak them in. (Yaya Ernst\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4>Best for sunsets: Portuguese Beach<\/h4>\n<p>While any beach along the Sonoma Coast can provide excellent sunsets views, this is the ideal spot to get comfortable and really soak them in. Whether you\u2019re fishing from the rocky bluffs, strolling on the wide sandy beach or relaxing on the grassy knoll by the parking lot, there\u2019s no bad spot here to watch a stunning, golden sunset over the ocean. <em>Eureka Drive and Highway 1, Bodega Bay, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parks.ca.gov\/?page_id=451\">parks.ca.gov<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find a local beach for every summer recreation need. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":106833,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1308,5,25145,2601,749],"tags":[3880,3881,3883,3882,3885,3886,3884,3240],"layout":[5590],"class_list":["post-44481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-things-to-do","category-trending","category-trip-ideas","category-whats-new-sonoma-county","tag-best-beaches-in-sonoma","tag-best-beaches-in-sonoma-county","tag-best-beaches-russian-river","tag-best-beaches-sonoma-coast","tag-north-bay-beaches","tag-north-coast-beaches","tag-russian-river-beaches","tag-sonoma-coast-beaches"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.3.1 (Yoast SEO v25.3.1) - 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