Perched on a bluff high above where the Russian River meets the sea, the coastal village of Jenner (pop. 136) offers stunning vistas, spectacular sunsets, and a chance to connect with nature along the Sonoma County coast.
Each spring the competition between the ocean waves and the river's flow creates a large sand spit at the mouth of the river, creating the Russian River Estuary, home to Pacific harbor seals, brown pelicans, ospreys, great blue herons, and other wildlife.
Located on the northern edge of the estuary, below the bluffs, the Jenner Visitors Center provides interpretative displays and a nature store.
Along the coast on the southern edge of the estuary, Goat Rock State Beach offers a scenic shoreline, an easily assessable sandy beach, and the chance to picnic or comb the beach for washed-up treasures.
There are several restaurants in town and scattered along the coast, many with spectacular views. There are two lodges in town — Jenner Inn provides a range of rooms and suites, as well as two vacation homes, and River's End Inn & Restaurant, overlooking the river and ocean, offers six cabins and a restaurant, for an off-the-grid romantic escape. Vacation rentals are also available in the area, and three other lodges are a short drive away along the coast.Â
Trip Ideas
If you're lucky enough to be able to spend a few days in Jenner on the Sonoma County coast, be ready to slow down, relax, and immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty. Located where the Russian...
Perched on a bluff high above the mouth of the Russian River, the tiny coastal village of Jenner boasts some of the most jaw-dropping views on the California West Coast. The panorama encompasses the...
California sea lions and northern elephant seals are seen on Sonoma's Pacific Coast, but Jenner's rookery attracts mostly Pacific harbor seals. Each spring a large sand spit builds up in Jenner, right...
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Where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. Owned by the state of California and run by the parks department, this launching area has a visitors center and leads into the Russian River.
Goat Rock, near the mouth of the Russian River, is known for its scenic shoreline and easily accessible sandy beach. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are also available. Goat Rock beach is home…
Mystic View vacation home offers sweeping Russian River views and a great escape to Jenner on the Sonoma Coast. 1 Bedroom/2 Bath Popular couple retreat hot tub. Mystic View vacation home is located…
Vista Point is the northernmost point of the 17-mile long Sonoma Coast State Park located 4 miles north of Jenner. There is no beach access, simply a gorgeous view along the one-mile long hiking…
A world apart, only minutes away! 20 unique units on the Russian River. Meeting space and private rooms for entertaining. Private dining available for all meals. Incredible natural beauty and…
Fort Ross Reef Campground is a first-come, first-served developed campground. Visitors may enjoy diving, fishing, hiking, surfing, tide pools, picnicking, whale watching, bird watching, just relaxing…
Rocky promontories, panoramic views, kelp-dotted coves, and the dramatic sounds of pounding surf; open grasslands, forested hills, pristine prairies, and pygmy forests—you can experience all of these…
River's End is known for breathtaking views and romantic dining. And when guests leave they are amazed at the superb yet unpretentious service and wonderful flavors of the food. The kitchen staff and…
Fort Ross Reef is a scuba diving destination just offshore from Fort Ross State Historic Park. There is a day-use parking area for access to the beach and the reef.
Fort Ross, one of the main tourist attractions between Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg, is a California State Historic Park showcasing a historic Russian-era fort compound that has been designated National…