It really doesn’t get any better than this. The rocks jutting out of the water & breathtaking views remind me of the San Luis Obispo area, only not near as many people. It’s a great place to surf, or kick back and watch others catching a wave from one of the many stops along HWY 1 to pull out. There is a different beach it seems around every corner, and it’s not hard to find a place all your own. Most beaches are pet-friendly as well!
This is NOT however, a place to swim (except for clearly marked beaches). The waves, current, and fast drop off to deep waters make it one of the most dangerous places to get in the water. However, many places you can easily see multiple types of whales as they are migrating north or south, and the deeper waters along with areas that stick out a little further into the sea make for perfect watching places. It never gets old heading to the Sonoma Coast. Check out the local shops and area stores in nearby Bodega Bay. Just a great area in general, and one of the endless wonders of the Bay Area.