D: Doran Beach

       Doran Park is a gentle and relaxing beach park on the Sonoma County coast.  It has a two mile stretch of sandy and sheltered beach and is an ideal place to fly kites, build sand castles, walk dogs (on leash), play frisbee, football, or volleyball, or just read and nap.  The word "sheltered" is important.  Many of the north coast beaches come with cold and treacherous surf.  It is relatively common to hear the medivac helicopter flying some fearless (or foolish) person to the local hospital.  Most locals know not to mess with the riptides and crashing surf but tourists think they know better.  Those waves and those cliffs will steal more than your attention if you are not careful.

     But that is one of the beauties of Doran Park. Doran Beach Park rests on a spit of land that projects into Bodega Bay. The waves here are generally light and playful.  This is a safe beach for children to play in the surf and to learn never to turn their back on the sea. The coast is only a twenty minute drive from our home so from the time RR and I came to live in Sonoma County, we have enjoyed frequent excursions over to the coast.  Sonny Boy and his sister Nutmeg grew up playing in the dunes and waves at Doran.  This beach plays a big role in our family history

Doran is a wonderful spot for people watching AND bird watching.  I'll leave you with some inspirations!