Scotty Creek Beach

Located between the towns of Bodega Bay and Jenner in Sonoma County, Scotty Creek Beach is a small and pebbly beach that is flanked by bluffs on both sides. The Scotty Creek meets the ocean near the northern end of the beach and forms a lagoon there. 

Scotty Creek Beach does not have any lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your visit accordingly. Getting to Scotty Creek Beach is easy - the beach is located near 5750 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, where there is also a free parking space available. We recommend visiting early since the small parking lot fills up quickly. 

Scotty Creek Beach offers many fun activities including fishing, wildlife watching, beachcombing, and sunbathing. Recreational aquatic activities (including, swimming, surfing, and windsurfing) are not safe in Scotty Creek Beach as the water near this beach is known for extremely strong currents, dangerous waves, and low temperatures. The water near the beach is also home to a variety of animals including seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating grey whales (between December and April). You can also fish in the water near Scotty Creek Beach - depending on the time of the year, you can catch a wide array of fish here including salmon, steelhead, halibut, and rockfish. The beach is located near lush green farmland which offers a pleasant view of the Sonoma Hills. If you are looking for a larger beach, we recommend heading south to the adjacent Portuguese Beach.

There are many attractions near Scotty Creek Beach. The Bodega Bay Heritage Gallery is an art gallery with works created by a variety of renowned artists, including Alexander Nepote and Joshua Meador (who was also an animation director at Walt Disney Studios). Saint Teresa of Avila Church is a 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,'' and Saint Teresa of Avila Church was also featured in the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. As an interesting fact, locals 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 are looking for another attraction near Scotty Creek Beach, Bodega Marine Laboratory is a part of the University of California Davis’ Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute and offers informative docent-led tours – information regarding the tours can be found online at Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute’s website. The tours display the laboratory’s interesting aquariums and exhibits that highlight the unique marine flora and fauna of Northern California.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Scotty Creek Beach. Lucas Wharf Restaurant & Bar is an upscale restaurant that offers a pleasant oceanfront dining experience and serves delicious seafood including grilled oysters, crab cakes, and seafood sandwiches. La Bodeguita Mexican Grill offers delicious tacos,enchiladas, chili verde, and camarones al mojo de ajo. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Scotty Creek Beach, the modestly priced The Dog House offers a delicious variety of hot dogs.

If you are looking for a hotel near Scotty Creek Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Bodega Bay Lodge offers many amenities including a restaurant, complimentary coffee and evening wine tasting sessions, a lounge with a fire pit, a fitness center, a spa, a pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Bodega Bay Inn which offers many amenities including a living room with a DVD library and complimentary popcorn, a sculpture garden, and a firepit. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Scotty Creek Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Bodega Harbor Inn offers many amenities including a lawn with ocean views, picnic tables, barbecue area, lounge chairs, and seasonal complimentary continental breakfast.