Discover Sea Life on the Sonoma Coast

The quaint coastal towns of Sonoma County give you a front-row seat to the impressive Pacific Ocean and some of the rich marine life that thrives there. Come for a memorable visit and experience the energy and biodiversity of the northern California coast.

Take A Tour

On a fun-filled trip to the seaside village of Bodega Bay, be sure to visit the Bodega Marine Laboratory perched on the bluffs at one of four coastal regions in the world deemed vital for research and discoveries. 

Here, you can view aquariums with local and unique creatures, a tidepool habitat, a kelp forest, and an estuary. Volunteer docent-led tours are available by reservation on most Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m. for groups of less than 10. Tours run approximately one hour and are geared toward adults and children over the age of 12, though all ages are welcome.

Watch for Whales

Did you know that more than 20,000 gray whales migrate along the Sonoma Coast each year? These beautiful creatures travel our coastline on their journey from the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea to the Gulf of Cortez in Mexico, where they calf in winter. From January through May, the mother whales and their newborns hug the shore as they head north to feed in Alaska.

Whales can often be seen from the overlook at Bodega Head. On weekends during peak seasons, you may find volunteers from the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods on hand to offer their tips for spotting these majestic giants.

Whale watching is also popular at Gualala Point Regional Park, The Sea Ranch, Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Timber Cove Resort, and Fort Ross State Historic Park.

See Seals and Sea Birds

View wildlife year-round at Goat Rock Beach, near the mouth of the Russian River in the town of Jenner. This beach is a regular resting ground for seagulls, sea otters, elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions. It’s amazing to watch these animals, especially the frisky pups, but please remember they are wild and should not be approached.

Hit the Trails for Coastal Flora and Fauna

Hikers will find lots of reasons and places to pull on their boots, fill a water bottle, and hit the trails. Climb hills from which you can spot golden eagles on a clear day or wander along coastal paths that offer dramatic views of the ocean.

Salt Point State Park and Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve include a variety of terrain for all levels, including easy access and well-maintained trails accessible from various parking areas throughout the beautiful protected lands of the Sonoma Coast State Park.

Find more information about things to do, restaurants, and hotels and lodging in Sonoma County.

Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

See Sonoma County’s safety tips for water activities.