Goat for It!

Goat Rock Beach in Jenner on the Sonoma Coast and at Sonoma Coast State Beach

Behold the glorious Sonoma Coast, underrated sibling to Big Sur. Dozens of accessible pocket beaches pop up all along this dramatic stretch of northern California that's perfect for pictures. Most photogenic of them all? Goat Rock Beach, a sub-unit of Sonoma Coast State Park in Jenner. This unique spot is so photogenic that the final scene from the cult classic hit The Goonies was filmed here. Idyllically situated right where the Russian River flows into the Pacific, Goat Rock has a wide, accessible, and sandy beach, its shoreline thumping from the ocean side as waves churn and roil towards shore, smashing up against rocky outcroppings, spraying sea mist towards land.

Amidst the drama is the easily identifiable Arched Rock, a sea castle with a huge gape, an icon of the area (if you look closely at it, it almost resembles a giant turtle sticking its head and neck out).

BEVERAGE BONUS: Whether you’re in the mood for a latte, sandwich, or just lounging by the river, Café Aquatica (10439 Highway 1, Jenner) is the place. Snuggled up right on the Russian River and looking out to Goat Rock Beach, Café Aquatica is rustic originality with good coffee, breakfast burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, just about anything you’d want for casual coastal comfort food.

Goat Rock Beach is accessed off of Hwy. 1 just south of the Russian River in Jenner (map). Parts of Goat Rock Beach are dog-friendly (on-site signage indicates where dogs are allowed). Café Aquatica is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View