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Bodega Head, Bodega Bay

4.8
#1 of 6 in Beaches in Sonoma County
Must see · Geologic Formation · Beach
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Bodega Head is a small promontory on the Pacific coast of northern California in the United States. It is located in Sonoma County at 38.311°N 123.066°W / 38.311; -123.066, approximately 40 mi (64 km) northwest of San Francisco and approximately 20 mi (32 km) west of Santa Rosa.

The peninsula, which is approximately 4 mi (6.4 km) long and 1 mi (1.6 km) wide, emerges from the coast to the south. It shelters the shallow, sandy Bodega Bay and the inner portion known as Bodega Harbor. Sonoma Coast State Beach comprises beaches and dunes along the south side of the promontory. The University of California, Davis runs an ongoing marine biology program at the Bodega Marine Laboratory. The laboratory is located on the grounds of Bodega Marine Reserve, which is part of the UC Natural Reserve System. The peninsula is considered a prime spot to observe the migration of whales. It is also one of the three points of the Red Triangle, a major feeding ground for great white sharks. A series of trails are a popular destination for recreational hiking.

Bodega Head State Marine Reserve & Bodega Head State Marine Conservation Area protect area waters. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

The peninsula was probably inhabited by the Coast Miwok people before the arrival of Europeans. Campbell Cove, on the east side of the promontory, is a candidate for Sir Francis Drake's 1579 landing site.
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Bodega Head reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
621 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • Nice relaxing place but restaurants so expensive. Though when we went there it’s windy and cold but still enjoyed it. 
    Nice relaxing place but restaurants so expensive. Though when we went there it’s windy and cold but still enjoyed it.  more »
  • I biked over to the parking lot from my campground and then hiked the trail along the head. There are stunning views of the rough coastline and the Pt Reyes peninsula along the way. Unfortunately... 
    I biked over to the parking lot from my campground and then hiked the trail along the head. There are stunning views of the rough coastline and the Pt Reyes peninsula along the way. Unfortunately...  more »
Google
  • This area has the coooolest coastal hike, and you can totally make it your own with all the little trails and offshoots throughout! Sweeping views of the coast, ocean, beaches, and town of Bodega Bay. We had the best time - hiked for about two hours (a slow hike with lots of photo breaks and lots of digging in the sand on the beach 😊). Would absolutely recommend making this a stop on your trip!
  • Stunning views from this trail! Felt like I was in a classic novel from Cornwall while taking in the sound of the water crashing against the rocks and the fog rolling in…The wildflowers were so pretty and smelled divine! It was definitely a highlight on our journey to experience this hike 🙏🏻

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