Sonoma’s Rustic Coast
Driving along twisting Highway 1 between Jenner and Gualala is a great source of entertainment. We navigated the difficult roads to get a glimpse of the rocky beaches below. At River’s End Restaurant in Jenner, we sat on the wrap-around wooden deck, drinks in hand, enjoying the view. If you’re looking for a good place to see the sun set, this is the place.
While there are a few small rustic cabins at River’s End, the preferred places to stay are at the Timber Cove Inn and The Sea Ranch Lodge. Both rustic inns have beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and rocky coastline. Built in ecological preserves, they are located on bluffs filled with native wild flowers. Well-marked trails take visitors down to the beach below. These are walking and exploring beaches. The weather is too cold and the beaches are too littered with stones to make sunbathers happy.
The inns are comfortable. The restaurants serve good food and they will pack picnic lunches for guests to take on hikes or to spend the afternoon exploring the beach.
Before we left the coast, we swung down to Bodega Bay for a fresh crab sandwich and a hot cup of white clam chowder at Spud Point Crab Company, recommended by a local as a place we “could not miss since we were so close.”
On our trip to Sonoma County, we had a great time relaxing, eating well and drinking delicious wines. It was exactly what we needed.
As part two of our series on California wine country concludes, who’s winning Napa or Sonoma? Tell Peter and David in the comments.
To read more about Sonoma, check out:
- Ask the Locals Travel Guide Sonoma, California
- Vineyards of Sonoma County, a photo essay
- Suzy Gershman’s Bottle Blogs on Sonoma
Text and photos by David Latt. David Latt is a television producer, world traveler and foodie who indulges in copious amounts of “cooking therapy.” See more of his musings on food, family and travel at www.menwholiketocook.com.
