Dawn patrol surfing in Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay, California

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Bodega Bay means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:44 AM
First Light: 6:14 AM

Day length: 12h 56m

-3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:44 AM

First light: 6:14 AM

Sunset

7:41 PM

Last light: 8:11 PM

Data from Bodega Bay / Doran Beach · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:44 AM

Sunset

7:41 PM

Day Length

12h 56m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

7:39 PM

Day Length

12h 54m

Sun, Sep 6

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

7:38 PM

Day Length

12h 51m

Mon, Sep 7

Sunrise

6:47 AM

Sunset

7:36 PM

Day Length

12h 49m

Tue, Sep 8

Sunrise

6:48 AM

Sunset

7:35 PM

Day Length

12h 47m

Best dawn patrol spots in Bodega Bay

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Featured Beaches(2)

Bodega Bay / Doran Beach

Beginner friendly

Doran Beach inside Bodega Bay offers gentle beach break waves ideal for beginners. The outer reefs protect the bay from larger swells, so waves are usually small, but occasional NW swells can produce fun, rippable peaks.

North Salmon Creek Beach

Intermediate

North Salmon Creek Beach is the sandy Sonoma Coast State Park shoreline north of the Salmon Creek mouth, with public access from Highway 1.

Dawn patrol access guide for Bodega Bay

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Bodega Bay / Doran Beach
beach
beginner

Doran Beach inside Bodega Bay offers gentle beach break waves ideal for beginners. The outer reefs protect the bay from larger swells, so waves are usually small, but occasional NW swells can produce fun, rippable peaks.

Early access

Short walk across the dunes to the water; watch out for bird nesting areas.

Parking

Park inside Doran Regional Park for a fee; spots are close to the beach.

North Salmon Creek Beach
beach

North Salmon Creek Beach is the sandy Sonoma Coast State Park shoreline north of the Salmon Creek mouth, with public access from Highway 1.

Early access

Use the signed North Salmon Creek parking area and beach paths. Follow posted habitat and ocean warnings; do not trample dunes.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Bodega Bay

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Beginner Spots
Gentle waves for learning
Longboard Spots
Mellow waves for logging
Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Bodega Bay

Dawn patrol in Bodega Bay typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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