Exploring the Sonoma Coast

Exploring the Sonoma Coast is as varied as the scenery.  From smooth beaches to craggy dramatic overlooks, this beautiful coastline offers something for everyone.

Watch the Whales

More than 20,000 gray whales migrate past the Sonoma Coast each year. The whales are en route from the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea to the Gulf of Cortez in Mexico, where they will calf in winter. From January through May, the mothers with their newborn hug the shore as they head north to feed off Alaska. They can be easily viewed from the Ocean Overlook on Bodega Head. Viewing is also possible from Fort Ross State Historical Park, The Timber Cove Inn, Stillwater Cove Regional Park, The Sea Ranch, and Gualala Point Regional Park.

Learn About Sea Life

The sea life along the Northern California Coast is as diverse as it is beautiful. At the Bodega Marine Laboratory, which is part of the University of California at Davis, you can go on a docent-led tour on Fridays, between 2 and 4 p.m. Located in Bodega Bay off Highway 1. For more information, call 707-875-2211.

Stretch Your Legs

Seasoned hikers will find a lot of reasons and places to pull on their boots, fill the water bottle and hit the trails. Climb hills from which you can spot golden eagles on a clear day or wander along coastal paths that offer dramatic views of the ocean. The terrain of Salt Point State Park and Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve offers varying levels of difficulty for every skill level. Sonoma Coast State Park, a series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands, extends 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail north of Jenner along Highway 1. The park offers many coastal trails with easy access and well maintained trails, accessible from various State Beach parking areas.

Ride a Horse

Ride a horse on a hillside or in the redwoods. The hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean are perfect to explore on horseback. Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa, 707-876-9818, located south of Bodega Bay on Highway 1, offers horseback rides along the hillside. If you want to splash in the water, Wildfire Stables, 707-875-3400, will have you cantering along the dunes. you can also take your own horse into the Dunes section of the Sonoma Coast State Park or ride into the thousands of acres of redwoods a few miles inland at Armstrong Woods Pack Station, 707-887-2939.

Explore Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay is a beautiful fishing village that’s protected by a bay from the wild whims of the Pacific. Discover the headlands and coves from hiking trails and overlooks. Find secret coves and beaches by paddling on a kayak during a guided tour. As you head north, you’ll pass public, yet protected, beaches that are part of the Sonoma Coast State Beach.

As you drive along Bodega Bay, you’ll find many restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, wine tasting and a few places to stock up on salt water taffy.  Check out Spud Point Crab Company for the best clam chowder and Inn at the Tides for a great view of the bay.

The Town of Bodega

The tiny town of Bodega is slightly off the southern end of the coast highway.  It’s one of the  film locations for Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds.”  Movie enthusiasts love driving by such landmarks as St. Teresa’s Church and the schoolhouse. Grab a snack at one of the markets and visit the eclectic shops.

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Festival and Events

January, in celebration of crab season, you can take part in several crab feeds.  There is an annual Crab Feed at Inn at the Tides and the Cioppino Crab Feed held at the Bodega Bay Grange.

Castles & Kites, April 24, 2010, is a fun day at Doran Beach Park.   Spectacular kites will be in the air, along with demonstrations and training.  Some of the best sand architects will be showing off their sculpture creations.

At the  Salmon Creek Art Walk May 1-2, 2010, artists open their studios to the public. You can stroll through Salmon Creek and meet the artists where they work.

Cultural Heritage Day at Fort Ross State Historical Park is the last day in July every year. It’s a celebration of the cultural diversity of the Russian American Company Settlement with Russian folk music and dance, musket and cannon demonstrations and family activities.

There are two big festivals that happen every year at the coast that are worth checking out.  The Redwood Coast Whale & Jazz Festival, April 1-23, 2010, on the Redwood Coast near Gualala, includes many venues of great music, whale watching and of course, great food and wine. The Seafood, Art and Wine Festival, August 28-29, 2010, is held in the town of Bodega, just off Coast Highway 1.  If you love seafood, music, art and people, this is a fun and popular event.

More Sonoma County Events