Park · Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Yes — Scotty Creek Beach has picnic areas open to the public. No reservation is needed for the picnic area. Fee: Free (limited parking). Wine and other alcohol are allowed (see the rules below).
Checked September 2026 from parks.sonomacounty.ca.govStated on the venue's own website
A small crescent of sand where Scotty Creek meets the ocean on Highway 1 between Bodega Bay and Jenner. There are no tables or restrooms; people picnic on the beach itself, watch the waves or fish.
Good for: Quiet · Dogs · Budget-friendly · Views
A little-known county beach on the Sonoma Coast where a tidal creek meets the surf, popular for blanket picnics and wave watching. It's free and dog-friendly, but there are no facilities.
More dog-friendly spots in Sonoma CountyMore free spots in Sonoma CountyMore best views spots in Sonoma CountyMore parks that allow wine spots in Sonoma County
Stock up at a deli nearby, then picnic close by — a short, easy loop.
Deli & market · Sebastopol · about 12 mi away
Scotty Creek Beach (this park)
Park · Sonoma Coast
Park · Sonoma Coast · about 1.1 mi away
Sebastopol · 9 mi
Sonoma Coast· 0.8 mi
A beachfront picnic spot between Bodega Bay and Jenner with tables, restrooms and a beach where leashed dogs are allowed. The Kortum Trail heads north along the bluffs from here if you want a walk after lunch.
Wright's Beach (Sonoma Coast State Park)
Nearest picnic food: Wild Flour Bread · 10 mi
Sonoma Coast· 3 mi
One of the longest, most popular sandy beaches on the Sonoma Coast, a short drive north of Bodega Bay. State Parks itself recommends a day of fishing and picnicking here. Bring a blanket for a free beach picnic from the Salmon Creek lots, or pay the day-use fee at Bodega Dunes for tables and restrooms.
Salmon Creek Beach (Sonoma Coast State Park)
Nearest picnic food: Wild Flour Bread · 8.6 mi
Sonoma Coast· 4 mi
The dramatic, easy-to-reach beach at the mouth of the Russian River, just south of Jenner, with free parking, tables and restrooms. It's a natural stop for anyone driving River Road and Highway 116 out from the Russian River wineries: eat lunch watching the harbor seals, then walk the Kortum Trail bluffs south toward Shell Beach.
Goat Rock Beach (Sonoma Coast State Park)
Nearest picnic food: Wild Flour Bread · 13 mi
Sonoma Coast· 6 mi
Sonoma County's first regional park is a long, sheltered strand of sand on Bodega Bay. It's the easiest Sonoma Coast beach for a relaxed family picnic, with tables, restrooms, a dune boardwalk and a reservable group site, and it's minutes from Bodega Bay's restaurants and shops if you need supplies.
Nearest picnic food: Wild Flour Bread · 7.8 mi
Yes — Scotty Creek Beach has picnic areas open to the public. No reservation is needed for the picnic area. Fee: Free (limited parking). Wine and other alcohol are allowed (see the rules below).
Yes. Outside food is allowed at Scotty Creek Beach.
Yes, alcohol is allowed at Scotty Creek Beach. Alcohol: Not among the parks where Sonoma County Regional Parks bans it (County Code Sec. 20-13 allows it unless a ban is posted); follow any signs. No restrooms. Use the Highway 1 bridge sidewalk to cross the creek from the north parking area.
No reservation is needed to use the picnic area. Parking is limited; park only in the designated shoulder areas.
Free (limited parking).
Leashed dogs allowed.
We last checked this listing in September 2026 (freshest source: Official Regional Parks page current Sept 2026). Policies change — especially for groups and holidays — so confirm with Scotty Creek Beach before you go. How we verify.
Picnic rules at a glance
What the picnic area is like
About Scotty Creek Beach
Make a day of it
Pick up picnic food nearby
More picnic spots nearby
Frequently asked questions
Sources & accuracy