Doran Beach – The Perfect Day Trip to Bodega Bay

We live in Sacramento and Bodega Bay is our go-to coastal town for a beach day trip. Driving directly west from our inland city, it takes us about 2 hours from door to door to reach the beach. Doran Beach is especially appealing for us because of its picturesque coastal beauty and easy accessibility.

In this guide I have taken many original photos from our own beach trip to show you exactly how the vibes goes at Doran Beach. I also include helpful information to make planning your own Bodega Bay beach day an easy breeze.

Where is Doran Beach and Bodega Bay Located?

Doran Beach can be found in Bodega Bay, a charming coastal town in Sonoma County, Northern California. This picturesque destination is situated about 70 miles north of San Francisco, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. The drive to Bodega Bay takes you through scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, lush vineyards, and stunning coastal vistas. Bodega Bay itself is located along the rugged Pacific coastline, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere that attracts visitors year-round. Doran Beach, part of the Doran Regional Park, stretches along the bay, providing a pristine shoreline perfect for a variety of outdoor activities and relaxation.

Bodega Bay is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Bodega Bay is the quintessential day trip destination for those seeking a quick escape from the urban sprawl of San Francisco and the intense heat from inland cities like Sacramento.

Located approximately 70 miles north of San Francisco and about 120 miles from Sacramento, this charming coastal town offers a serene retreat within a couple of hours’ drive. The drive from the San Francisco Bay Area is around 1.5 hours, and the drive from Sacramento is a little over 2 hours.

The journey to Bodega Bay is as delightful as the destination itself, featuring scenic routes that wind through picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and quaint small towns. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by breathtaking coastal views, fresh ocean air, and a variety of activities ranging from sandy shore picnics and dining on fresh seafood.

The Weather in Bodega Bay

The weather in Bodega Bay is typically mild and temperate, making it a perfect escape on hot summer days. Because of its coastal location, the area has cool, foggy mornings and evenings, with the fog often giving way to sunny skies by midday. Summer temperatures generally range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit, offering a refreshing escape from the inland heat. Winters are cooler, with temperatures averaging in the mid-40s to low 60s, and occasional rain.

Always Plan to Dress in Layers in Bodega Bay

Like most coastal towns, Bodega Bay can have unpredictable and changing weather temperatures throughout the day. The coastal climate is known for its variability, with cool, foggy mornings often transitioning to warm, sunny afternoons, and breezy evenings. By layering your clothing, you can easily adjust to the changing temperatures and conditions.

Start with a lightweight base layer, add a warm middle layer like a fleece or sweater, and top it off with a windproof and waterproof jacket. This approach not only keeps you warm during chilly periods but also allows you to peel off layers as the day heats up, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever weather Bodega Bay throws your way.

How Much Does to Cost to Enter Doran Beach

During our visit, the entrance fee per vehicle was $6 (but on the website is says $7). They gave you a receipt to put on your window or dashboard. We did see some people get tickets, so don’t try to avoid paying.

Doran Beach Sandy Shores Are Perfect for Beach Picnics

One of the biggest appeals of the Doran Beach is the very vast amount of sandy shores. Many beaches in Northern California have very rugged and rocky shores, which can make setting up a picnic problematic. The shore at Doran Beach not only has plenty of sand, but it’s very soft and easy to walk or lay down on.

Doran Beach is Especially Child-Friendly

Families really love Doran Beach because the waves tend to be very calm, making it ideal for small children to safely play in the surf. There’s very easy accessibility to the beach, and you don’t have to hike any trails or climb up and down any cliffs to reach the sand.

Can You Swim at Doran Beach?

As mentioned above, the water is calm with small waves at Doran Beach. But the ocean water is not very warm. During intense summer heatwaves, the water temperature gets more tolerable and some brave visitors will actually completely swim and submerge in the water. But the Northern California Pacific Ocean always remains on the chilly side, and many people need wetsuits to swim in the water.

Picnic Tables and Benches Available

There’s a fair amount of picnic tables and benches available for visitors to use. They are on a first-come first-served basis, so on busy weekends the early folks obviously get first pick.

Is Doran Beach Crowded in the Summer?

It’s a funny thing because the beach itself is not necessarily that busy in the summer, but the parking lots fill up very quickly. Once the parking lots are full, they will close access to any cars to enter the beach area. So people still wanting to get into the beach will have to park very far away and walk into the beach.

The Parking Options at Doran Beach

There’s multiple small parking lots in the Doran Beach area, but on the summer weekends they will fill up quickly by the morning. There’s also very limited roadside parking options. We have seen vehicles get tickets for parking on the side of the road where it was not allowed.

I would say that parking is the biggest challenge for this particular beach. The park rangers advise that visitors have an alternate destination in mind if they cannot get an approved parking spot. Your best bet is to arrive as early as you can, or visit during slower weekdays.

Are There Restrooms Available at Doran Beach?

Yes, there are restrooms with flush toilets available. Like most public bathrooms, they are not particularly pleasant and they ran out of toilet paper. We usually end up using the public bathroom at the Sprouts grocery store in Petaluma on our drive in and out of Bodega Bay. We also use it as an opportunity to charge our EV vehicle and get fresh snacks and drinks.

Bring Your Own Shade

There is zero shade at Doran Beach, and it’s very easy to get a bad sunburn from overexposure to the sun. Most people bring their own shade tents and set them up on the sand at the beach.

Can You Bring Your Dog to Doran Beach?

Yes! You can bring your dog onto the beach but they must stay on a leash the whole time. There are other beaches in Bodega Bay where dogs are not allowed, so this is particularly inviting to pet owners.

Barbecue and Bonfire Pits and Rules

There’s several large barbecue pits available for visitors at Doran Beach. They are conveniently located next to picnic tables and benches. You have to bring your own coal so I would come prepared to bring your own BBQ supplies.

You may not build a bonfire on the beach sand. According to the Sonoma County Regional Parks website, they do not allow any fires outside of the designated BBQ pits.

Can You Surf, Kayak or Paddle Board at Doran Beach?

We saw several people enjoying water sports like body surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking in the water. The waves are much too small for real surfing at this beach.

There’s a dedicated boat launch for boaters and paddlers, but paddlers are allowed to launch directly from the beach if they want. Sonoma County Regional Parks recommends that paddlers stay inside the protected harbor and do not venture outside into the ocean bay.

What Time Does Doran Beach Close?

All the signs at the beach say that the park closes to day visitors at sundown. The confirmed campers are the only ones allowed to be on beach property at night.

Camping at Doran Beach

Camping is very popular at Doran Beach, and there’s some important tips and points to be aware of if you’re trying to book your Doran Beach campsite.

• Campsite reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance.
• There’s over 120 campsites available for visitors.
• Bookings can be made year-round.
• You can book both tent camping and RV camping.
• The weekends (Friday – Sunday) are very tough to book and tend to be completely full for many months. The weekdays have a lot more openings.
• No refunds will be given after booking, even for bad weather.
• When you arrive, check-in is at 2 pm and check-out is at 12 pm.
• Dogs are allowed on the campgrounds, but must on a 6 foot leash at all times. Must show proof of rabies vaccination.
• Each household can only book a maximum of two campsites per visit.
• Each campsite allows for 8 people and two vehicles ($7 fee per night for second vehicle).
• Stillwater Cove Regional Park is the only campground with electrical hook-ups.
• Campfires are only allowed in designated barbecues and fire rings.

Are Fireworks Allowed at Doran Beach?

We have visited Doran Beach during the 4th of July and they have signs posted up everywhere saying no fireworks allowed.

Don’t Bother the Seal Wildlife at Doran Beach

There’s an abundance of marine wildlife around this area of Northern California, including breeding grounds for seals and sea lions. Make sure to always leave these wild animals in peace and give them plenty of distance. Always keep your dog on a leash and don’t let your pup run up to wildlife.

Whale Watching and Exploring Tide Pools at Bodega Head

Bodega Head is a prominent, rugged promontory located at the southwestern edge of Bodega Bay, offering some of the most breathtaking views along the Northern California coast. This scenic headland is part of the Sonoma Coast State Park and is a favorite spot for hikers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts. The trails atop Bodega Head provide panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, with stunning vantage points to observe migrating gray whales from December through April.

The area is also rich in marine life and native flora, making it a perfect location for tide pooling and coastal exploration. With its dramatic cliffs, windswept landscapes, and serene picnic spots, Bodega Head is an essential stop for anyone visiting Bodega Bay.

Bodega Head is actually very close to Doran Beach, but because of the geography, the lands don’t actually connect. You’ll have to drive about 15 minutes around the bay to reach the Bodega Head from Doran Beach.

The Lodge at Bodega Bay

Planning to spend the night in Bodega Bay? The Lodge at Bodega Bay is a 4 minute drive to Doran Beach, making it ideal accommodations for a beach getaway. It is a premier coastal retreat offering a luxurious and serene escape along the stunning Sonoma Coast. Nestled on a hillside overlooking Bodega Bay, this elegant lodge combines rustic charm with modern amenities, providing guests with an experience of comfort and relaxation.

The on-site Drakes Sonoma Coast Kitchen serves farm-to-table cuisine, highlighting local and seasonal ingredients, while the Fireside Lounge offers a perfect spot to unwind with a craft cocktail or glass of Sonoma wine. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and full-service spa.

Where to Eat Near Doran Beach in Bodega Bay

After a day at the beach, you’ll surely work up a big appetite for some coastal themed cuisine. When visiting the Doran Beach area in Bodega Bay, you’ll find a collection of family-owned restaurants with plenty of charm. Valley Ford is a short drive away, which is known for its unique rural coastal experience.

Spud Point Crab Company

Spud Point Crab Company is a renowned seafood destination in Bodega Bay, celebrated for its fresh, locally caught crab and friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. Located near the picturesque Spud Point Marina, this family-owned establishment has become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. The menu highlights their famous crab cakes and clam chowder, both of which have earned a loyal following for their rich flavors and generous portions.

Anello Family Crab & Seafood

The Anello Family Crab & Seafood is a family-operated business has deep roots in the community, with generations of the Anello family dedicated to bringing the best of the ocean to their customers. Popular items include their renowned crab sandwiches, rich clam chowder, and perfectly seasoned fish tacos.

The Tides Wharf & Restaurant

If you’re in the mood for a casual meal, The Tides Wharf & Restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu featuring seafood, steaks, and pasta, along with breathtaking waterfront views.

Fishetarian Fish Market

Fishetarian Fish Market in Bodega Bay is a beloved local spot known for its fresh seafood and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Situated right on the waterfront, this market and casual eatery offers a fantastic selection of locally sourced fish and shellfish. The menu features a variety of delicious options, including fish tacos, clam chowder, fish and chips, and their famous “Fish”wiches.

The Birds Cafe

The Birds Café in Bodega Bay is a charming, laid-back eatery that captures the essence of coastal dining with its delicious food and stunning views. Named in homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film, which was shot in the area, this café offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families with kids. With its outdoor seating offering panoramic views of Bodega Bay, guests can enjoy their meals while soaking in the picturesque scenery.