Sea You at the Ranch

Hiking at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast

01.12.2017

Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors —we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.

It stretches for 10 miles (one-way), but even if you go just a few miles, you’ll be privy to plentiful highlights. Start from Sea Ranch Lodge and head north with the ocean to your left and homes that blend with nature on your right. You’ll soon pass Black Point Beach, accessed via a steep wooden stairway. Whale migration season is starting, so keep an eye out for blowholes on the sea. Harbor seals can sometimes be spotted lounging on two of the area’s marine preserves (the preserves are off-limits, but bluff-trail vantages let you sneak a peek.)

If the tide’s cooperating, hidden beaches and pocket coves along the way make nice resting spots. We like Pebble Beach (about 2 miles in), a lovely crescent cove dramatized by giant driftwood. If it’s a clear day, time your return journey for the magic hour. Sea Ranch Lodge’s Adirondack chairs are prime for catching a sunset. Their bar is a great place to grab a cocktail. Golden moment goes down easy.

Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Dr., The Sea Ranch. All but one of the 20 rooms have ocean views—perfect for storm watching. Both the bluff-top trail and lodge are dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  2. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View
  3. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  4. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View

  3. Fall for These Falls

    Chase waterfalls in Redding’s Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This 42,000 acres of wilderness park is home to four waterfalls. Hike to the tallest, the three-tiered, 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls.

    View

  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

    View