Chicken Ranch Beach — Attraction in Petaluma

I heard so much good about this fee free beach (great for kids, nice place...) And I really don't know why ☹️ I was excited to take my 2 little kids there but I don't like it. Water doesn't smell good, lots of people there, parallel parking without way to beach (with small kids it was really danger for us). Fun thing is my babys liked it there 😃 so next time I should be there probably early morning and check the level...

I guess this is a good place; that is, my wife grew up here and likes this beach for the lack of wind and its close to the homes. But if you're visiting, its not that great. But then contradicting myself, sitting on the beach you do enjoy some great views of the distant hills across the bay. So for "beach" its a "2" but for proximity , no fog, and some terrestrial views, ok that part's a "4", thus...

Awesome little roadside stop for the kids and dogs. A cute little creek with a bridge and immediate access to the beach. At low tide (see pictures) it's a bit of a mucky walk out to the water, but still lovely. Beach is dog-friendly and gets busy on weekends. I love it on weekday mornings with the family. Lifejackets for borrow are usually available at...