Arched Rock Beach(Sonoma Coast State Park)

Located three miles north of the town of Bodega Bay, Arched Rock Beach is a small beach that is situated below a series of steep coastal bluffs. Arched Rock Beach has light brown sand and its northern and southern parts are rocky. Arched Rock Beach is a part of Sonoma Coast State Park and is named after a natural rocky arch that is located just offshore. 

Arched Rock Beach does not have any lifeguards or any other amenities so prepare accordingly.

Arched Rock Beach offers many fun activities including kayaking, canoeing, boating, beachcombing, fishing, tide-pooling, wildlife watching, and jet-skiing. It is recommended to avoid engaging in activities like swimming and surfing in the water near Arched Rock Beach as the water here, like other beaches along the Sonoma County coastline, is known for its strong waves, dangerous currents, and extremely cold temperatures. In addition, the rocky shoreline near the beach can also inflict grave injuries, and great white sharks have also been spotted in the water near Arched Rock Beach. The water near the beach is also home to many animals including seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating grey whales (between December and April). A popular activity in Arched Rock Beach is fishing - depending on the time of the year you can catch a large array of fish here including halibut, perch, and salmon. However, if you are planning to fish in Arched Rock Beach, we recommend that you comply with the local fishing regulations. The natural arch-shaped rock formation located near the beach offers some excellent Instagram-worthy photos. If you like horseback riding, Horse N Around Trail Rides (located at 18401 CA-1, a 12-minute drive away from the beach) offers exciting horseback rides along the vibrant Bodega Bay landscape and coastline.

Getting to Arched Rock Beach is easy – the access trail to the beach is marked via a signpost and located along Pacific Coast Highway around three miles north of the town of Bodega Bay - a bit further north of the intersection between Coleman Valley Road and Pacific Coast Highway. There is also a free blufftop parking lot near the access trail to the beach. We recommend visiting the beach wearing appropriate footwear since the access trail can be steep and also gets slippery immediately after it rains.

There are many attractions near Arched Rock Beach. Sonoma Coast Vineyards organizes memorable wine tasting sessions and also has a picnic spot on a knoll that offers spectacular Instagram-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean and Bodega Bay. Pacific Bay Gallery is an art gallery featuring interesting artworks including carvings, sculptures, relic art, and paintings. If you are looking for another attraction near Arched Rock Beach, Saint Teresa of Avila Church is a local historical landmark that was constructed in 1860 and is one of the oldest churches of Sonoma County which is still operational. The church was also the subject of the famous photographer Ansel Adams’ 1953 photograph "Church and Road." In addition, Saint Teresa of Avila Church was also featured in the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. As an interesting fact, locals often say that Alfred Hitchcock often attended church services in Saint Teresa of Avila Church while filming the movie, a large part of which was shot in Bodega Bay.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Arched Rock Beach. The Tides Wharf & Restaurant is an upscale restaurant that offers excellent steaks and seafood. In addition, the restaurant offers a pleasant waterfront dining experience and was also a location inThe Birds. Fishetarian Fish Market offers excellent seafood tacos, sandwiches, fish and chips, and clam chowder. In addition, this restaurant was also awarded the Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award in 2020. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Arched Rock Beach, the modestly priced Diekmann’s Bay Store offers outstanding pizzas, sandwiches, corn-dogs, fries, and burritos.

If you are looking for a hotel to stay near Arched Rock Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Sonoma Coast Villa offers many amenities including a spa, a hot tub, a pool, a nine-hole golf course, a restaurant, complimentary wine tasting sessions, and complimentary breakfast. A more affordable and interesting option is the Chanslor Ranch, which is set in a 400-acre nature preserve that offers spectacular views of rugged northern California. The ranch also offers accommodation in tents (showers and restrooms are available at the ranch) and cabins, and the ranch also offers many fun activities including horse riding, kayaking, and fishing. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Arched Rock Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Bodega Harbor Inn has a lawn with ocean views, picnic tables, barbecue area, lounge chairs, and seasonal complimentary continental breakfast.