Welcome to Jenner
A picturesque town on the banks of the Russian River where it flows into the Pacific Ocean
Jenner is a tiny coastal town located at the mouth of the historic Russian River. It has a population of only 136 but draws attention because of its natural beauty and attractions, which include hiking and parks.
It is named for Dr. Elijah K. Jenner, a dentist and inventor from Vermont who came west in 1850 seeking his fortune in the California goldfields. While working as a miner, he designed a pump that could raise water by one hundred feet.
While it is somewhat remote, it is well worth a visit. The vistas of the ocean and river are stunning, and the sunsets are breathtaking.
What to Love
- Café Aquatica is a cute roadside spot to grab a bite to eat, whether it’s a pastry and a cup of coffee or a big breakfast burrito.
- Goat Rock Beach is a scenic stretch of sand where visitors can have a picnic or hike on nearby trails while enjoying fantastic views.
- WaterTreks EcoTours rents kayaks and offers a variety of interpretive guided kayaking and hiking tours around the area.
People & Lifestyle
Jenner has been described as a wide spot along Highway 1, but it has so much more to offer up and down the coastline. There are various lodges, shops, and down-to-earth eateries, giving the area a rustic feeling.
Everywhere visitors go, they are surrounded by natural beauty, whether it’s along the Pacific Ocean or the Russian River. Jenner is about 10 miles north of Bodega Bay and about 30 miles west of the Santa Rosa area.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Cafe Aquatica is a great place to start your day, where you can get breakfast items such as pastries, burritos, and bagels to go with a steaming cup of coffee.
Things to Do
A good place to begin to get a grasp of the area’s stunning natural beauty is the
Jenner Headlands Preserve, which is 5,630 acres of redwood and Douglas fir forests, oak woodlands, chaparral, and coastal prairie overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are 14 miles of hiking trails, as well as a day-use area with picnic tables.
A stay at the
Timber Cove Resort offers everything you need to be comfortable. There are 46 rooms at the blufftop lodging, all with terrific views.
Various festivals, including the
Russian River Blues Festival, are held at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville in a picturesque venue that rests along the beach of the Russian River, just a few miles from several wineries.
Schools
The Jenner area is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Monte Rio Elementary School is located just 13 miles away in Monte Rio, offering kindergarten through eighth grades.
- Laguna High School is a public school located in Sebastopol, about 25 miles from Jenner.
- Santa Rosa Junior College is a public community college in Santa Rosa, with an additional campus in Petaluma and centers in surrounding Sonoma County.