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The Top 6 Things to Do in Sea Ranch
In the coastal town of Sea Ranch, the main attraction is Mother Nature. The sweeping ocean views and windswept meadows attract visitors ready to relax by the rugged Pacific Coast, making this charming locale a peaceful destination for connecting to the wildlife and beauty of the great outdoors. Of everything to do in Sea Ranch, here are our top picks:
Sonoma County Regional Parks manages six public, meandering trails—Bluff Top Trail, Walk on Beach, Shell Beach, Stengel Beach, Pebble Beach, and Black Point—that each offer some stunning views of the crashing shores. At each of these points, access to the beach is made by staircase or footpaths, so park at one of the access points, and enjoy the scent of cypress trees and salt air while hiking between the beaches.
Insider tip: For an easy jaunt to the shore and a closer inspection of the sea life, visit Shell Beach, a .65-mile path that leads to a sandy beach of tidal pools.
Sea Ranch provides a fantastic vantage point for watching the whales migrating along the Pacific Coast, and the three-mile Bluff Top Sea Ranch Access Trail is a favorite spot for whale watching. Winding through woods and fields, you’ll be treated to hidden inlets, sea cliffs, and coves for an intimate look at the natural beauty this locale provides.
Insider tip: Among the best viewing times are November through December, when the whales are migrating south, and March through April, when the whales are returning north. A visit in the spring will also provide the opportunity to see the wildflowers in bloom.
32000 CA-1
Stewarts Point, CA 95480
(707) 785-2011
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 22 reviews
No, it’s not technically in Sea Ranch, but a jaunt down to Stewarts Point to nosh on baked goods from Twofish Baking Company is worth the short drive. Known for their focus on high-quality artisanal breads and pastries, Twofish Baking Company attracts tourists and locals on the regular for their homemade treats. Located at the 150-year-old Stewarts Point Store, it’s here you can find their mouthwatering assortment of croissants, sourdough boules, and lemon poppy seed scones. In true craft bakery style, it takes three days to complete each loaf of bread, and you can almost taste the love and dedication that goes into each bite.
Insider tip: Arrive early to order the coveted sticky buns, as they tend to sell out quickly.
42000 Coast Hwy
Sea Ranch, CA 95497
(707) 785-2468
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 3 reviews
This challenging 18-holes of Sea Ranch Golf Links is situated among the beauty of ancient redwoods, sea grass troughs, and ocean views. Interestingly, Robert Muir Graves designed all 18 holes at one time, but the two halves were built 22 years apart. The result is a distinctive course: the front nine holes are closer to sea; the back nine are a little wilder and more rugged, connected by little paths and bridges.
Insider tip: Navigating the course is daunting without knowledge of the terrain. Bring a GPS, or purchase the yardage book from the pro shop.
975 Annapolis Rd
Sea Ranch, CA 95497
(707) 785-2444
Non-denominational Sea Ranch Chapel is distinguished by its incredible design by architect James Hubbell. The whimsical structure, made of local natural materials including wood from the forests and shells from the beaches, is punctuated with a one-of-a-kind wing-shaped roof. Stained glass windows inlaid on teak wood doors lead to a serene interior, complete with hand-carved redwood benches and a plaster ceiling embedded with sea urchins and sea shells—a charming design, straight out of a fairy tale.
Insider tip: The chapel is open everyday from sunrise to sunset, so plan to visit during the day.
35590 Verdant View
Annapolis, CA 95412
(707) 785-4529
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 5 reviews
You’ll need sustenance before a day of exploring Sea Ranch, so be sure to stop into The Ranch Cafe for simple yet satisfying fare. Offering breakfast and lunch, The Ranch Cafe is a local’s go-to for breakfast burritos, baked goods, espresso drinks, fresh salads, and hearty sandwiches, which can be enjoyed inside, outside, or taken to-go. Insider tip: While the The Ranch Cafe is open until 4:00pm most days of the week, they do close early on Sundays and are closed entirely on Wednesdays, so be sure to plan accordingly.
A Coastal Hike
Image Source: Yelp
Sea Ranch Coastal Access TrailsSonoma County Regional Parks manages six public, meandering trails—Bluff Top Trail, Walk on Beach, Shell Beach, Stengel Beach, Pebble Beach, and Black Point—that each offer some stunning views of the crashing shores. At each of these points, access to the beach is made by staircase or footpaths, so park at one of the access points, and enjoy the scent of cypress trees and salt air while hiking between the beaches.
Insider tip: For an easy jaunt to the shore and a closer inspection of the sea life, visit Shell Beach, a .65-mile path that leads to a sandy beach of tidal pools.
Whale Watching in the Pacific
Image Source: Yelp
Bluff Top Sea Ranch Access TrailSea Ranch provides a fantastic vantage point for watching the whales migrating along the Pacific Coast, and the three-mile Bluff Top Sea Ranch Access Trail is a favorite spot for whale watching. Winding through woods and fields, you’ll be treated to hidden inlets, sea cliffs, and coves for an intimate look at the natural beauty this locale provides.
Insider tip: Among the best viewing times are November through December, when the whales are migrating south, and March through April, when the whales are returning north. A visit in the spring will also provide the opportunity to see the wildflowers in bloom.
Fresh Baked Treats
Image Source: Yelp
Twofish Baking Company32000 CA-1
Stewarts Point, CA 95480
(707) 785-2011
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 22 reviews
No, it’s not technically in Sea Ranch, but a jaunt down to Stewarts Point to nosh on baked goods from Twofish Baking Company is worth the short drive. Known for their focus on high-quality artisanal breads and pastries, Twofish Baking Company attracts tourists and locals on the regular for their homemade treats. Located at the 150-year-old Stewarts Point Store, it’s here you can find their mouthwatering assortment of croissants, sourdough boules, and lemon poppy seed scones. In true craft bakery style, it takes three days to complete each loaf of bread, and you can almost taste the love and dedication that goes into each bite.
Insider tip: Arrive early to order the coveted sticky buns, as they tend to sell out quickly.
Golf by the Sea
Image Source: Yelp
Sea Ranch Golf Links42000 Coast Hwy
Sea Ranch, CA 95497
(707) 785-2468
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 3 reviews
This challenging 18-holes of Sea Ranch Golf Links is situated among the beauty of ancient redwoods, sea grass troughs, and ocean views. Interestingly, Robert Muir Graves designed all 18 holes at one time, but the two halves were built 22 years apart. The result is a distinctive course: the front nine holes are closer to sea; the back nine are a little wilder and more rugged, connected by little paths and bridges.
Insider tip: Navigating the course is daunting without knowledge of the terrain. Bring a GPS, or purchase the yardage book from the pro shop.
A Historical Sanctuary
Image Source: Yelp
The Sea Ranch Chapel975 Annapolis Rd
Sea Ranch, CA 95497
(707) 785-2444
Non-denominational Sea Ranch Chapel is distinguished by its incredible design by architect James Hubbell. The whimsical structure, made of local natural materials including wood from the forests and shells from the beaches, is punctuated with a one-of-a-kind wing-shaped roof. Stained glass windows inlaid on teak wood doors lead to a serene interior, complete with hand-carved redwood benches and a plaster ceiling embedded with sea urchins and sea shells—a charming design, straight out of a fairy tale.
Insider tip: The chapel is open everyday from sunrise to sunset, so plan to visit during the day.
Eat Local
Image Source: The Ranch Cafe
The Ranch Cafe35590 Verdant View
Annapolis, CA 95412
(707) 785-4529
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 5 reviews
You’ll need sustenance before a day of exploring Sea Ranch, so be sure to stop into The Ranch Cafe for simple yet satisfying fare. Offering breakfast and lunch, The Ranch Cafe is a local’s go-to for breakfast burritos, baked goods, espresso drinks, fresh salads, and hearty sandwiches, which can be enjoyed inside, outside, or taken to-go. Insider tip: While the The Ranch Cafe is open until 4:00pm most days of the week, they do close early on Sundays and are closed entirely on Wednesdays, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Author
WineCountry Collective
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