Wine country gets all the attention, but Sonoma Coast State Park offers a completely different side of Northern California. Stretching 16 miles from Bodega Bay to Jenner, this scenic coastline is packed with tide pools, redwoods, sea cliffs, and quiet beaches. These top 11 hikes show why the coast deserves just as much love as the vineyards.
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Planning your trip to Sonoma Coast? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
Best Tours Near Sonoma Coast:
- 8-hour Private Limo Wine Tour (visit 3-4 wineries + personalized experience)
- Wine & Wellness Tour in Napa Valley (authentic with redwood hiking)
- Sonoma Valley Sidecar Wine Tour (visit 3 wineries with gourmet picnic)
- Wine Country Hot-Air Balloon Ride from Yountville (up to 2000 feet high!)
- Private Sailing Tour of Bodega Bay (sail with a licensed captain)
Best Hotels Near Sonoma Coast:
- Sonoma Coast Villa (💲) (mini golf, movie nights & more!)
- The Inn at the Tides (💲💲) (complimentary breakfast & bottle of wine)
- The Lodge at Bodega Bay (💲💲💲) (on-site restaurants, spa, fitness center)
Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
Easy Hikes in Sonoma Coast State Park
1. Bodega Head Trail
- Trail Distance: 1.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 187 feet
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Location: Start at the Bodega Head Trailhead in Bodega Bay
If you’re in Sonoma Coast State Park for just less than a day, we’d recommend the Bodega Head Trail. Bodega Head is a rocky peninsula that stretches for 4 miles. At Bodega Head, you’ll see panoramic bluff views of the Pacific Ocean and you may spot migrating gray whales and seals.
Look out for seabirds as well. You’ll see kids and senior people enjoying this very easy trail. Parking isn’t an issue at this trailhead and you’ll also find restrooms here. Allow 1 hour to walk the Bodega Head Trail.
Planning a visit? Grab our free 1-day Bodega Bay itinerary with food stops, scenic hikes, and local gems to make the most of your trip.
2. Bodega Dunes Beach Boardwalk Trail
- Trail Distance: 0.3 mile
- Elevation Gain: 13 feet
- Type of Trail: Out and back
- Location: Start at the trailhead near Bodega Dunes Beach in Jenner
Another easy hike in Bodega Bay is the Bodega Dunes Beach Boardwalk Trail. This boardwalk takes you through the Bodega Dunes and will end at the Bodega Dunes Beach. It’s an accessible trail but if it’s a windy day, be careful of sand on the boardwalk.
The Bodega Dunes Day Use area charges $8 per vehicle and closes at sunset so make sure you have enough time to walk the trail and enjoy the beach. Allow 15 minutes to walk the Bodega Dunes Beach Boardwalk trail.
3. Sonoma Coast Overlook Vista Trail
- Trail Distance: 0.9 mile
- Elevation Gain: 49 feet
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Location: Start at the Vista Trailhead in Jenner
The Sonoma Coast Overlook Vista Trail is my favorite trail! It’s short and paved and takes you to an overlook. When we visited, it was very windy so make sure you’re holding on to your things (especially your sunhat; it almost flew off!)
In order of proximity, you’ll see the mouth of the Russian River, Goat Rock, Peaked Hill, Duncan’s Landing, Bodega Head, and if it’s a clear day, Point Reyes in the background. Try to spot the Arch Rock!
This vista is the northernmost tip of the park so you can see a huge part of the Sonoma Coast. It’s definitely worth the visit; even if you’re just passing through Highway 1. Come in spring for flowers blooming alongside this loop trail.
Plus you might spot whales migrating in the distance during whale migration season. There is a picnic table and a restroom near the parking lot. Allow 30 minutes to walk the Sonoma Coast Overlook Vista Trail.
4. Kortum Trail
- Trail Distance: 8.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 931 feet
- Type of Trail: Out and back
- Location: Start at Kortum Trailhead near the parking lot in Bodega Bay
The Kortum Trail is one of the longer trails but you can start and end at certain points near the beaches so you don’t have to hike the entire trail.
But if you love hiking, we recommend walking the entire trail along the Sonoma coastline for views throughout your hike.
The Kortum Trail starts at Sunset Boulders near Blind Beach and ends near Wright’s Beach. Sunset Boulders are a set of boulders to walk around or rock climb. As it isn’t too tall, you’ll see kids and beginner rock climbers trying out these boulders.
The Mammoth Rock is nearby and worth checking out. The Mammoth Rock is a blueschist rock that’s existed since prehistoric times when mammoths used to walk around this area.
While you’re hiking this trail, take a detour to Peaked Hill. It’s a steep but short hike to the top where you’ll get 360° coastal views. Allow 4 hours to hike the entire Kortum Trail.
5. Watershed View Trail
- Trail Distance: 1.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 190 feet
- Type of Trail: Out and back
- Location: Start at Creekside Connector Trailhead and take the right fork for the Watershed View Trail in Occidental
Looking for a trail through the redwoods? Try the Watershed View Trail that’s located inland away from the ocean. This well-maintained trail is great on sunny days as it provides a lot of shade.
The view at the end of the trail makes the entire hike and drive to the trailhead worth it. The view is the gorgeous Willow Creek valley with the ocean in the background and the watershed in between.
Visit on a clear day to get this remarkable view without any fog. Parking is very limited to about 5 vehicles. But the trail is usually uncrowded so you’re likely to get a spot.
At the trailhead, you’ll see a sign to take either the Creekside Connector Trailhead or the Watershed View Trail. Take the trail to the right. Allow 1 hour to hike the Watershed View Trail.
Moderate Hikes In Sonoma Coast State Park
6. Islands in the Sky Vista Loop Trail
- Trail Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 928 feet
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Location: Start at the Islands in the Sky Trailhead in Monte Rio
The Islands in the Sky Vista Loop Trail is a steep trail that takes you through coastal redwood trees, Douglas fir trees, open meadows, and woodlands. Even the drive to the Willow Creek area is beautiful.
Take the trail on the right to get to the steepest sections of the trail first. At the end of the trail, views open up to valleys and meadows where the trail gets its “Islands in the Sky” name.
On a clear day, you can see the ocean in the distance. Allow 3 hours to walk the Islands in the Sky Vista Loop Trail.
7. Creekside Connector Loop Trail
- Trail Distance: 5.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 892 feet
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Location: Start at the Creekside Connector Trailhead in Occidental
This is another redwood trail that starts at the Creekside Connector Trailhead. You’ll need to take the left fork to continue on this trail.
It’s a very steep but uncrowded trail. As you hike in further, you start to see more redwoods. You’ll also see wildflowers, banana slugs, and salamanders along the creek. Parking is limited to a few cars so plan to come early. Allow 3-4 hours for the Creekside Connector Loop Trail.
8. Pomo Canyon and Red Hill Loop Trail
- Trail Distance: 5.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,266 feet
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Location: Start at Pomo Canyon and Red Hill Loop Trailhead in Jenner
The Pomo Canyon and Red Hill Loop Trail is a moderately-leveled hike that’s closer to the beach compared to other moderate hikes. Either before or after the hike, stop by Shell Beach.
Through the hike, you’ll walk through groves of redwood trees, and shrubby oaks and look for wildflowers including milkmaids, thistles, and death camas. Look for views of open lands, the ocean, and the Russian River. Allow 3-4 hours to hike the Pomo Canyon and Red Hill Loop Trail.
Strenuous Hikes In Sonoma Coast State Park
9. Bodega Dunes Trail
- Trail Distance: 8.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 738 feet
- Type of Trail: Out and back
- Location: Start near the Bodega Dunes Campground in Bodega Bay
The Bodega Dunes Trail is a difficult hike for its sandy terrain. If you’re looking for a longer, harder hike that’ll show you the Bodega Dunes and the Bodega Head, then try out this trail. It might be hard to follow this trail so make sure you have a map. Allow 3 hours and 30 minutes for the Bodega Dunes Trail.
10. Willow Creek Road Trail
- Trail Distance: 9.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,145 feet
- Type of Trail: Out and back
- Location: Start at Willow Creek Road in Occidental
The Willow Creek Road Trail is a challenging trail amongst the redwood forest. It’s more secluded than the other hikes. As you will be hiking down in the beginning, be prepared for the uphill hike to complete the trail.
There aren’t any views or an overlook at the end of the trail but if you love hiking through the redwoods, spend a day here. Allow 5-6 hours to hike the Willow Creek Road Trail.
11. Full Monty, Fern Tree, and Badger Hill Vista Trail
- Trail Distance: 8.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,345 feet
- Type of Trail: Out and back
- Location: Start at Islands in the Sky Trailhead and take the right fork
The Full Monty, Fern Tree, and Badger Hill Vista Trail starts at the Islands in the Sky Trailhead; take the right fork to the Full Monty trail. Check out this off-beaten path with views of the Russian River and the Willow Creek watershed.
It might be hard to navigate this trail but look for pink or orange flags to help. And download the trail’s map before starting your hike. This trail is strenuous but you’ll spot unique flora and fauna including snakes. Allow 4-5 hours for the Full Monty, Fern Tree, and Badger Hill Vista Trail.
Sonoma Coast State Park Map
Sonoma Coast State Park Hiking Tips
As you prepare for hiking at this park, there are a couple of things to consider. These tips can be applied to any hiking trip on the coast of Northern California. Here are some helpful tips when planning to hike at Sonoma Coast State Park:
✔️Leave No Trace
It’s easy to forget that you are in a wilderness area when you are walking on an established trail.
However, remember that each step you take adds to the impact of human beings in this natural environment. When hiking in Sonoma Coast State Park, please follow the Leave No Trace principles.
The trails are narrow and can be steep in places. Please stay on the trail to protect fragile plants and habitats that support wildlife.
As you hike, it’s important to remember not to leave any trash behind. This means packing out everything that you brought into the park, including cigarette butts, food scraps, and all other items.
And if you’re camping overnight in one of the campsites within Sonoma Coast State Park, it’s important to follow all of the rules and regulations set forth by the California Department of Parks & Recreation.
Leave no trace of your campsite when you’re done hiking for the day. This includes removing any trash or other materials from your tent site and restoring it to its original condition.
It’s also important to keep dogs on leashes at all times within the park boundaries. This will prevent your dogs from running out on non-designated paths.
✔️Be Prepared For Coastal Weather
Come prepared for any weather. The weather in Sonoma Coast State Park can change quickly. The weather in Sonoma County is notoriously unpredictable. It can be foggy, wet, windy, and cold all at once.
You can go from a sunny day to a downpour within minutes and then back again. If you plan on hiking in the area, make sure you have the right gear and clothing.
The best way to prepare for this type of weather is by bringing layers of clothes that can be added or removed as needed.
This will ensure that you are never too hot or too cold while out on the trail. You can also consider bringing a pair of gloves or mittens since they are useful on chilly days when you’re hiking down trails into Sonoma Coast State Park’s valleys.
The coldest months are December through February when temperatures can drop below freezing at night — especially if there’s a wind chill factor involved. (The wind chill factor is a measurement of how cold something feels because of air movement around it; for example, if there’s a strong wind blowing across your face.)
But the spring and summer months aren’t too far behind either: high winds and foggy mornings are common during these seasons as well!
If you plan on hiking all day long, pack plenty of water and snacks. And make sure you have proper shoes (hiking boots or running shoes) because some trails are steep and slippery if it has been raining recently!
So TLDR: Wear layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
Pro-Tip: If you’re hiking on a hot day, bring a small compact cooler with you. Take break and enjoy the views with a nice cold drink.
✔️Carry A Map Of The Park
This is one of the most important things to do before you start to hike. Make sure your phone has a fully charged battery, and turn off any features that use a lot of power.
You should also turn off Wi-Fi if you don’t plan on using it. This is also necessary in case you need phone service to contact in case of emergencies.
Cell phone service is limited so it’s best to carry an offline map of the park. Download an offline version of the park on Google Maps.
If you don’t want to use your phone while hiking, then consider bringing along an old-fashioned paper map of the area that you’ll be hiking in.
This will allow you to know where you are at all times as well as plan ahead for upcoming terrain changes or obstacles.
If it’s going to get dark during your hike, make sure to save the location you parked your car on Google Maps. It will help you get back to your car once you finish hiking along the coast.
When To Visit Sonoma Coast State Park
The best time to visit Sonoma Coast State Park is between June and October. It can get very foggy and damp in the winter months so it’s best to wait until summer, late spring or early fall to hike this park.
The best time to go hiking on the beaches at Sonoma Coast State Park is during low tide when you can see more of the beach (not just the waves) and find interesting things like shells and driftwood.
You’ll also have better views if you can avoid going when there’s fog or rain so the air is clearer and less smoggy.
Pro-Tip: Water can be really cold on the Sonoma Coast so wear a thick wetsuit if you plan to go in.
Where To Stay Near Sonoma Coast
Sonoma Coast has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:
Budget-Friendly Option: Sonoma Coast Villa
Mid-Priced Option: The Inn at the Tides
Lux Option: The Lodge at Bodega Bay
Best Wineries Near Sonoma Coast State Park
The Sonoma Coast is a land of contrasts. From the ocean to the mountains and everything in between, this area has plenty of fun experiences in store for you. If you love wine, Sonoma County is the perfect place to enjoy a glass.
Sonoma County is home to dozens of family-owned wineries, wine tasting rooms, and vineyards. Here are the best wineries in the area:
If you love seafood to pair with your wines, Bodega Bay is the place to be with so many award-winning restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sonoma Coast State Park’s awe-inspiring shoreline twists through a landscape of redwoods, prairies, and towering cliffs plunging into the ocean. If you’re still wondering if hiking at this park is worth it, check out these frequently asked questions to help you out:
Is Sonoma Coast State Park open?
Yes, the park is generally open from sunrise to an hour after sunset. There is a day-use fee of $8 per vehicle. To find out if Sonoma Coast State Park is currently open, check out the park’s site on the California Department of Parks & Recreation.
Are Sonoma Coast beaches open?
Yes, the Sonoma Coast beaches are open. There might be some local restrictions so please check out the park’s site on the California Department of Parks & Recreation before heading to the beach.
In contrast to other California beaches, Sonoma Coast beaches are not recommended for swimming. That’s because the tides are strong, the water is colder and the rock outcroppings are sharp. It’s best to take it easy on the beaches or view them from a distance.
Are dogs allowed in Sonoma Coast State Park?
Dogs are allowed on leash at Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncan’s Cove, Wright’s Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach, and Russian Gulch.
Can you camp at Sonoma Coast State Park?
Yes, you can camp at Sonoma Coast State Park at Bodega Dunes Campground, Wright’s Beach Campground, Willow Creek Campground, or Pomo Canyon Campground.
Final Thoughts
Sonoma Coast State Park is one of the best places to hike in California with its beautiful ocean views, redwood trees, rocky headlands, and series of beaches.
The park has numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult and we recommend checking out one of these hikes on this rugged California coast.
If you’re staying for a while in Bodega Bay and need to know where to shop, here are the best grocery stores to shop in and around the area. Plus it’s a great location for whale watching, bird watching kayaking, and hiking.
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