Sonoma Coast State Park

Sonoma Coast State Park is composed of 17 miles of rugged coastline. Located about 60 miles north of San Francisco, this string of beaches draws campers, surfers, divers, day trippers, families, picnickers, hikers, and animal lovers. Budget cuts have compromised the array of services and offerings of the park, but nothing can change the beauty, especially if you enjoy walking on a rocky beach at sunset, spotting whales passing from Bodega Head, hunting for seashells, spotting shorebirds, or stumbling upon a redwood grove near Pomo Campground. Locals like to view harbor seals at Goat Rock (at the mouth of the Russian River). Bay Area folks ...

Sonoma Coast State Park is composed of 17 miles of rugged coastline. Located about 60 miles north of San Francisco, this string of beaches draws campers, surfers, divers, day trippers, families, picnickers, hikers, and animal lovers. Budget cuts have compromised the array of services and offerings of the park, but nothing can change the beauty, especially if you enjoy walking on a rocky beach at sunset, spotting whales passing from Bodega Head, hunting for seashells, spotting shorebirds, or stumbling upon a redwood grove near Pomo Campground. Locals like to view harbor seals at Goat Rock (at the mouth of the Russian River). Bay Area folks populate Wright's Beach Campground. Surfers and beachcombers rule the roost at Salmon Creek. Luckily, you can always find a solitary beach to roam. Bring layers of clothing because the area often gets plenty of fog in summer. But on sunny days, there are few spots you'd rather be.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.