Top 10 Beaches In West Sonoma County
1. Johnson's Beach-Russian River
Johnson's beach is located at 16217 First Street in Guerneville, CA.
This is a great place to take the kids to splash in the river or rent a couple of kayaks with your special someone for a romantic couples day on the river. They have a snack bar at the beach and all sorts of fun water toys to rent. This beach is voted 5 stars by the locals and 4 stars on Yelp and is one of the most fantastic beaches to visit in West Sonoma County.
2. Doran Beach-Pacific Ocean
Doran beach is located at 201 Doran Beach Road in Bodega Bay. It is the perfect place to have a picnic or BBQ with friends. They have lots of space and soft sand for long walks. They are dog-friendly and a great family beach. They have numerous 5-star reviews on Yelp but came up with a summarized review of 4 stars.
3. Monte Rio Beach-Russian River
Monte Rio Beach is another one of the wonderful beaches in West Sonoma County located at 20488 Highway 116 in Monte Rio. It is known for being both kid and dog-friendly and like Johnson's beach, this is the perfect place to rent inter-tubes, canoes and kayaks and go out on a river adventure! They have a 4.5-star review on Yelp and are well known for being the place where the local fireworks are held each year on the Fourth of July!
4. Bodega Head-Pacific Ocean
Bodega Head is located at 3799 Westshore Road in Bodega Bay and is a rocky stretch that forms the entrance to the harbor. This is the perfect place for going for a hike along the beach. It is also well known for being the ideal spot to go crabbing during crab season. Bodega Head is one of the most popular beaches in West Sonoma County and is rated 5 stars on Yelp.
5. Goat Rock-Pacific Ocean
Goat Rock is located at 5400-5900 North Highway 1 in Bodega Bay. It is known for being the best place to go and see the seals and sea lions that come up onto shore to have their young and rest in the warm afternoon sun. There is a mandatory 50 feet perimeter that visitors must keep to ensure the safety of the seals and themselves. Threatened seals and sea lions may act aggressively. This beach is rated 4.5 stars on Yelp and is one of the most interesting beaches in West Sonoma County.
6. Shell Beach-Pacific Ocean
Shell beach is at 39200 Highway 1 in Sea Ranch and is a small beach that is well known in the area as one of the best places to go and play in the tide pools. Interesting and fun discoveries are awaiting you and your friends in the depths of these pools making this one of the most exciting beaches in West Sonoma County. This beach has a 5-star rating on Yelp.
7. Salmon Creek-Pacific Ocean
Salmon Creek is located at Bodega Bay and is a popular place to go surfing when the waves are good! This beach strickly prohibits dogs, horses and fires for the protection of one of its local endangered species the Western Snowy Plover which is an adorable little bird that nests in Salmon Creek year round. This beach has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and is a local favorite in West County.
8. Steelhead Beach-Russian River
Steelhead beach is at 9000 River Road in Forestville along the Russian River. This beach is known for being an ideal place for pets and small children as it is fairly shallow and slow moving in the summertime. Keep in mind that a child that is not monitored may drown in any amount of water, however, this is one of the safer beaches in West Sonoma County for children. This beach has a 4-star rating on Yelp.
9. Schoolhouse Beach-Pacific Ocean
Schoolhouse Beach is located at 3095 North Highway 1, Bodega Bay CA. This is another great beach for exploring the tide pools with large rocks that are home to sea cucumbers, small Octopus, hermit crabs, tiny fish and starfish. It is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy the crashing waves of the Pacific ocean.
10. Salt Point-Pacific Ocean
Salt Point is at 25050 Highway 1 Shoreline in Jenner CA. This park is known for their clean and welcoming campgrounds, excellent mushroom hunting the first sunny day directly following a good rainstorm, and hiking trails that will help you break a sweat! They have a 4-star rating on Yelp and they are by far one of the best places to see wildlife in the area.
