Doran Beach Regional Park
Bodega Bay, CA
Doran Beach Regional Park gives you both an open ocean beach and a boat launch on the calmer bay side, connected by the Bird Walk Coastal Access trail through the wetland in between. It's one of the more family friendly, all purpose stops in Bodega Bay, equally set up for a beach day or launching a boat.
The combination of ocean beach and calm bay launch in one park is genuinely versatile, though the wind on the ocean side can be a real factor on an otherwise nice day.
How we score beachesPick your side based on the wind, the ocean beach can get gusty while the bay side launch area tends to stay calmer.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance station.
A path leads from parking through dune habitat to the beach; the Bird Walk trail connects to the wetland and bay side.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of the Sonoma coast, with water staying cold year round.
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