Sonoma Coast Road Trip
May 14th, 2009 categories: Buyer Resource, Coastal Sonoma
We have stopped in Guerneville taken in a blues festival, a jazz festival, and splashed around in the Russian River. We have stopped in Cazadero and taken in the tranquil beauty of this away from it all area. We are entering Coastal Sonoma, where the Pacific Ocean sets an amazing backdrop for several cities.
Many have argued that the beauty of Sonoma County is in the Wine Country…the planted rows of grapes of all varieties, the changing color of the grape leaves in fall, the mustard that grows in the early spring in the vineyards, and of course the deep red hue of a Sonoma County Cabernet or Pinot.
There is another group of people who argue that the beauty of Sonoma County is in the coastal region.
Not to waffle here, but I tend to think that both the Wine Country AND the Sonoma Coast are very different and very beautiful. Can’t we have both?
The first stop when CA 116 reaches the coast is Jenner, California. Jenner is a really small town (population around 125) located where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. The coastline is rugged and rocky with plenty of beaches. We recommend a 1 or 2 days getaway to Jenner, and make sure you make reservations for dinner and a sunset at River’s End Restaurant and Inn.
Here is a picture from Bodega Head, which is just west of Bodega Bay. Bodega Bay is a cute little town, (Population just under 1,000) with a surprising amount of things to do. From fishing, to surfing, kayaking, beaches, camping and even beaches for dogs, there are a lot of recreational outlets. Bodega Bay is also home to galleries, spas (our favorites are Osmosis Enzyme Bath Spa and The Sonoma Coast Villa Country Inn and Spa) there are also opportunities to relax and rejuvenate.
Bodega Bay also offers many great restaurants…too many to name actually. Our favorite of all of the choices is The Bay View Room at the Inn At The Tides.
Lodging in Bodega Bay is on the higher priced side. Our favorite place to stay is a tie between the Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa and the Inn At The Tides.
The Sonoma Coast includes other great stops as well. To the north, the main stop is The Sea Ranch, which is just 5 or so miles north of Stewarts Point. The Sea Ranch is a great place to visit for a while or a lifetime. 
There is a lot to do in Sea Ranch, from surfing, fishing, horseback riding, abalone diving, bicyling/cycling, shopping, dining out, and of course golfing at The Sea Ranch Golf Links. The links at Sea Ranch have been called one of the most beautiful and challenging links courses west of Scotland. When people talk about the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast, they usually have questions about Sea Ranch.
There is so much to do along the coast, we urge you to spend a couple of days finding out what you love most. There are even areas we have yet to explore, and did not cover in this article. If you have any favorites please feel free to write back and share with us.
We hope you have enjoyed this quick tour of the Russian River and Sonoma Coast. This is a popular summer idea, and a great way to beat the summer heat here in Sonoma County California.
To learn more about the Real Estate in the areas we toured, feel free to visit the following:
Sonoma County | Bodega Real Estate | Bodega Homes | Bodega Bay Real Estate | Bodega Bay Homes | Valley Ford Real Estate | Jenner Real Estate | The Sea Ranch Real Estate | Sea Ranch Homes
