Sonoma County is a breathtaking destination where adventure, relaxation, and world-class experiences converge. Renowned for its rolling vineyards and award-winning wineries, it’s a paradise for wine enthusiasts. Beyond the vines, explore a diverse array of activities: hike through towering redwood forests, kayak or paddleboard along the Russian River, or stroll the pristine beaches of the Pacific coastline. Foodies will delight in farm-to-table dining, artisanal markets, and renowned restaurants featuring fresh, local ingredients. For outdoor lovers, Sonoma County offers scenic bike trails, hot air balloon rides, and abundant wildlife watching. History and art enthusiasts can discover charming towns, museums, and galleries showcasing local culture. Whether you're savoring wine, hiking coastal trails, or simply relaxing under a canopy of stars, Sonoma County offers something extraordinary for everyone.

Beaches

Sonoma County offers broad, sandy beaches, secluded coves, rugged headlands, natural arches, a craggy coastline with fertile tide pools and offshore reefs. The Sonoma coast offers miles of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

Arched Rock Beach: Arched Rock Beach and its rock is right next to Marshall Gulch Beach but from there it isn't possible to see the actual arch.  This beach is best visited during low tides so more of the sandy parts are exposed.

Doran Beach: Doran Regional Park features a wide, 2-mile stretch of beach in Bodega Bay and is ideal for walking, picnicking, playing in the sand, flying kites, surfing, and bird-watching.  The west end of the park is a popular spot for fishing and exploring sea life.

Gerstle Cove: South Gerstle Cove is within beautiful Salt Point State Park located on the northern Sonoma Coast offers panoramic views and dramatic sounds of the pounding surf, and you'll find the beach here truly amazing! 

Goat Rock Beach: Near the mouth of the Russian River is Goat Rock Beach in Jenner.  It is known for its amazing scenery along the shoreline and easy access to a pebble & sand beach.  Not only is the scenery breathtaking, it is also home to a colony of harbor seals. 

Salmon Creek: Salmon Creek Beach is nearly two miles of unbroken, scenic, sandy beach.  It is an excellent place for surfing, fishing, beachcombing, and picnicking.

Schoolhouse Beach: offers a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by natural rocky headlands. Schoolhouse Beach is also a great spot for rock or surf fishing.

Shell Beach:  Located south of Jenner Shell Beach offers rich tidepools during spring and summer low tides.

Russian Gulch: Just north of Jenner offers a short walk through the forest to beach cove.

Other Sonoma Coast State Beaches

Whale Watching & Wildlife

Whales:  The annual south-to-north gray and blue whales travel south to north then back again. On this journey, whales travel from the warm birthing lagoons along the Baja Peninsula to the frigid feeding grounds of Alaska's Bering Sea. The epic migration peaks from January through May though visible during most of the year.  A great vantage point and popular viewing area is at Bodega Head in Bodega Bay.  Whale watching charters can be booked through Spud Point Marina, Miss Anita Fishing Charters, Bodega Bay Sportfishing, Bodega Charters, or Fish On Charters.

Birding:  Bird Walk is a Coastal Access trail in Bodega Bay offering a 1.19 mile path that loops along a saltwater marsh and freshwater ponds.  With hundreds of bird species, diversity of habitat (waterfowl, marine birds, shorebirds and song birds), and coast migration route, the Sonoma coast provides birding opportunities all year.  Best Bird Watching on the Trails in Jenner and on the Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Coast Birding  A pair of Bald Eagles have taken up residence in Jenner 2015-current.  American White and Brown Pelicans Osprey, Herons, and Cranes are some of the larger birds of the Sonoma Coast.

Marine and other Mammals:   Harbor seals, California Northern Elephant Seal, Sea lions, and Whales are seen year-round.  Harbor Seals pups are born from March to June.  And gray whales can be seen off shore from December through April.  Bobcats, coyotes, river otters, racoons, rabbits, black-tailed deer, skunks, squirrels, or on rare occasions, elusive gray foxes and badgers are seen on the Sonoma Coast.

Bodega Bay Marine Lab:  Bodega Marine Laboratory volunteer docents have led interpretive tours for all ages. 

Hiking

From easy to difficult treks, you will have your choice with miles of hiking trails along the Sonoma Coast.  See sites for trail maps and more information.

Pomo Canyon from Shell Beach: 6.5 mile loop/1594 ft Elevation (moderate)

Kortum Trail:  4.4 / 643 ft Elevation (easy)

Goat Rock to Wrights Beach:  7.5 / 879 ft Elevation (easy)

Sea to Sky Trail Jenner Headlands Preserve:   4.4 mi / 862 ft Elevation (moderate)

Blind Beach Trail:  0.5 mi / 124 ft Elevation (moderate)

Goat Rock Beach to Peaked Hill:  2.2 mi / 390 ft Elevation  (easy)

Fisk Mill to Horseshoe Point Trail:  3.4 mi / 229 ft Elevation (easy)

Pomo Canyon to Shell Beach:  7.2 mi / 1463 ft Elevation (moderate)

Armstrong Woods: 1.6 mi loop / 98 ft Elevation / (easy) and other hikes here

Kayak/Surf 

KAYAK Jenner

Watertreks Explore the Russian River Estuary, Penny Island and Goat Rock Beach in Jenner

Lotus Kayak Rentals in Jenner by reservation 707.865.9604

KAYAK the Russian River

Burkes Top Rated is a ten mile self-guided kayak or canoe trip through the Redwoods.

You Can Kayak Rentals:  offers trips from Guerneville to Monte Rio and Wohler Bridge to Healdsburg

Russian River Adventures Memorial Beach to Wohler Bridge 9 miles 3.5-6 hours

Kayak Bodega Bay (South Sonoma Coast)

Bodega Bay Kayak Kayaking or Paddle Board on Bodega Bay, the Lower Russian River, the Estero Americano or Salmon Creek. 

Getaway Adventures  offering Kayak, Bike, Hiking and other tours.

Kayak Gualala (North Sonoma Coast)

Adventure Rents You'll be conquering part of the beautiful, 32-mile-long Gualala River, lined with old-growth redwoods and formidable rapids.

 

Surf the Sonoma Coast

Salmon Creek  5-7 ft surf  4.6 ft Tide  12 WNW wind

Russian Rivermouth 3-5 ft surf 4.7 ft Tide  8 WNW wind

Doran Beach  0.5-1 ft surf 4.7 ft Tide  14 WNW wind

Black Point Beach 2-3 surf ft  3.6 Tide 11 NW wind

Bodega Bay Surf Shack: Experience surfing and kayaking on the Sonoma Coast with Bodega Bay Surf Shack.  They have it all!  Rentals, lessons and latest conditions!

Northern Light Surf Shop: North Light Surf Shop Provide the Sonoma Coast with high-quality surf gear, and amazing apparel since 1986.

Redwoods

While Muir Woods just north of San Francisco is popular and often crowded, a local Sonoma County Redwood forest favorite is Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve located in Guerneville offering 805 acres of coastal redwoods (the planet’s oldest living) and nature trails to explore.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve  Amongst the grove, see the tallest, oldest, Icicle trees.  And explore on the discovery trail these majestic awesome redwoods.

Riverfront Regional Park offers a redwood forest entry and a great picnic area. 

Muir Woods  Old growth coastal California redwoods, and a protected National Monument, discover a primeval forest at Muir Woods.

Wine Country

So many fine wines….so little time!

Coastal Wines & Wine Tasting

Flowers Vineyard and Winery: Enjoy a bottle of Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay or Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir paired with chef Tyler Florence’s renowned fried chicken and locally sourced sides. 

Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery:  Overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, floating above the coastal fog & surrounded by forests & meadows, the tasting room beckons.

Wild Hog Vineyard: Wild Hog Vineyard is a small family owned and operated winery and vineyard in the hills between Cazadero and Fort Ross on the Sonoma Coast.

Hirsch Winery and Vineyards: Perched on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Fort Ross, Hirsch Vineyards is the birth ground of great pinot noir on the extreme Sonoma Coast.

Sonoma Coast Vineyards: Sonoma Coast Vineyards handcrafts wines from a unique cold-climate growing area west of the Russian River Valley and a mere five miles from the Pacific Ocean.

Gourmet Au Bay:   In Bodega Bay, Gourmet Au Bay offers a small-production, award winning wines with bay views.

Sonoma County Wines & Wine Tasting Sonoma's diverse topography, with a Pacific coastline, coastal fog, and rolling hills, means that the region excels at growing cool-climate grapes like pinot noir and chardonnay.

Napa Valley Wines & Wine Tasting The Napa Valley is known for hundreds of hillside vineyards and wineries.  With so many to choose from... “How to Make the Most out of Your Wine Tasting Trip” offers tips

Scenic Drives & Sites

North Sonoma Coast (approx 25 miles or 1.5 hrs no stops roundtrip)

From sea level to 1800 ft with miles of ruggedly breathtaking Sonoma coastline and a forested coastal ridge, take Hwy 1 north from Jenner to Ft Ross (optional stop; Fort Ross State Historic Park), continue north on Hwy 1 for an optional visit to the Salt Point State Park and/or continue traveling further north another mile turning right on Kruse Ranch Rd to see  Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Preserve and Salt Point.  Return to Hwy 1 south for return.  Hwy 1 back to Jenner or optional alternative route left of Timber Cove Rd (just after the Timber Cove Inn) up the hill (right turn at the T) now on Meyers Grade Rd traveling through forest on top of ridge to Ft Ross Vineyard & Winery on left when coming out of forest.  Continue down Meyers Grade Rd and down hill (awesome views out to sea and Pt Reyes on a clear day).  Meyers Grade down to Hwy then left back to Jenner. 

West County Loop  (approx 51 miles or 1 hr no stops roundtrip)

Travel along the Russian River, through a redwood forest, quaint little towns, rolling hills, and a picturesque fishing village.  Along the way, choose  stops to diverse boutiques, bakeries, coffee shops and food.  From Jenner travel Hwy 116 east; at Duncan Mills turn right on Bohemian Hwy traveling south into Occidental.  Continue following Bohemian Hwy south to through Freestone and T.  Turn right on Bodega Hwy to Bodega then to another T taking another right turn onto Hwy 1 heading north through Bodega Bay then back into Jenner.

Bodega Head from Jenner  (approx 51 miles or 1 hr no stops roundtrip)

For a short distance, big views along the rugged Sonoma Coast there are many places to stop along the coast to just gaze and stretch.  Going south from Jenner to Bodega Bay turn right on Eastshore Drive after getting into Bodega Bay then another right on Bayshore Road and continue on Westshore Rd around the bay passing the Spud Point marina.  The  Bodega Head sign will be on the right toward the end of the road.

Hwy 116 through Russian River Valley (approx 51 miles or 1 hr no stops roundtrip)

A beautiful drive along the Russian river and  redwoods east on Hwy 116.  Optional visit to Armstrong Woods when passing through Guerneville by turning left on Armstrong Woods Rd at the stoplight.  There is a fee to drive through the redwoods or can park and walk through.  Continue on Hwy 116 east to Korbel.  Complimentary wine & garden tours, champagne and wine tasting.  Tour offers area history in their Champagne cellar.  Highly recommended. 

Sonoma Wine Country (approx 35 miles or 2 hr w/no stops roundtrip)

Passing through the Sonoma Valley with vineyards and wineries dotting the landscape take Hwy 116 East to Westside Rd approx 18 miles from Jenner.  After turning onto Westside Rd there are several terrific Westside Road Wineries along the way into Healdsburg.  When in Healdsburg you can follow the  Wine Road.  If you take this route more time will need to be added to your drive depending on what direction you choose.

Napa Valley (approx 92 miles or 2 hr w/no stops roundtrip)

A drive on Hwy 116 through Santa Rosa staying east on Mark West Springs Road along Porter Creek to the end of road T.  Turn left on Calistoga Rd past the Petrified Forest and over the Mayacamas mountains into Calistoga and the Napa Valley.  Turn right on Hwy 29.  Add more time onto your drive from here based on your preference of a Napa Valley drive.  Hwy 29 and Silverado Trail roads are parallel on either side of Napa valley vineyards.  Map here 

Eats and Treats

General Store in Duncan Mills offers a quaint little market, just about everything needed for before dinner drinks to meals and dessert or otherwise.

Safeway Store in Guerneville offers a full service grocer.

Pelican’s Plaza Grocery & Deli A good selection of local, gourmet foods and deli sandwiches located in Bodega Bay.

Ocean Cove General Store in Timber Cove Jenner has a little bit of everything.

Café Aquatica Cafe Aquatica in Jenner is a quaint spot to get carefully hand-crafted organic, locally roasted coffee along with deli delights and oven baked treats seating w/river view.

River’s End offers gracious service and inspired dishes, crafted from sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Go for the food, sunsets and crafted drinks on the view deck.  Reservations are required for dinner.

Coast Kitchen is a full-service restaurant located in the Timber Cove Resort Jenner.  And offers a stunning ocean view and fresh seasonal fare. 

Ocean Cove Bar and Grill nestled in the redwoods overlooking the Great North Pacific Ocean, Distinctly California A relaxed and casual dining experience.  Timber Cove, Jenner.

Blue Heron Restaurant and Tavern The oldest Tavern located in Duncan Mills it offers great beers on tap, supper club like menus, live music and outdoor seating.

Cape Fear Cafe also in Duncan Mills offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and desserts. California cuisine with a southern flair.  Local beers and wines to compliment.

Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery in Duncan Mills offers an inviting deck with lush gardens to relax while enjoying great coffee and bakery treats. 

Village Inn Restaurant in Monte Rio with waterfront dining is nestled under towering coastal redwood trees and alongside the Russian River.  Reservations are requested.

Coastal Activities

Horseback

Chancelor Stables trails that take you from lofty mountain tops, grassy meadows, coastal dunes and white sand beaches.

Horse N Around Trail Rides offering rides on a beautiful cattle ranch in Bodega Bay and the scenic Sonoma coast beach.

Sonoma Valley Trail Rides is a very special way to enjoy the wine country. Guests are guided through beautiful vineyards on gentle, seasoned horses with an experienced and friendly guide.

Golf

Links at Bodega Harbour Spectacular Views of the Ocean

Northwood Golf Club The Majesty of Redwoods

Sea Ranch Golf Links Gem of the Seaside

Bike/Cycle

Trails in Sonoma County Bike Paths and Trails

Wine Country Bikes Tours, Maps and Routes

Top Bike Climbs in Sonoma County and Wine Country

Ten Great Rides Santa Rosa Cycling Club

Fish

Sonoma County Fishing Bait Shops, Tackle Shops, Fishing Reports, and Fishing Charters

Sonoma Coast Fishing Current California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations

Russian River Fishing Information and Guide Services

Fishing Charters on the Sonoma Coast

Adventure

Sonoma Canopy Tours Tree Top Tours.  Experience new heights as you soar through the redwood forest.

Getaway Adventures Plan your Getaway throughout Sonoma and Napa Counties