Three Things to Do Around Cazadero

Relax in the mountains of the Sonoma Coast in Cazadero, California (pop. 354), an old logging town that’s now as famous for muffins and wood-fired pizzas as it is for its magnificent Old Growth redwoods. Stay and explore Sonoma Wine County and the area’s scenic sights with this quick list of things to do in and around town.

Music and Pizza, History and Tradition

Friday evenings, May through September, savor wood-fired pizza and live music at iconic Raymond’s Bakery located at the Elim Grove Cottages. Visit and mingle over these exceptional pizzas fresh from the oven and hear local bands jam under the redwoods.

You’ll also want to check out the 100-year-old Cazadero General Store, and don’t miss watching redwood being processed through Berry’s Saw Mill, a family-owned operation that cuts sustainably managed timber. 

Bike Through Redwoods

Cazadero is a stop for most serious cyclists coming to Sonoma County, and for good reason. The road from the Russian River is a former rail line, so it’s naturally relatively straight and perfect for biking. Plus, the gorgeous redwood forests grow on both sides of the road, providing a natural, beautiful canopy of shade as cyclists climb the hills. Nearly all of the area’s major cycling tours, whether the Tour of California or Levi’s GranFondo, head through scenic Cazadero.

Retreat, Relax, and Reconnect at Ratna Ling

Situated on 120 acres of beautiful redwoods, Ratna Ling Retreat Center was built for relaxation, quiet time and spiritual practice, away from the demands of modern life. Since 2009, Ratna Ling has hosted guests from all around the world looking to connect with the natural peace and beauty of nature. With a full calendar, retreats vary from weekend getaways to longer-term residential programs, offering elegant, private cottages onsite that come with an expansive view of the surrounding countryside, complete with deer, wild turkeys, rabbits and quail, plus organic, farm-to-table vegetarian meals, meditation and yoga classes, as well as an onsite Wellness Center, where you’ll find signature massages, bodywork, aromatherapy, and unique treatments such as Tibetan Singing Bowls to clear energy channels and create a sense of peace and relaxation.

Insider Tip: Drive to the Coast

Cruise toward the Sonoma Coast via the nearby town of Duncans Mills (pop. 175), which offers shopping, cafes, and photogenic cattle that dot the surrounding pastures. A quick drive to the seaside village of Jenner (pop. 136) means you can stretch your legs at Goat Rock Beach and watch the colony of seals that laze there where the Russian River flows into the Pacific Ocean. The invigorating fresh air, sweeping views, and soothing sounds of the surf make this site truly special. You may even spot a migrating whale or see the dazzling sunset on the sea.