Sonoma County is home to 55 miles of California coastline. The coast is a dream for fishermen, surfers, abalone divers, and wine enthusiasts who love Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the cool climate of the Sonoma Coast region. With a 30 minute drive from Santa Rosa (the heart of Sonoma County), visitors looking to explore everything that the Sonoma Coast has to offer should look into staying at a hotel by the Pacific Ocean.
In addition to the cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, from wineries like Fort Ross Vineyards, Joseph Phelps, and Sonoma Coast Vineyards, the cities of Bodega Bay and Jenner have some of the best seafood in Northern California. Oysters, salmon, Dungeness crab, and albacore tuna all flourish in the cold Pacific Ocean, Russian River, and surrounding bays.
Here are some can’t miss
hotels along the Sonoma Coast.
Bring Your Family for Fun at the Beach
Image Source: The Inn at the Tides
The Inn at the Tides
800 Hwy 1
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-2751
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 351 reviews
The Inn of the Tides is located right in heart of the town of Bodega Bay. Guests can walk to shops and restaurants, or go sea lion watching in the bay, right across the street. Families can stay at one of the guest lodges. Kids can enjoy swimming in the heated pool, or visit Doran Regional Park, a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach that is a popular place for visitors to picnic, build sand castles, fly kites, surf, fish, or simply play in the waves. For a seaside treat, take them to Patrick’s of Bodega Bay for saltwater taffy and other candy.
Complimentary breakfast at the Bay View Restaurant is included with your nights stay, but we recommend getting reservations for dinner. Make sure to ask for a table overlooking the bay.
Insider tip: Try the Crudo di Pesce, a daily selection of fish and shellfish that was brought in from the Pacific that morning. After you are finished eating, check out the Fresh Fish Market, and pick up some oysters to barbecue on the beach while watching the sunset.
Rustic Vacation on the Ocean
Image Source: River’s End TripAdvisor
River’s End
11048 Highway 1
Jenner, CA 95450
(707) 865-2484
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 74 reviews
The River’s End Inn is located on a bluff overlooking the Russian River, right next to the Pacific Ocean. The rustic property features a “luxe unplugged” experience, meaning they have no cell reception, no television, and no WiFi, the ultimate experience to unplug from daily life. Visitors have boasted that this is THE place to watch the sunset over the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean. Grab a glass of Sonoma Coast Pinot from their extensive wine list and enjoy the view.
Insider tip: Book your dinner reservations when you book your room. The tables with the best views can go quickly.
Charming Life in Occidental
Image Source: Inn at Occidental
Inn at Occidental
3657 Church St
Occidental, CA 95465
(707) 874-1047
Yelp: 5 stars, 286 reviews
For small town charm, stay at the Inn at Occidental, in the bohemian town of Occidental, seven miles from Bodega Bay. The small bed & breakfast is covered in flower gardens, where you can enjoy your morning coffee and the owners make you feel right at home with homemade cookies and friendly greetings. The Inn is walking distance from everything in Occidental.
If you are visiting on a Friday night anytime from June through October, make sure to stop by the Occidental Bohemian Farmers Market for fresh fruits and vegetables from Sonoma County farms, music from local musicians, and Gerard’s Paella (Gerard beat Bobby Flay on the Food Network show Throwdown with Bobby Flay), made with buckets of Pacific ocean fresh seafood, farm fresh vegetables, and big helping of personal charm. After, grab a craft beer or glass of wine at Barley & Hops with locals.
Insider tip: If you are still hungry, make a reservation for the newly opened Hazel Restaurant which features two wood fired ovens and an ever-changing menu. Try their Scallop crudo, paired with a glass of Iron Horse Classic Sparkling Wine.
Bring Your Pooch to Play in the Waves
Image Source: Bodega Coast Inn & Suites and Bodega Coast Inn & Suites Yelp
Bodega Coast Inn & Suites
521 Coast Highway 1
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-2217
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 167 reviews
The Bodega Coast Inn & Suites is walking distance from Sonoma County regional park, Doran Beach. The Inn is dog-friendly, so couples or families can bring their pooch while vacationing on the bay. With a walking path on the bay waters, it is the perfect place to walk your dog while enjoying the cool air, and gorgeous views. Dogs are allowed at Doran Beach, so make sure to bring a frisbee or tennis ball to throw into the waves.
Insider tip: For a romantic evening, request the Roman Spa Suite where you and your loved one can sip Sonoma County sparkling while relaxing in a wine heart-shaped Whirlpool spa, next to a wood-burning fireplace.
A Romantic Evening Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Image Source: Timber Cove Inn
Timber Cove Inn
21780 North Coast Highway 1
Jenner, California 95450
(800) 987-8319
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 535 reviews
The Timber Cove Inn is a sprawling resort, tucked away on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, that is the perfect setting for romance. You will want to sip sparkling wine by a cozy fireplace with your loved one while enjoying panoramic views of the sunset over the ocean. Check out the Coastal Romance Package, complete with sparkling wine and chocolate for couples looking for a honeymoon, or romantic weekend away.
Guests have access to over two miles of public hiking trails with breathtaking views. Alexander’s, the Inn’s on-site restaurant, pays tribute to the culinary bounty of Sonoma County with seasonal dishes changing each week. The Sonoma Coast Cioppino is a seafood stew that features the catch of the day.
Insider tip: If you are looking to spend quality time with loved ones without any distractions, this is the perfect place for you. The area has minimal cell reception, which means you can leave your phones in the room and enjoy life off the grid.
The Sonoma Coast has a hotel for every traveler. Have a favorite from this list? Let us know in the comments!
Author
WineCountry Staff