Doran for Days

Relax and Picnic at Doran Regional Park in Sonoma County

08.07.2024

Want the best seats in the house for your beachside picnic or barbecue? Beeline to Bodega Bay’s sprawling Doran Beach (aka Doran Regional Park). Just get there early because summer parking fills fast! At Doran you’ll have 2 miles of sandy beach and a BBQ area.

The drive there is beautiful too, out on a scenic spit of land protecting Bodega Harbor from the rollicking Pacific. Picnic tables with fire rings are sheltered from wind by crescent-shaped walls, with great views too!

Tomales Point sits to the south, with the bluffs of Bodega Head to the west. Even if you’re opting for a simple picnic, this beach can be beautiful for spreading a blanket and relaxing.

And if it’s one of those windy days … well, a little drama isn’t so bad – just be sure to bring layers!

Tip: Doran Regional Park also has several coastal campsites, some of which overlook Bodega Bay. 

Doran Beach is in Bodega Bay (map). There is a parking entrance fee. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request. Arrive early as parking fills quickly and closes if full. More info. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Peak at the Flowers

    Terrific views and vibrant hues define this 4.8-mile out-and-back journey on Mount Diablo.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

    View

  2. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  3. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  4. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View