Indeed one of the most scenic place in California is Goat Rock Beach. One of California’s attractions that you should visit if you’re a traveler or a group of family seeking a wonderful kind of adventure.
SONOMA COAST STATE PARK
Another day of unexpected getaway happened last weekend and it was an unforgettable experience in the serenity of nature. The beauty of this place is mesmerizing, the scenic views of the headlands, the long sand beach below it, the cliffs, the rock formations, the strong big waves from the ocean, and the wild life. It is such a perfect place to relax and breath after a long week.
We didn’t know what to expect before our arrival but when we got there, it was beyond what we thought it would be.
Sonoma Coast State Park is a rocky coastline with craggy cliffs bordering the pacific ocean located in Sonoma County at Bodega Bay, California. It features natural harbor and rock arches in rounded cliffs which divide many long sandy beach below its peninsula. The beaches are easily accessible by the public since it has a lot of entrance points and parking lots.
We chose to go to Goat Rock State Beach, quite distance away from other beaches. On our way, we passed through a lot of gift shops, souvenir shops and restaurants. We saw most travelers have their R.V’s and camping trucks and some have their surf boards and camping gears on top of their cars.
As we went through the rocky landscape, the astonishing scenery was breathtaking, it boost our excitement to get to the beach and see the water up close.
GOAT ROCK STATE BEACH
It’s a long wide sandy beach located near the mouth of the Russian river, where you can see great rock arches and natural cove. The beach has a fine grayish to black sand and the rocks were composed of small pebbles in different shades. Upon entry, we already saw public restrooms and picnic tables along side the parking lot and small walking path towards the sand going to the beach.
We arrived late in the afternoon almost sunset, it was a perfect time since the temperature was not that hot and not so cold neither, just a super cool refreshing ocean breeze.
Nice getaway to escape from the heat of the city.
ACTIVITIES
We enjoyed playing beach volleyball, playing in the sand and running away from the huge waves. Some people were walking along the shoreline and some were just sitting and sun bathing. You can also try paragliding and kite flying!
But the most exciting thing that we saw in our visit was the whale and the seal! Unexpectedly they appeared in the wavy ocean just in front of the beach, although it was in a distant, we still recognized that it was a whale because of its size and because it was blowing water. And the seal came very close to the shore, it was swimming with the waves.
Watching migrating whale in front of the beach.
I didn’t get a good picture of the seal that was swimming in the ocean since the waves were too strong that it covered the seal so fast and it disappeared even before I made myself ready for the shot.
Anyway during some time of the day according to few articles I’ve read, you can really see a lot of them offshore, it will be just the timing if you get there on that specific time of the day.
THINGS TO KNOW!
1.Although Goat Rock Beach has the gorgeous views of beautiful long sand and relaxing surfing waves, it is not advisable to swim here since the waves are too strong and the sea floor drops deep and fast.
2. Dogs are not allowed, you can take your dog in the nearby beach, on Blind beach which is off the south parking lot of Goat Rock.
3. Fishing is also prohibited since Goat Rock beach is part of Russian River State Marine Conservation Area (SMRCA).
4. When watching seals or sea lions, authorities advised public to stay 50 yards away from it especially during between the months of March to August which is the pupping season.
5. Please be very careful with the water, always stay above the highest water marks in the sand. The waves are very dangerous so be cautious especially if you have little kids.
Another well spent weekend! You should never miss to visit this place once you are in California, it is such a wonderful adventure to the magical beauty of nature!
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