Russian Gulch
Jenner, CA
Russian Gulch is a large cove beach bounded by nearly vertical cliffs, reached by a short trail north of Jenner. Not to be confused with the state park of the same name further up the coast in Mendocino County, this is a smaller, quieter stop with real dramatic scale to the cliffs around it.
The nearly vertical cliffs around this cove are genuinely dramatic for such a short walk in, though the similar name to the Mendocino state park causes real confusion.
How we score beachesThe short trail in undersells how dramatic the cliffs feel once you're actually down on the sand, don't judge this one by the length of the walk.
Free parking is available; the CCC lists a lot here but doesn't specify its size.
A short trail leads down to the cove beach.
Dogs are welcome on leash at this Sonoma Coast State Park beach.
Summer mornings run foggy before clearing, typical of the Sonoma coast, with water staying cold year round.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.