After checking out Portuguese Beach, we hopped back in the truck to head to the next beach but we didn’t have to go far. In fact, we didn’t even need to drive five minutes on the highway! Almost immediately after pulling out of the parking lot, we pulled right into another large, semi-circular parking lot — this one for Schoolhouse Beach.
Located immediately south of Portuguese Beach, Schoolhouse Beach is yet another large, beautiful beach within the Sonoma Coast State Park. There is a decent trail that descends the bluff to provide beach access, but if you just want the views, you don’t have to go any further than the parking area. From here you can take in the entire beach, the rugged coastline, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Sitting right next to each other, separated by a rocky bluff, Portuguese Beach and Schoolhouse Beach are like sister beaches.
- Both are popular spots for rock fishing and surf fishing, picnicking, kite flying, and walking along the beach.
- Both also have large rock formations towering above you right on the beach.
But there’s one big difference: Schoolhouse Beach is a pebble beach, which means it’s made of tiny pebbles so it’s rough on bare feet!
Know Before You Go
Schoolhouse Beach is most dangerous at high tide due to strong rip currents and icy cold water so it’s not a good idea to swim at this beach! Instead, have a picnic, do some fishing, read a book, and relax while listening to the waves crash along the shore.
- Schoolhouse Beach, part of the Sonoma Coast State Park, is located at Viking Strand and CA Highway 1, Bodega Bay, California 94923 in Sonoma County.
- Download the Sonoma Coast State Park Brochure.
- There are picnic tables, vault restrooms, and trash cans available.
- Dogs are allowed on this beach.
- During low tide, there are tidepools teaming with sea life available to poke around in.
- Schoolhouse Beach is listed among the deadliest beaches on the California coastline. Signs warn visitors to stay out of the water.
