In this post, I will tell you about one of my absolute favorite places on the Sonoma Coast — Doran Beach. I think this is the very best beach for kids. This is the beach my family and I go to whenever we have a beach day.

One of the best things about Doran Beach, especially if you’re visiting with kids or just want a relaxing day, is that it’s much safer compared to other beaches along the Sonoma Coast. A lot of beaches in Sonoma County have strong currents and big waves that can make swimming risky, but Doran Beach is tucked into Bodega Bay, so it’s more sheltered. This means the waves are typically gentle and the water stays pretty shallow near the shore, making it a safer spot for wading and enjoying the ocean without worrying about big waves or rip currents. It is the perfect spot for families or anyone looking for a safe, mellow beach day! 

Doran Beach is in Doran Regional Park, which is on a crescent-shaped peninsula in Bodega Bay. The park is located at 201 Doran Beach Road, one mile south of Bodega Bay on Doran Park Road. It is one of the closest beaches to Petaluma. It is about a 30 minute drive to Doran Beach from Petaluma. The drive itself is really pretty, winding through coastal hills and farmland. We always see a bunch of cows. I highly recommend stopping at Wildflour Bakery in Freestone on the way to pick up some coffee, bread, and scones.

So, let’s talk about what else makes this beach so family-friendly. Doran beach has a long, sandy shoreline. Because the beach stretches out for almost two miles, there’s plenty of space to spread out. It does get really busy here in the summer months, but if you are willing to walk, you can always find a spot away from other people.

Another big plus for Doran Beach is the amenities. There are bathrooms with flushing toilets, which is huge with kids. There are also picnic tables and grills. There are showers with hot water and places to spray the sand off your feet before heading home. 

For those of you with older kids, there's also some great wildlife spotting here. Doran Beach is right along a migratory bird path, so you'll often see many different species of birds — herons, pelicans, and sometimes even hawks. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some seals hanging out in the water! We see seals in the water pretty regularly.

You can also camp at Doran Beach. The campground has over 120 sites, many with ocean views. Just be sure to reserve in advance, as this popular campground fills up quickly, especially in peak season.

Doran Beach is also dog-friendly, which is nice because dogs are not allowed on all beaches in Sonoma County. Be aware that dogs need to stay on-leash. Doran Beach also allowes horses on a 1-mile stretch of beach at the east end of the park.

One last thing: if you can, get there early, especially on weekends or during the summer. Doran Beach is pretty popular for a reason, and parking can fill up quickly. Doran costs $7 per car for parking, but it is free if you are a member. I highly recommend becoming a Sonoma County Regional Park member as it gives you unlimited day-use access to over 50 beautiful parks, free parking, and discounts on camping. You also get to skip the line at Doran if you are a member, which is awesome during the summer months.

So, if you're looking for a fun, safe, and all-around beautiful beach to visit with the family, Doran Beach is definitely where you want to go. It’s got everything you need for a stress-free day with the kids — gentle waves, plenty of space, and really beautiful views. 

Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Doran Beach or if you have any other favorite beaches on the Sonoma Coast. And, if you need any help buying or selling real estate in Sonoma or Marin County, give me a call. I’d love to help you.