This is one of my favorite spots in the world, the Northern California Pacific Coast. It has that uniqueness of connecting you with nature and tranquility, and at the same time has great opportunities to explore and entertain so many people, from the hikes, to the wine tasting to getting the best fresh seafood and do a cookout.
For some reason this is my favorite time of the year to head up to Sonoma and spend time by the coast, winter time, the weather tends to be super mild, of course a little foggy and windy, but just enough to remind you that you are in Northern California.
Start off by driving off from San Francisco on Highway 1 North, passing the counties of San Francisco and Marin, making it to Sonoma. Take the River Road - Russian River exit going West, it's about 20 miles before you get to Guerneville, the capital of Russian River. It's a quiet town and it feels like it's trapped back in the 60's, with flower power and hippies movement. It's a nice town to wander around for some time, explore the shops, have brunch or lunch and checkout some artists' studios on the main road.
After Guerneville, keep driving west to Jenner, which is about 13 miles. In between you'll pass the towns of Monte Rio (my favorite) and Duncans Mills. Monte Rio is the best spot to spend the night if you want to rent a place (I've written about Monte Rio before if you want to learn more http://tinyurl.com/triponmesfmonterio). Jenner has a very authentic feel, it's a very small town with just a couple cafes and Inns, nestled right where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean so views are breathtaking. Very easily you can spot sea lions laying on the river beach just where it meets the Ocean. There's no much to do in Jenner but to enjoy the views with a good coffee or even better with a nice Sonoma Pinot Noir.
From Jenner you can either go North or South. Going North on Highway 1, you'll be exposed to dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and just seven miles north you'll find Fort Ross Historic Park where the first Russian settlements established back in the 1800's and dedicated their days to hunt sea lions and other animals in the cold ocean waters. It's pretty impressive to walk through this park, you get an idea on how these first establishments worked back then, how people lived and much history about the Spanish battles to take over Northern California. Thanks to these first Russian establishments the area was known as the Russian River, even to these days (www.fortross.org) Again, this is a great spot to have amazing views, and that's what you'll find on any of these towns, impressive views. Just this last time I was there I felt like I was in one of the Lord of the Rings movies.
You can also drive South from Jenner. I recommend spending time hiking the multiple trails in the area, at the Sonoma County State Park. Just a few minutes South of Jenner you'll find access to the park, with my favorite hikes Goat Rock State Beach and Blind Beach. These are fairly easy hikes along the ocean and you'll really feel secluded in contact with nature. I just find it amazing that only 90 minutes North of San Francisco you can be so disconnected and relaxed, not even cellular reception in the area so it's great.
If you keep driving South on Highway 1 you'll get to other trademarks of the State of California. Bodega Bay is located 11 miles from Jenner. I still need to explore more of this town but I'll tell you know there's not a lot to explore but the views. The town has the best Seafood market where you can get anything fresh, now it's crab season so it's perfect to venture out there and get your supplies for a delicious seafood feast back at home, we just did that and it was amazing. Of course the town has history, in particular with whales and Alfred Hitchcock, remember "The Birds"? the movie was shot primarily in this town, with Rod Taylor and Tippi Hedren running around town escaping from the evil crows. So you'll find locals telling you all these stories about the movie and find some memorabilia available for purchase too.
So with these towns in the nearby area I'd recommend spending a weekend and exploring all these places. It's a great way to disconnect from the city life, connect with nature and just enjoy breath-taking views. Not to mention that you can also have great meals and fantastic wines from the Russian River wineries. I'm giving away many of my secret places but I trust this will stay between you and I. Pack your bags and go for the weekend...or a week. Keep traveling.
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