Camp On A Beautiful Stretch Of California Coast At This Family-Friendly Oceanfront Park
Along California's Sonoma Coast sits 2 miles of beach that offers the perfect location for a family-friendly getaway. A 90-minute drive from San Francisco, Doran Regional Park is one of Sonoma County's most beautiful and popular camping destinations. The oceanfront park is bordered by Bodega Bay and Bodega Harbor and offers a plethora of activities for adventurers of all skill levels. There are spots on the beach to picnic, bird-watch, and fly kites. It also features a boat launch from where, for a $4 fee, visitors can access Bodega Bay and Bodega Harbor for kayaking, bodyboarding, paddleboarding, and other water sports. The jetty at the mouth of the bay offers a popular spot for fishing and crabbing.
@jasiboo_ The tide was low and the rocks were abundant with life!!! 🐚 #tidepools #bodegabay #doranbeach #starfish
If you want to opt for a more leisurely pastime, there are plenty of easy walking trails with stunning views that are perfect for families. Ocean explorers can expect to find diverse marine life in the crystalline waters. Since the beach is south-facing, the waves are typically calmer than other locations along the Sonoma Coast, making Doran Park a safe destination for visitors of all ages.
Plan your trip to this California oceanfront campground
If you're exploring all the adventures Northern California has to offer, a camping getaway to Doran Park is a must. Doran offers over 120 campsites across five campgrounds that are available to reserve year round. You must have a reservation in order to set up camp and can book your spot up to a year in advance. Campsites offer enough space for tents, trailers, and RVs, though it should be noted that RV hook-ups are not available.
The campgrounds offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, portable water, and generators. The restrooms feature flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and electrical outlets. These features make Doran a great spot for first-time campers or individuals who appreciate modern-day comforts paired with their adventures. The park is also pet friendly, though dogs must be kept on a leash and there's a fee.
According to Sonoma County Regional Parks, Doran can get busy on holidays and weekends, and entry closes once the parking lots are full. If you're planning to go on a more popular date, try to get there as early as you can. If you wish to avoid crowds, book during the off season in spring or fall.
Family-friendly fun at Doran Regional Park
A trip to Doran Regional Park is a family vacation perfect for any occasion. Use it as a spot to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. Let it be the destination to commemorate your child's first camping trip. Or go just to have a nice, relaxing weekend and unwind with the people you love most. Sometimes, good old quality time is enough of a reason to pack up and head to the beach.
There are, however, a few things to keep in mind before you go. Though the currents along the beach are calm, the water is very cold, even in the summer months. Wetsuits and similar swimwear (such as neoprene swimming caps, swimming socks, vests, and swim leggings) are the way to go. Additionally, be aware that there are no lifeguards at the park, so practice water safety. Make sure small children are wearing floatation vests and are always in close proximity to an adult.
If you wish to kayak, paddleboard or partake in any other water sports, you must bring equipment from home or rent equipment from businesses outside of the park. Bodega Bay Kayak is an eight-minute drive from the park and offers kayak and paddleboard rentals.
If you're keen on staying dry, hit up some of the walking trails. The Doran Beach Trail is the longest at nearly 4 miles out and back and takes you on an easy walk along the entirety of the beach. The Cheney Creek Trail and Bird Walk Loop and the Doran Marsh Trail are much shorter and are great for bird watching. There are so many family-friendly adventures that await you at Doran Regional Park.