Doran Beach Bodega Bay
A 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, perfect for strolls, camping, and dog-friendly fun with calmer waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Doran Beach Bodega Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Bodega Bay, perfect for strolls, camping, and dog-friendly fun with calmer waters.
"This is a very cool park on the bay. Bring a jacket though, we were her in mid-June, and the breeze was still chilly!"
🚗 Parking Fees
Day use parking is typically $8.00. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot .
🐶 Leash Up Your Pup
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. It's a fantastic spot for your four-legged friends .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Two-Mile Beach Stroll
Doran Beach
A long, wide stretch of sand perfect for walking, playing, and enjoying the bay views. Calmer waves make it ideal for families.
Dog-Friendly Paradise
Doran Beach
This beach is a hit with pet owners! Dogs on leash are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends to run and play .
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Camping by the Bay
Doran Regional Park Campground
Over 120 campsites offer a year-round opportunity to wake up to ocean sounds and enjoy beach access .
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Kite Surfing Spectacle
Doran Beach
Witness the vibrant spectacle of kite surfers catching the wind and waves on the bay .
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Day use parking is typically $8.00. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
🐶 Leash Up Your Pup
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. It's a fantastic spot for your four-legged friends.
🧥 Layer Up!
The coastal breeze can be chilly, even in summer. Bring layers and a jacket!
🎣 Boat Launch Access
A boat launch and fish cleaning station are available for anglers looking to hit the water.
Tips
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🚗 Parking Fees
Day use parking is typically $8.00. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
🐶 Leash Up Your Pup
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. It's a fantastic spot for your four-legged friends.
🧥 Layer Up!
The coastal breeze can be chilly, even in summer. Bring layers and a jacket!
🎣 Boat Launch Access
A boat launch and fish cleaning station are available for anglers looking to hit the water.
🏕️ Book Campsites Ahead
Campsites are popular and available year-round. Reserve in advance, especially for weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Doran Beach is a highly-rated destination, praised for its expansive sandy shores, dog-friendly atmosphere, and excellent camping facilities. Visitors appreciate the calmer bay waters and the scenic beauty of Bodega Bay. Some find the parking fees a bit high, and it can get crowded on weekends.
"We found a quiet beach called Salmon Creek. So beautiful! There is a couple paths to get down from parking areas. Outhouse style restrooms in the parking area as well. Lots of gulls and folkart made from items of the beach here. Very fun to explore!"
Amanda McKnight
"Day use parking is $8.00 we spent the day at Duran. It was quite busy and a lot of people had their dogs too. Great place to walk on the beach and play in the sand. The restroom were fairly clean."
Melissa Harris
"Beautiful beach. I actually liked it better than Bodega Bay. Water is quite shallow and some people were swimming in it. Make sure to include Nick’s Cove in your visit."
Andreas Hielscher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Doran Beach is located at 201 Doran Beach Rd, Bodega Bay, CA 94923. It's easily accessible by car via Highway 1. Parking is available on-site, though it can fill up on busy days.
Yes, Doran Beach is well-marked and a popular destination in Bodega Bay. Follow signs for Doran Regional Park.
From Highway 1, turn onto Doran Beach Road. The park entrance will be on your right. It's a scenic drive along the coast.
Public transportation options are limited in Bodega Bay. Driving is the most convenient way to access Doran Beach.
Take Highway 101 North to Highway 1 North. The drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, offering beautiful coastal scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a day-use parking fee, typically around $8.00. This fee grants access to the beach and park facilities.
Doran Regional Park is generally open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Campsites are available for reservation 24/7.
Tickets are not required for day use, but parking can fill up. Campsites require advance reservations, especially during peak season.
The main restriction is that dogs must be on a leash. Otherwise, it's open to the public during park hours.
Overnight parking is only permitted for registered campers at the Doran Regional Park Campground.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy walking the 2-mile beach, picnicking, camping, bird watching, and watching kite surfers. It's also a great spot for families and dogs.
The waves at Doran Beach are typically calmer than other Sonoma Coast beaches due to its south-facing orientation on Bodega Bay, making it suitable for wading and some swimming.
Yes, there are restrooms available at Doran Beach, including outhouse-style facilities in some parking areas.
Absolutely! Doran Beach has designated picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a beachside meal.
Yes, the calmer waters and wide sandy beach make Doran Beach a great choice for families with young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Bodega Bay has several dining options. Bluewater Lounge offers great views and live music, while Fishetarian, Spud Point, and Boathouse Restaurant are popular for seafood.
You are welcome to bring your own food and have a picnic at Doran Beach. There are picnic tables available.
Bodega Bay is known for its fresh seafood. You'll find everything from clam chowder and fish tacos to crab legs and oysters.
The Bird's Cafe is a popular spot in Bodega Bay for coffee and pastries, perfect for starting your day.
Fishetarian, Spud Point, and Boathouse Restaurant are highly recommended for seafood lovers visiting Bodega Bay.
📸 📸 Photography
The expansive beach, the bay, kite surfers, and the surrounding coastal landscape offer numerous photo opportunities. Look for interesting driftwood and seabirds.
While Doran Beach faces the bay, the sunsets can still be beautiful, casting a warm glow over the water and sand. The drive along Highway 1 also offers stunning sunset views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and bay. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife like seabirds or kite surfers.
Keep an eye out for sea otters, seabirds, and the unique art installations sometimes found on the beach.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be bright, but the expansive beach still provides good opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park also has picnic areas, perfect for family lunches with a view.Camping at Doran Regional Park is another family-friendly option, allowing you to extend your beach fun. Many families appreciate that the park is dog-friendly, so the whole family, including furry members, can enjoy the trip.
Nearby attractions like the Bodega Head Trail offer easy hikes with rewarding views, suitable for little legs.🐶 Dog Owners
+1 The beach's layout and the calmer bay waters make it a comfortable environment for dogs to enjoy the coast. Remember to bring water and waste bags to keep the beach clean for everyone.Many campgrounds in the area, including Doran Regional Park, also welcome dogs, making it easy to plan a trip where your pet can be with you every step of the way.
The laid-back atmosphere of Bodega Bay means you'll often find dog-friendly patios at local eateries too.🏕️ Campers
The proximity to the beach means you can step out of your tent and onto the sand in minutes. Campfires are a common sight, adding to the classic camping ambiance.Booking your campsite in advance is highly recommended, especially if you're planning a visit during peak season or on a weekend. The campground provides essential amenities, and its location offers easy access to fishing, beachcombing, and exploring the charming town of Bodega Bay. It's an ideal base for a multi-day coastal adventure.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Doran Regional Park
The campground is situated right by the beach, providing easy access for morning strolls and evening campfires. Many visitors rave about the convenience and the experience of waking up to the sound of the waves.+1Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, as campsites can fill up quickly. The park provides essential amenities, and its dog-friendly policy makes it a great choice for families traveling with pets.
The calm waters of Bodega Bay also make it a more relaxed camping experience compared to more exposed coastal areas.Campers can enjoy the nearby boat launch and fish cleaning station, perfect for those who plan to spend time on the water. The laid-back atmosphere of Bodega Bay complements the camping experience, with several casual dining options nearby for when you don't want to cook.
+1Dog-Friendly Adventures on the Sonoma Coast
+1 The expansive two-mile stretch of sand allows plenty of room for dogs to run, play fetch, and explore off-leash (though always be mindful of local regulations and other visitors). The calmer waters of Bodega Bay are also a plus for dogs who enjoy a gentle paddle.Beyond Doran Beach, the broader Bodega Bay area offers other dog-friendly spots. Salmon Creek Beach, for instance, is another beautiful location where dogs are welcome, offering a slightly wilder feel.
When visiting with dogs, remember to always bring water, waste bags, and keep them on a leash when required. The coastal weather can also be a factor, so ensure your dog is comfortable with cooler temperatures and wind. The joy of seeing happy dogs enjoying the beach is a common theme in visitor experiences.
+1Exploring Bodega Bay's Coastal Charm
Beyond the beaches, Bodega Bay offers opportunities for hiking, with trails like the Bodega Head Trail providing panoramic views of the coastline and opportunities for whale watching during migration seasons.
When planning your visit, consider exploring other nearby beaches like Salmon Creek or Wright's Beach for different coastal experiences.
Don't forget to sample the local seafood, a highlight for many visitors, with restaurants like Fishetarian and Nick's Cove receiving high praise.
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