Sonoma Coastal County Is Where It's At!

This is the California I came to see — right here in Sonoma Coastal County along the ocean shore. From Bodega Bay up to Mendocino, it is as majestically beautiful as I could ever imagine. Every mile is another eye popping view, nature is displaying all its glory — jagged rocky coastline, blue waters and crashing surf, wild flowers and soaring pelicans.




Today is the very best day. Big Sur and Monterey were great, but this is beyond great. This is near perfection. I want to grab a place and stay forever to explore this stretch of coastline.





In fact, I am struggling to let it all just be. It is all so beautiful, all so interesting and visually rich, that I want to hold on to all of it. I ACHE when we pass by a winding path to another beach, a walking trail or another secluded cove with sleeper waves, holes in the rocks and tidal pools. I want to explore it all!

However, it's just not possible. We'd never go anywhere and we've arranged this journey to see the whole coast — from California up to Washington state. It's a valuable lesson in letting go for me. It's like watching a movie for the first time and recognizing immediately, "This is a classic. A masterpiece." But instead of pressing pause all the time, you watch it all the way through and enjoy it for what it is. Afterwards, you can decide when to come back and watch it again!

Numerous small towns dot this coastline with populations of no more than 200 to 500 people. Each one unspoiled and quaint with modest cafes and little inns to stay the night. There's Jenner, Fort Ross, Gualala, Manchester, Point Arena, Albion, Elk, Mendocino... One town after another, spaced every fifteen to twenty miles, each one more charming and special than the one before.

We begin our morning with a stop at Shell Beach just outside of Bodega Bay and walk the 2 and half miles along the shore cliffs to the rock outcropping at Goat Heads Point. The day begins with rain and clouds, but by the time we set out on our walk, we are in short sleeves, the sun is shining, the surf rolling in. Everywhere you turn, there is a scene to behold.




















I truly love it.




After our walk, we venture down to the shore level of Shell beach and enjoy our take away clam chowder from the day before — still good even when cold.




Got to be careful around these shores!




Then we drive, stopping at all the lookouts to take photos, trying to absorb it all. Lunch is in the town of Jenner and a sweet little organic cafe.

We drive further along, detour through the redwoods to Navarro to check out a recommended winery and then back to the coast and into Mendocino — so CUTE (yes, I'm using the word cute) with its water towers and windmills and historic homes and shops (albeit kitschy) all by the sea.












We take a room at the historic Sea Gull Inn which feels like it hasn't changed in 50 years. Jim and his family kindly offer us a deal on the room. How can we say no?
















Then we venture next door to have dinner at the Mendocino Cafe with a menu so good we can't decide which of the good options to order.

I LOVE CALIFORNIA!

This stretch is the very best. Have to, HAVE TO come back!