5 Hotels & Resorts in Sonoma County with Stunning Ocean Views

Timber Cove Resort

The Sonoma Coast is calling, with its thundering crash of waves, invigorating sea salt fragrance, and cozy lodging inviting you to breathe deep and relax by the Pacific Ocean. From inns to hotels, resorts to private rentals — there are plenty of places to take in those spectacular, soothing oceanfront sunsets. Here is a selection of oceanside hotels in Sonoma County, or you can find a complete list of Sonoma Coast lodging here.

Tidesong, Jenner

Red flowers in the foreground with coast in the background at Jenner, Sonoma County, California
Kortum Trail in Jenner, California, on the Pacific Ocean.

Tidesong is a fantastic rental home in Jenner that feels like a private oasis with two bedrooms, two baths, cozy living areas, and a full kitchen to make your stay extra convenient. This picturesque property sits just past the popular Goat Rock State Beach along Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean. Also nearby, you can easily access the Kortum Trail for wonderful walks, hiking, and exploring all this coast has to offer. The private house spans 1.5 acres of grassy plains dotted with seasonal wildflowers, so guests can walk the grounds, take in the views, meditate from the home’s wraparound deck, or relax in the soothing hot tub.

Lodge at Bodega Bay, Bodega Bay

The sunsets over people having a barbeque at Bodega Bay Lodge, Sonoma County
Bodega Bay Lodge

This oasis is so romantic and serene on its seaside perch. As the only AAA Four Diamond hotel on the Sonoma Coast, Lodge at Bodega Bay offers a luxury escape and rooms outfitted with fireplaces, snuggly down comforters, and private balconies for stargazing. 

The lodge’s Drakes Sonoma Coast restaurant is renowned for its fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, sustainably farmed produce and meats, and attention to detail, all presented in a beautiful facility with spectacular views. The spa overlooks the Sonoma coastline and is anchored by an outdoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool spa. So embrace your location and indulge in beach-theme signatures, like the warm shell massage with Tiger Clam seashells.

Timber Cove Resort, Jenner

Lights blaze inside of a wooden facade for Timber Cove Resort, Jenner
Timber Cove Resort

The drive to Timber Cove Resort is exhilarating, hugging Highway 1 on the edge of the cliffs soaring above the crashing waves and jagged rocks of the Sonoma Coast. But just a bit north of Fort Ross and Jenner awaits a small town with a very big reason to visit: This secluded resort. This mid-century-modern gem has a lodge mood and offers rooms with ocean or forest views. Most rooms have fireplaces or skylights, and they all include a record player, eco-friendly bath amenities, a tea kettle with pour-over Russian River Roasters coffee, and the charm of ancient wood trim against crisp white bedding.

The resort’s Coast Kitchen restaurant is celebrated for its rustic luxury and extraordinary ocean views from floor-to-ceiling dining room windows. Guests travel from all over for a spectacular cliffside meal, relaxing before the fire in the huge stone fireplace in The Great Room, then taking a post-dinner stroll in the crisp Pacific air.

River’s End Restaurant & Inn, Jenner

Wooden paneling on a coastal room at River's End Restaurant & Inn in Jenner, Sonoma County
River’s End Restaurant & Inn

The rooms at River’s End showcase Jenner’s amazing beauty, particularly at sunset, with sliding glass doors opening onto balconies. Trimmed in wood, the rooms are rustic and romantic, with cozy leather armchairs. Tip: ask for one of the rooms with the glass window shower that makes you feel like you’re bathing outside.

The River’s End restaurant is a local favorite with mouthwatering Cal-cuisine and breathtaking views overlooking the mouth of the Russian River, where it enters the Pacific Ocean. It’s a hidden favorite, and during the migrating season, people in the know flock here to watch seals and whales on their annual journey. The eclectic menu ranges from wasabi tobiko-topped oysters to Petaluma duck confit egg rolls, sea bass with pomegranates and beets, and applewood smoked filet mignon.

Jenner Inn, Jenner

Jenner by the Sea sign hangs over a red overhang at the hotel in Sonoma County
Jenner Inn

A treasure for nearly four decades, the Jenner Inn backs up to 4 acres of land and a year-round creek. There’s lots of wildlife all around, including eagles, hawks, river otters, bobcats, deer, dozens of seals, and more than 200 species of birds. All of this makes for great hiking, exploring, and viewing, so you’ll never miss the fact that the charming rooms don’t have TVs, and cell reception is spotty. Most rooms are pet-friendly, too. 

The Jenner Inn’s restaurant serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday, offering traditional favorites like shrimp Louie, grilled salmon, chicken fettuccine alfredo, fish and chips, and a Jenner cheeseburger with fries. The full bar features local beers, Sonoma County wines, and premium spirits.

If you want to enjoy ocean views “al fresco,” check our Guide to Camping in Sonoma County.

See Sonoma County’s safety tips for water activities here.

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