There are several sand dune beaches in Northern California, but nothing like these. Bodega Dunes in Northern California has soft sand dunes that you can jump in and explore.

Typically, sand dunes are in deserts and places with arid land. These ocean-front dunes have two gorgeous natural scenes combined.
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The dunes and beach are located in Jenner, north of the town of Bodega Bay. These dunes are a mix of succulent and grass-covered coastal dunes, plus sandy dunes that are perfect for hiking, jumping over, and exploring.
Bodega Dunes Beach is part of Sonoma Coast State Park.
Greg D/Google Images
This area of the state is often foggy in the morning and can be chilly, so check the weather before your visit. This peaceful beach area has sand dunes that extend for miles along the coastline. Day use is $8 per vehicle. It opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset.
The sand dunes tower over the beach, and provide a fun place to play or relax. Bring a boogie board or even a large piece of cardboard to surf down the dunes.
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Locals love this beach for the beautiful driftwood structures that wash ashore. This is also a must-see place for bird watchers. Bodega Dunes Beach is home to the endangered Western Snowy Plover. You can spot this cute shorebird scurrying around on the sandy beaches.

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This flat beach is a good place to picnic and watch for whales.
C W/ Google Images
It’s always a good time to whale watch in Northern California! Gray Whales migrate from December to May, and Humpback Whales migrate from May to November, so no matter when you go you have a chance of spotting a whale.
If you want to spend more than just a day at the dunes, there is a campground adjacent to the dunes.
Derek Gove/Google Images
Bodega Dunes Campground has 99 spots for campers and is a 15-minute walk to the beach. No dogs are allowed on the beach or dunes, but dogs are allowed on leashes in the campground.
If you want to see dunes as well as a beach, plan a visit to Bodega Dunes Beach.
John/Google Images
Bodega Dunes Beach is about two hours from Sacramento and an hour and a half from San Francisco.

If you want to explore this coastal area, check out the Bodega Head Trail. This 1.7-mile loop will treat you to jaw-dropping ocean views.

Have you ever surfed the Northern California sand dunes? We’d love to see your photos on Facebook.

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Bodega Dunes Beach, Salmon Creek, Jenner, CA 95450, USA