10 Fun Things To Do on the Northern Sonoma Coast

Discover the captivating stretch along the Pacific Ocean coast in Sonoma County, California, where sandy coves, craggy cliffs, and endless vistas are waiting to take your breath away. From the coastal village of Jenner, where the Russian River meets the sea, to spectacular Gualala Point Regional Park in the north, you’ll want to stop all along these 35 miles to soak in the views. 

Here are a few things not to miss on your trip to the unforgettable Sonoma Coast.

Mellow Out at Goat Rock Beach

Located in the town of Jenner, just south of the Russian River’s outlet to the sea, Goat Rock Beach is a beautiful, one-mile-long beach with views of immense sea stacks, white-capped waves, and sand dunes. Sandpipers and seabirds run along the wave line, and on the bluffs above the beach, the Kortum Trail offers a gorgeous hike. In summer, you may see pink pennyroyal, California poppy, and red paintbrush in the surrounding seagrass.

Watch seals and wildlife at Goat Rock Beach, which is part of the 17-mile-long Sonoma Coast State Park.

Revel in Fort Ross History

Fort Ross is situated on a bluff high above the Pacific Ocean, where it was a Russian settlement and a commercial hub for hunting and trade from 1812 to 1841.

Today, the National Historic Landmark of Fort Ross State Historic Park recalls the once-thriving colony, including a Russian chapel, barracks, windmill, and a renovated structure dating back to 1836. The park museum offers details about the three main eras of Fort Ross: Kashaya Indian, Russian, and Spanish rancho.

Enjoy Wine Tasting in Unique Terroir

The Fort Ross-Seaview American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a unique growing region producing sensational Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and more. Vineyards in this scenic growing region are planted higher on hills and mountainsides where temperatures are warmer than those at the nearby coast.

Taste the exceptional wines produced here on the outdoor tasting deck at Fort Ross Vineyard & Tasting Room, which offers jaw-dropping coastal views and memorable tastings by reservation. 

Hirsch Winery & Vineyards and Flowers Vineyards & Winery also offer al fresco pours (reservations required) at their tasting rooms in nearby Healdsburg. Two other notable vineyards in this area—Peay Vineyards and Wild Hog Vineyard — will be happy to sell you a bottle online.

Get Close to Impressive Outdoor Art

Perched on an isolated cliff with spectacular views, the seaside property of Timber Cove Resort is home to Benjamino Bufano’s “Peace Obelisk.” The 93-foot sculpture is made of concrete, mosaic tile, and redwood and is strikingly poised on its cliff, visible from far down the highway.

You don’t have to be a guest of Timber Cove Resort to visit Bufano’s work; park in the gravel lot north of the inn and follow the short path leading to this inspiring art with ocean views.

Hike Salt Point State Park

The beautiful 6,000-acre Salt Point State Park has much to offer, including more than 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, a pygmy forest, a lively visitor’s center, up-close views of crashing surf, and an underwater park. Salt Point is where you may spot fascinating Tafoni sandstone, which is sandstone riddled with honeycomb-like erosion that produces ribs, ridges, holes, and other patterns.

Photograph Exceptional Rhododendron Blooms

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, a few miles south of the tiny town of Gualala, offers one of the prettiest walks you’ll ever find as five miles of hiking trails weave through the green forest of second-growth redwoods, Douglas fir, and tanbark oak. During mid-April through mid-June, the reserve’s spectacular rhododendron bloom — vibrant pink flowers that seem to glow. When streams are running, you’ll spot ferns and coast-loving wildflowers.

Discover Isolated Beaches

Explore six public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community north of Fort Ross, to enjoy panoramic views of sea, sky, and rocky ocean outcrops. Traverse across bluff-top meadows and forests, down cliffside staircases to secluded beaches with sandy coves, rock formations, and tide pools. 

Trails start at Highway 1 parking areas and include Black Point, Bluff Top, Pebble Beach, Shell Beach, Stengel Beach, and Walk On Beach. Learn more about Trails along the Pacific Coast in The Sea Ranch. 

Visit the Stunning Sea Ranch Chapel

The Sea Ranch Chapel is an architectural gem that will amaze you inside and out. This non-denominational chapel is topped by a winged roof that seems set to take flight, while other exterior accents include redwood siding, local stone, and an impressive bronze spire. Inside the serene interior, you’ll see stained-glass windows, mosaics, hand-carved redwood benches, seashells embedded in the ceiling, and countless artistic touches. The chapel is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset. 

See Sand Dunes in Gualala

With its vast expanse of white sandy beach and dunes, Gualala Point Regional Park offers the opportunity to stroll beside the Gualala River as it travels seaward. Stroll to see driftwood, sand dunes, and shells. Bring a picnic or try your hand at fishing (depending on the season). The park’s Bluff Trail meanders along the cliff edge, affording wonderful views.

Spot Whales

The bluffs along the Sonoma Coast are ideal whale-watching spots, especially during the twice-yearly gray whale migrations. Between November and January, the whales leave Alaska and head south to the warm waters of Baja. From February into April, mother whales return north with their new calves.

You might spot the characteristic water spout — bring binoculars to improve your chances of seeing these majestic creatures. Good whale-spotting locations include Gualala Point Regional Park, the public access trails in The Sea Ranch, Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, and Salt Point State Park. 

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

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Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodgriguez