01
Best overall pick
Doran Regional Park (Doran Beach)
Bodega Bay • Wide Family-Friendly Ocean Beach • Best For Easy All-Day Hangs
A long, gently sloping beach in Bodega Bay with mellow waves, easy parking, and room for everyone.
Doran is often the first choice for Penngrove locals who want a classic ocean day without much hassle. The two-mile stretch of sand is great for walking, kite flying, and letting kids dig while you watch boats come and go from the harbor. Arrive earlier on sunny weekends, when the parking lots can fill by midday.
02
Best for surfy vibes
Salmon Creek Beach
North Of Bodega Bay • Windy Surf Beach With Dunes • Best For Wave Watching And Walking
A raw, open stretch of coast where surfers, birders, and beach walkers share the sand and dunes.
Just a bit farther up the coast from Bodega Bay, Salmon Creek feels wilder and more exposed than Doran. The waves and rip currents make it better for strolling the shoreline, exploring the dunes, and watching surfers than for casual swimming. Pack layers—the wind can whip even on warm inland days.
03
Most dramatic scenery
Goat Rock Beach
Near Jenner • Rugged Coastal Viewpoint Beach • Great For Dramatic Scenery And Photography
A stunning beach at the mouth of the Russian River, framed by sea stacks, cliffs, and often a colony of harbor seals.
Goat Rock is the place to go when you care more about jaw-dropping views than spreading out a picnic blanket on calm sand. The mix of crashing surf, steep bluffs, and rock formations makes this a favorite for photographers and sunset chasers. Strict wildlife protections are in place, so expect posted closures near the seals and keep a respectful distance.
04
Best river option
Johnson's Beach
Guerneville Riverfront • Classic Russian River Swim Beach • Best For Summer River Days
A laid-back stretch of pebbly sand on the Russian River with calm water, rentals, and a nostalgic summer-camp feel.
On hot inland days when the coast is socked in with fog, Penngrove residents often trade the ocean for the warmer water at Johnson's Beach. The slow-moving river, rentals like kayaks and inner tubes, and nearby food options make it easy to settle in for the afternoon. Shade from the surrounding redwoods is a bonus if you’re trying to avoid full sun.
05
Best small beach town feel
Dillon Beach
Dillon Beach Village • Laid-Back Dog-Friendly Beach • Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Escape
A relaxed, spacious beach on the Marin coast with gentle sand, good dog walking, and a sleepy village vibe.
Tucked just over the county line in Marin, Dillon Beach feels like a mellow little getaway but is still an easy drive from Penngrove. The broad, gently sloping shoreline is popular with families, dog walkers, and beginner surfers on smaller days. Pair a beach walk with a stop at the local café or general store to round out the trip.