53.9
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Overview
Located in the town of Jenner, Gerstle Cove is a rocky beach below the visitor center building in Salt Point State Park on the south side of the mouth of Miller Creek. Gerstle Cove is a part of Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve and is a well-known diving destination.
Amenities
Gerstle Cove offers many amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, tide pools, trails, and a paid campground.
Activities
There are many fun activities at Gerstle Cove including scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, tide pooling, whale watching, and abalone diving. Please note that fishing is not allowed at Gerstle Cove.
Parking
Getting to Gerstle Cove is very easy – the beach is situated at 25050 Coast Highway and there is a paid parking lot named Salt Point Parking Area a few yards from the beach.
Attractions
If you are looking for attractions near Gerstle Cove, you can drive 45 minutes to Bodega Marine Reserve, a natural and marine reserve that is spread across 362 acres and is a great vista point for taking Instagram-worthy pictures and viewing the North Pacific Ocean and Bodega Bay. The Links at Bodega Harbour is an 18-hole oceanfront golf course featuring a golf shop, gallery, restaurant, yacht club, live music, and hosts many tournaments. The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center is dedicated to the works of Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts comic strip, and is home to a three-and-a-half-ton sculpture depicting the evolution of Snoopy – a character in the comic, Schulz’s studio, and three rotating galleries. Another great attraction near Gerstle Cove is Elk Reserve, a national park that is an awesome destination for picnicking, camping, and watching Tule Elk, pelicans, seagulls, and cormorants.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, you can drive 30 minutes to many restaurants near Gerstle Cove. The American restaurant-bar Coastal Kitchen serves burgers, sandwiches, soups, cocktails, beers, and has a long wine list. Tomales deli + café is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. Another good restaurant near Gerstle Cove is Huria’s, a woodfired restaurant featuring NY-inspired pizza Napoletana, North African dishes, wine, and desserts.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Gerstle Cove, you can drive 40 minutes to many nearby hotels. The 3-Star Bodega Bay Inn welcomes pets and features ocean view rooms, fire pits, and a sculpture garden. If you are looking for affordable hotels near Gerstle Cove, the 3-Star pet-friendly hotel Tomales Bay Resort & Marina offers a pool and kayaking, biking, canoeing, and hiking tours – and the 2-Star Bodega Harbor Inn is a pet-friendly hotel.
(707) 847-3221
2650 feet
Restroom Available
Sunrise to Sunset
Beige
Parking Available
Amenities
Restrooms
Showers
Activities
Bike Paths
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Rentals
Bikes
Food
Access
Car Access
Foot Access
Parking - Free
Features
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Gerstle Cove have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.
Does Gerstle Cove have lifeguards?
No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Gerstle Cove a family-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Gerstle Cove good for swimming?
Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Gerstle Cove have restrooms?
Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.
Is Gerstle Cove a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Gerstle Cove?
No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.
What are the activities at Gerstle Cove?
Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Camping, Fishing, Hiking.
Does Gerstle Cove have accommodations for people with disabilities?
No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Gerstle Cove a dog-friendly beach?
No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.
Is Gerstle Cove good for surfing?
No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.
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