Trails Along the Pacific Coast in The Sea Ranch
Discover a beautiful strip of Sonoma County’s coastline known as The Sea Ranch, which boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal trails, and beaches for 10 miles along the sea. Much of this community is privately owned, but these public areas are open to visitors in Sonoma County, California.
Cruise the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (also known as Highway 1) and stop at these overlooks to breathe in the fresh sea air, watch for whales, and snap photos. Or spend an afternoon on a coastal trail exploring the beach, finding tide pools, and burying your toes in the sand.
Here is everything you need to know about the hidden gem beaches and trails open to the public in The Sea Ranch on Sonoma County’s coastline.
Black Point
Offering a sandy shore that curves for a quarter mile along the base of sea cliffs, this is the longest beach among the six Sea Ranch public access points. The quarter-mile access trail includes a steep staircase.
Black Point Coastal Access Trail: 35050 Highway 1, The Sea Ranch
Pebble Beach
This .27-mile grassy path winds through pines and a meadow to stairs that descend to a small, black-sand cove.
Pebble Beach Coastal Access Trail: 36498 Highway 1, The Sea Ranch
Stengel Beach
This short, .12-mile path lined with cypress trees leads to a wooden staircase and a small beach. Waterfalls flow from cliffs in the rainy season. Stengal offers the largest parking area of the Sea Ranch public access points, with room for a dozen cars.
Stengel Beach Coastal Access Trail: 37900 Highway 1, The Sea Ranch
Shell Beach
This .65-mile path runs through pines and meadow to a wide, sandy beach with sea rocks and tide pools. Small boats can be launched into the ocean via a beach ramp.
Shell Beach Coastal Access Trail: 39200 Highway 1, The Sea Ranch
Walk On Beach
This is part of the Bluff Top trail, and passes through a grove of Monterey cypress to a staircase leading down to a wide, sandy beach.
Walk On Beach Coastal Access Trail: 40101 Highway 1, The Sea Ranch
Bluff Top Trail
From Walk On Beach, this three-mile (one-way) Bluff Top Trail offers views of offshore rocks and white-sand beaches, the sound of crashing surf, and invigorating sea air. It leads north to Gualala Point Regional Park, where the Gualala River empties into the Pacific Ocean.
Bluff Top Trail: 40101 Highway 1, The Sea Ranch
Tips for The Sea Ranch Public Areas in Sonoma County:
- All access points are marked on Highway 1
- Access points have trailhead parking for automobiles only (RVs and trailers not permitted)
- Access points close at sunset
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet
- Dress in layers and wear trail-worthy shoes
See Sonoma County’s safety tips for water activities here.
Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
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