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 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 Restaurant & Inn, 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
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The California Coast is one of the most iconic and scenic coasts in the country. The coastal stretch north of San Francisco in Sonoma County is home to the picturesque sea villages Bodega, Bodega Bay...
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...
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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…
Erinleigh by the Sea offers a romantic couples dream at sea level. Instead of waking to the sound of traffic, this small jewel getaway shares its address with the Blue Heron, River Otters, Bald…
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.
Fort Ross Lodge is uniquely situated on the majestic Sonoma Coast between the historic Fort Ross Russian settlement and Salt Point State Park. Just below lies a sheltered cove where seals lounge on…
River Sea Cottage former fishing cottage offers panoramic up-close big river and ocean views. River Sea Cottage has easy access from parking. Everything inside is on one level. Ease into the hot tub…
The Kortum Trail connects Wright’s Beach in the south to Blind Beach in the north, which is about 4.6 miles round trip. Part of the 17-mile long Sonoma Coast State Park, the well-maintained and…
On the north side of the mouth of the Russian River is Jenner Beach. There are a few steep paths that lead down to this driftwood-covered beach.
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…
Fisk Mill Cove is a day use area of Salt Point State Park that provides picnickers with paved parking, picnic tables, small upright barbeques, restrooms, and drinking water. Additionally, the bishop…
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…