Sonoma Coast State Beach -17 miles between Jenner and Bodega Bay on Highway One
Sonoma Wings is a hang gliding and paragliding club, based in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California.
Be sure to contact them ahead of your planned trip to Goat Rock Beach.
Sonoma Coast State Park is made up of sections that are found along 17 miles of coastline that extends from Vista Point, which is just a few miles north of the town of Jenner, south to Bodega Point. There are over a dozen locations you can stop at as you cruise along Highway 1. You can take a lot in, and have a very easy day of sightseeing, by just driving the coast and visiting some highway pull offs.
The beach is clean and welcoming; none of the (stinky) seaweeds that I have encountered on others; it is easy to lay down and relax under the sun while the breeze cools off some of this shortly arrived summer heat. You can find families relaxing or playing ball; couples sunbathing or simply enjoying the ocean view. Goat Rock Beach seems to be a very suitable place for paragliding as well.
Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.
The Beach, actually a series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands, extends 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail located 4 miles north of Jenner. Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access the beach from more than a dozen points along coast Highway 1.
While the north coast weather can be foggy in the summer, it usually burns off by midday and the cool ocean breezes make the Sonoma Coast a haven for visitors seeking to escape the inland heat.
A hidden gem, which just happens to be dog friendly, is Blind Beach on the southern side of Goat Rock. The road to the beach is narrow but worth the roller coaster ride to the bottom parking area. The headlands and high cliffs are strewn with wildflowers. Sea stacks and a natural arch are just off shore. Pelicans, gulls and smaller sea birds abound. Deer graze the headlands. Lucky visitors will spot seals and whales. Occasionally there are surfers here but be forewarned that the waters are icy cold and mornings often foggy. It is wise to bring a jacket or sweat shirt. This is a beach for strolling and enjoying nature rather than being part of the bikini and suntan crowd. Those who venture here in the early morning on a week day or off season might encounter only one or two other humans on the beach. Search for the seep where the seabirds come to rest and drink. If one approaches slowly, in a calm and silent manner, the birds remain at ease and continue their activities allowing for wonderful photographs! High tide dramatically narrows the beach however at lower tides the wide soft beach can be walked down for well over a mile says mbisme.
It was great watching the many paragliders as we drove down Hwy 1. Pulled into Goat Rock Beach and enjoyed watching this show.
The names alone are intriguing: Blind Beach and Schoolhouse Beach, Arched Rock and Goat Rock, Penny Island and Bodega Head.
These colorfully named locales are some of the highlights of Sonoma Coast State Beach, thirteen miles of coastline stretching from the Russian River to Bodega Bay.
Sonoma Coast State Beach is not one beach, but many. You could easily overlook them, because most aren’t visible from Highway 1. The beaches are tucked away in rocky coves, and hidden by tall bluffs.
Sonoma Coast Trail is a pretty blufftop route that connects some of these secret beaches. During spring, wildflowers brighten the bluff: blue lupine, Indian paintbrush and sea fig.
Sonoma Coast Trail begins on the bluffs above Blind Beach, but the walker can also begin at Goat Rock, located a half mile north of the trail-head. The rock is connected to the mainland by a causeway. During the 1920s, Goat Rock was quarried, and used to build a jetty at the mouth of the Russian River.
Jenner,California, Jenner-By-The-Sea
Down the road from Jenner Ca the Russian River at Hwy 1 and Hwy 116 meets the Pacific Ocean
Kayak rentals in Jenner California. Jenner is a small coastal town and census-designated place with a population of about 200 in Sonoma County, California, U.S. It is located on the Pacific coast near the mouth of the Russian River.
Jenner By The Sea, Jenner California
Kayak rentals in Jenner California. Consider renting a kayak to paddle around the estuary. During seal pupping season when you head towards the mouth you can see the seals swimming next to you.
Beautiful Downtown Jenner Ca
Kayaking off the Jenner Coastline
Beautiful awe inspiring views and unique forest
Kayak rentals and music by the shore right here in Jenner Ca
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