7.2 out of 10

Doran Beach Rd, Bodega Bay

Ranked 1st best street in Bodega Bay
38.3148532569447 -123.042863302041
Great for
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Safe & Sound
  • Clean & Green
  • Eating Out
Not great for
  • Cost of Living
  • Nightlife
  • Shopping Options
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
2yrs+

"Not bad for Six Bucks"

On the one hand, a small part of my soul dies every time I have to pay $6 to go to any kind of nature - whether it is a state park, a beach, or anything in between. Doran Regional Park offers a good trade-off, though - a well-maintained beach with clean(ish) public restrooms, campsites (for an additional fee), barbecue pits, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This is not necessarily a surfer's beach, as the waves are small (and no self-respecting surfer would pay $6 a pop to go to the beach), but it is a great place for families.

The biggest bonus would be if they could do something about the water temperatures - Northern California is not exactly known for the great swimming in the ocean. But otherwise, it is a great beach to take the kids to for the day that is relatively low-traffic and close to a nice town.
Pros
  • Well-served beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Scenic
Cons
  • Cold water
  • $6 entry fee
  • Removed from any major towns
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
2yrs+

"Good Beach, Hard to Find"

Doran Beach Road is, in some ways, the ideal beach town road. It is secluded but centrally located, and leads to a beautiful beach on the Pacific Ocean that is filled with families and groups picnicking, barbecuing, playing frisbee, and even, occasionally, getting in the water (this is Northern California, after all). While the waves are flat, there is plenty of activity in the area.

The road is also very low in traffic, and is located close to the town, which has some great seafood restaurants, although the nightlife is severely lacking. Bodega Bay itself also offers some unique activities, like windsurfing and kite boarding.

The biggest downfall is that it is not very visible if you are driving northbound on the 1 (which most people are) - and if you miss it, you are required to turn into the Bodega Bay visitors' center in order to turn around and get there. But if that is the price to pay for so little traffic, then, umm...it's worth it!
Pros
  • Beautiful beach
  • Great outdoor activities
  • Family-friendly area
Cons
  • Difficult to get to
  • Difficult to find
  • Not much else to do in the area
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers

Best Streets in Bodega Bay

1

Doran Beach Rd

3.5/5
"Not bad for Six Bucks"
38.3148532569447 -123.042863302041
2

Hwy 1

3.5/5
"Cow Country turned beachfront property"
38.322829659218 -123.012766814088

Unranked Streets in Bodega Bay

West Side Rd

3.5/5
"One of the most beautiful places in Northern California..."
38.3029722295751 -123.060529300469

Bay Hill Rd

3.5/5
"Quiet with Good Beach Access"
38.3439063718033 -123.023532601051

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