The Top Attractions on the Sonoma Coast for Locals and Tourists

Located along the Pacific Ocean in Sonoma County, California, the Sonoma Coast is a popular area for tourists as well as those making it their primary or secondary home. Full of breathtaking scenery, outstanding wineries, and fun outdoor activities, the Sonoma Coast is truly a place where everyone should spend some time. Are you planning to visit the Sonoma Coast or do you plan to relocate or already live in this beautiful region? If so, you want to maximize your time and make sure you’re hitting the best attractions in Sonoma Coast. Here are some of the most popular options.

If you’re in Sonoma County, you’ll probably want to put a few wineries on your must-experience list. Fortunately, the coast has a few exceptional ones in terms of both fantastic wine and beautiful views. One of the top winery attractions is Sonoma Coast Vineyards, located west of the Russian River Valley just five miles from the ocean. As with many vineyards located on the coast, this winery produces an excellent pinot noir as well as a delicious rose. The winery’s tasting room is the perfect place to enjoy a flight and try out all their wines while overlooking the bay and learning more about the vineyard.

Does riding along the coast on a horse while enjoying the ocean breezes sound like the perfect way to spend the day? If so, you need to put a visit to Chanslor Stables on your list. A full-service operating horse ranch in Bodega Bay, Chanslor Stables offers rides through coastal meadows, along the beach, on a network of trails, and up to exhilarating mountain tops. Perfect for those of all ages, these horseback rides will help you see the Sonoma Coast in an entirely new way.

Want to get adventurous? Head over to WaterTreks EcoTours to experience a guided kayak tour in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and the Sonoma Coast State Park Marine protected area. You can see both river and ocean life while staying in the Russian River Estuary as well as learn about the history of this amazing natural environment. On your tour, you may see harbor seals, night herons, pelicans, bald eagles, or bobcats. Depending on the time of day (or year) you book, you may also be able to experience full moon or sunset glowing plankton. If you’d like to go with other marine enthusiasts, you can join in on a discount group tour or, if you’d like to share the experience with just your friends and family, you can book your own private tour.

While having your adventures on the coast, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Though there are plenty of fun places to eat in the area including Terrapin Creek Cafe (a perfect place for a casual dinner), Fisherman’s Cove (try the fresh oysters), and The Boat House, one of the best-loved eateries in the area is Spud Point Crab Company. This small cafe (and bait shop!) is locally owned and operated by Carol and Tony Anello who catch all their own seafood. Open 9-5 seven days a week, Spud Point is the perfect place to grab some of Carol’s world-famous clam chowder or a whole cooked crab to be eaten at the restaurant or to be taken home for future enjoyment.

If you want the perfect place for whale watching (and the chance to see a colony of harbor seals), head on over to Goat Rock Beach. Located near the mouth of the Russian River, this beach offers a scenic shoreline and an expanse of sandy beach where you can picnic, walk, or take in the marine life. The secluded coves and natural arches make this one of the more scenic beaches in the area and many campers venture here when the campground opens each year in March.

Looking for a place to stay when visiting the coast? Look no further than Timber Cove Resort. Located in Jenner, CA, and perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, Timber Cove is a truly unique hotel that is celebrating 60 years in business. Those who stay at Timber Cove can relax in a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere dominated by redwood timbers, high ceilings, and a focus on connecting with nature. Not only does Timber Cove boast a fantastic restaurant in Coastal Kitchen and have daily curated activities, but it’s also home to Benjamin Bufano’s “Peace Obelisk”, a 93-foot sculpture that took seven years to complete and was finished just months prior to the artist’s death.

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Bodega Bay, Fort Ross Historic State Park is the home to a Russian-era fort compound that brings to life the early California Ranch era, the Kashaya territory, and the former Imperial Russian settlement. Spread across 3400 acres, Fort Ross Historic State Park offers visitors unbeatable views of the ocean as well as nearby sandy beaches, redwood forests, and secluded coves. Book a tour, take part in one of their educational programs, or take part in one of their activities like the sea lion hike and watch or Salt Point harbor seal and bird walk.

Whether you’re visiting or settling in the area, knowing all the best attractions in Sonoma Coast will help you better plan your time so you can take in all that this popular area has to offer. Don’t yet have a home here and have decided you want to be near all these attractions on a daily basis? Reach out to experienced local agent Kris Lepore. Kris can help you explore the area, answer all your questions, and show you what’s on the market.