Doran Beach

Doran Beach is a south to southwest facing crescent next to Bodega Bay. It's part of Sonoma County Doran Park. Like South Beach, the direction of the beach is it's biggest asset. Predominant, and frequently howling, northwest winds blow offshore closest to the harbor entrance and sideshore further down this two mile stretch. The beach direction also cuts down most swell in size significantly. It takes a big west swell to generate enough wrap and an even bigger northwest swell. The less freqeunt south swells make it right in here.

I've made many trips up here either to surf alone or with a friend who lives in the area. Mostly this was out of a desire to escape the springtime northwest winds at the same time a sizeable swell was coming in. Also out of a burning desire for a little elbow room. There are always people surfing here, particularly on the sandbars near the small parking area near the $6 payed entrance. Fortunately, there's plenty of room to spread out. It's a two hour drive from the sizeable SF Bay Area surfing population. In addition, it's not like the sandbars are an epic draw. All of which leads to waves you can usually surf alone or with just a few people nearby.

Sun, offshore wind, small swell at Doran Beach.

High tide is usually a must and even then many of the waves are closeouts due to the flatness of the bottom. In between those closeouts are some fast, racey waves. What you get here are some decent waves when everything else is blown out, generally without crowds, in a nice natural setting.

Doran Beach is also ones of those beaches where you can camp, take a very short walk to the beach, and surf. Aside from Doran Beach County Park, there are several other campground in the area. However, if you want surf Doran, this is the place to stay. Salmon Creek is also a short drive away.

The Quaint, small town of Bodega is here and has several restaurants. I recommend The Tide Restaurant. Lodging is limited and expensive. Camping or not, make sure you have a reservation so you don't have to backtrack to Petaluma or Santa Rosa. Bodega is most well know as the location for Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds".

Nearby Surf Shops

Bodega Bay Surf Shack, 1400 N Highway 1 # E, Bodega Bay CA 94923 (707) 875-3944

Northern Light Surf Shop, 17191 Bodega Highway, Bodega CA (707) 876-3032

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