Favorite Things To Do Near Jenner, CA
FAVORITE THINGS TO DO
IN JENNER:
CAFÉ AQUATICA – DON’T MISS COFFEE, CHOWDER, SALADS, AND SANDWICHES ON THE RIVER. MOST WEEKENDS ENTERTAINMENT BY ACOUSTICAL MUSICIANS. MINGLE WITH LOCALS, COAST TRAVELERS, AND BICYCLISTS RIVERSIDE. TASTING BY THE SEA WINE BAR IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR WITH VIEWS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER ESTUARY AND THE OCEAN BEYOND. THEY REPRESENT 4 LOCAL WINE MAKERS AND SERVE OVER 30 DIFFERENT WINES.
JUST PAST THE POST OFFICE CHECK-OUT THE VISITOR’S CENTER RUN BY THE STEWARDS OF THE COAST AND REDWOODS TO SEE A LIST OF PROGRAMS THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE DURING YOUR STAY.
ACROSS THE STREET, NEAR THE GAS STATION IS A KAYAK RENTAL COMPANY CALLED WATERTREKS. THE OWNER, SUKI, OFFERS AN AMAZING VARIETY OF GUIDED TOURS ALONG THE ESTUARY, OR FOR THOSE BRAVE ENOUGH, OCEAN KAYAKING. TELL SUKI YOU’RE STAYING AT CASA PANAMA, HER AUNT AND UNCLE BUILT THE HOUSE AND SHE HAS FUN FAMILY STORIES TO TELL. ANOTHER OPTION IS LOTUS KAYAK, WHICH RENTS FOR THE DAY AND WILL DROP YOU OFF AT ANY POINT ON THE RUSSIAN RIVER AND PICK YOU UP LATER. THIS IS BY APPOINTMENT, SO BOOK IN ADVANCE BY CALLING JOHN AT 865.9604.
JUST UP THE COAST AT THE NORTH END OF JENNER TOWN, IS ONE OF THE MOST RENOWNED RESTAURANTS IN ALL SONOMA COUNTY, RIVER'S END. MAKE A RESERVATION AT SUNSET FOR ONE OF THE FINEST MEALS YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. TELL THE OWNER, BERT, WE SENT YOU! YOU CAN ALSO VIEW THE SUNSET IN THE SMALL VERY PICTURESQUE BAR OR ON THE OUTDOOR PATIO THAT OVERLOOKS THE OCEAN.
GOAT ROCK STATE BEACH IS A THREE-MINUTE DRIVE FROM CASA PANAMA TO THE SOUTH ON HWY 1 FROM JENNER. THERE ARE TWO PARKING LOTS; THE NORTH LOT IS ACCESS TO A LONG BEACH THAT ENDS AT THE RIVER MOUTH WHERE YOU CAN VIEW THE SEALS. VOLUNTEERS ENSURE VISITORS STAY A SAFE DISTANCE. THE SOUTH LOT GIVES YOU ACCESS TO A MORE PROTECTED BEACH IF IT’S A WINDY DAY. THIS SIDE IS OK FOR DOGS ON A LEASH.
FOR HIKERS: KORTUM TRAIL BECOMES A BOARDWALK THAT RUNS ALONG THE BLUFFS FROM SHELL BEACH TO GOAT ROCK! IT IS PERFECT FOR A LEISURELY COASTAL STROLL ALONG THE BLUFFS. DOGS ON LEASHES ARE WELCOME AT MOST BEACHES AND TRAILS ALONG THE SONOMA COAST AND RUSSIAN RIVER.
THE JENNER HEADLANDS PRESERVE IS A HIKER'S PARADISE FOR SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND WILDLAND EXPLORATION. THIS 5,630 ACRE PRESERVE HAS 15 MILES OF TRAILS FOR ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE. THE MOST CHALLENGING IS THE SEA TO SKY TRAIL, A 15 MILE ROUND TRIP TO THE TOP OF POLE MOUNTAIN. DOGS ARE ALLOWED HERE BUT MUST BE ON A LEASH. AND BY THE WAY, AN UNEXPECTED PERK OF BEING A GUEST AT CASA PANAMA IS THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE PROPRIETARY GATE INTO THE HEADLANDS THAT IS JUST A SHORT STROLL UP THE ROAD! NO FIGHTING FOR A PARKING SPACE.
POMO CANYON TRAIL TO THE COAST- TAKE HWY 1 SOUTH ABOUT 3 MILES TO WILLOW CREEK RD, NEXT TO THE RUSSIAN HOUSE RESTAURANT. TURN LEFT ON WILLOW CREEK RD AND FOLLOW THE ROAD TO THE END AND PARK AT POMO CANYON. TAKE THE PATH TO THE RIGHT AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE CAMPGROUND AND THE TRAIL WILL TAKE YOU ALL THE WAY TO SHELL BEACH ALONG THE COAST. AT THE TOP OF THE TRAIL KNOWN AS RED HILL THERE ARE 360 DEGREE VIEWS OF SONOMA COUNTY. IT IS ADVISED TO HAVE A CAR WAITING TO PICK YOU UP AT SHELL BEACH.
IN DUNCANS MILLS: (9 minutes)
FROM CASA PANAMA TAKE HWY 1 SOUTH TO HWY 116 EASTBOUND TO THE MOSCOW RD JUNCTION. THE DUNCANS MILLS SHOPPING AREA IS ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF THE ROAD. ON THE SOUTH SIDE IS GOLD COAST COFFEE & BAKERY, A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR FRESHLY GROUND COFFEE AND HOMEMADE PASTRIES OR PIZZA!! SIT IN THE SUN ON THE BACK PATIO! DOGS ARE WELCOME; JUST TAKE THEM AROUND THE BACK. (BROTHERS PATRICK AND ARRON, RANCHERS FROM FREESTONE, OWN GOLD COAST AND CAFÉ AQUATICA)
ALL OF THESE LITTLE TOWNS SPRANG UP BECAUSE OF THE RAILROAD BRINGING A STEADY STREAM OF TOURISTS UP FROM SAN FRANCISCO. YOU CAN SEE ONE OF THE ORIGINAL TRAIN CARS AT DUNCAN MILLS THE DEPOT MUSEUM. THERE IS A WONDERFUL RESTAURANT HERE AS WELL, THE BLUE HERON RESTAURANT FOR AN EAST COAST TYPE BAR ATMOSPHERE; GREAT FOR SPORTING EVENT VIEWING AND LIVE MUSIC ON THE WEEKENDS. TRY THE HAMBURGER OR FISH AND CHIPS ON THE BAR SIDE WITH PLENTY OF LOCALS TO SPICE UP YOUR GOOD TIME.
ACROSS THE STREET TO THE NORTH SIDE OF DUNCANS MILLS YOU WILL SEE ANOTHER RESTAURANT CAPE FEAR, FOR A DELICIOUS BREAKFAST, LUNCH, OR DINNER WITH A WIDER MENU SELECTION. TAKE A LOOK AROUND AT THE REALLY SUPERB GROUPING OF LOCALLY OWNED SHOPS AND ARTIFACTS. DON’T MISS THE WINE SHOP AND THE INFAMOUS CHRISTOPHER QUEEN GALLERY! AND, CHECK IN ON POET'S CORNER BOOK SHOP, THE LITTLE RED HOUSE IN THE BACK OF THE VILLAGE, WHICH IS FULL OF QUALITY READS AND CURIO. IF YOU WANT TO PICK UP SOME FOOD TO TAKE BACK WITH YOU, DUNCAN MILLS GENERAL STORE STOCKS LOCALLY SOURCED GRASS FED BEEF, A DELI, AND A SURPRISINGLY GOOD SELECTION OF WINE (INCLUDING WILD HOG THE LAST I WAS THERE).
IN MONTE RIO: (15 minutes)
MONTE RIO BEACH PARK ALONG THE RUSSIAN RIVER IS WONDERFUL FOR FAMILIES TO SUNBATHE, SWIM, AND RENT A KAYAK OR CANOE. DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR DOG! MONTE RIO OFFERS A DOG-FRIENDLY BEACH ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE BRIDGE WHERE YOUR PET CAN RUN AND PLAY OFF LEASH.
IN CAMP MEEKER: (22 minutes)
FROM MONTE RIO ON MOSCOW RD WHEN YOU GET TO THE STOP AT MAIN ST. TURN RIGHT AND IT TURNS INTO BOHEMIAN HWY. GO UP THE HILL FOR ABOUT 3.9 MILES TO ALLIANCE REDWOODS CANOPY TOURS. RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST AND THIS IS A FUN WAY TO SEE THE REDWOODS FROM THE TREETOPS! TELL DEBBIE WE SENT YOU PLEASE!!
IN OCCIDENTAL: (28 minutes)
TAKE BOHEMIAN HWY ANOTHER 5 MILES UP TO THE WONDERFUL TOWN OF OCCIDENTAL FOR RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING OR HIKING A REDWOOD FOREST. IN THE TOWN OF OCCIDENTAL, HOWARD STATION CAFÉ IS OUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR BREAKFAST ANYWHERE! THE HISTORICAL BUILDING IS THE ORIGINAL TRAIN DEPOT FROM THE LATE 1800’S AND EARLY 1900’S.
FOR FAMILY STYLE ITALIAN DINNERS VISIT THE NEWLY REMODELED SPORTS BAR AT NEGRI'S OR THE UNION HOTEL RESTAURANT. NEGRI’S RESTAURANT, BOTH ARE FUN. THE RESTAURANT HAZEL IS A GREAT OPTION FOR CAL-MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE. TAKE A STROLL DOWN THE STREET AND BROWSE THROUGH THE ADORABLE SHOPS IN TOWN. OCCIDENTAL IS TRULY A MUST SEE!
FOR A LAID BACK MEDITATIVE STROLL, THE A LITTLE KNOW GROVE OF OLD TREES IS A DELIGHT, TAKE A RIGHT AT NEGRIS ON COLEMAN VALLEY ROAD STAYING STRAIGHT WHERE IT TURNS INTO JOY RD, THEN TAKE A RIGHT ON FITZPATRICK LANE AND PARK BEFORE THE CATTLE GUARD. THIS IS A VERY DOG-FRIENDLY PARK AND IF YOUR DOG STAYS NEARBY, YOU CAN TAKE THEM OFF LEASH.
IN GUERNEVILLE: (22 minutes)
GUERNEVILLE IS LOCATED ABOUT 20 MINUTES EAST OF JENNER ON RIVER RD. ON THE WAY TO HWY 101. THERE IS A SAFEWAY STORE OPEN 24 HOURS TO STOCK UP ON GROCERIES BEFORE HEADING OUT TO THE COAST.
GUERNEVILLE ALSO OFFERS MANY RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, NIGHTLIFE AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES IS KORBEL WINERY. THEY HAVE AN INCREDIBLE DELI THAT SERVES BOX LUNCHES TO TAKE TO THE BEACH OR PACK ON THE BACK OF A BICYCLE TO RIDE ON ONE OF THE MANY SCENIC TRAILS. THE WINERY TOUR IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
FOR A HIKE AMONG THE REDWOODS, VISIT ARMSTRONG WOODS ON ARMSTRONG WOODS RD. FROM JUNE THROUGH AUGUST, GUERNEVILLE'S FARMERS MARKET WITH LOCAL PRODUCE, BAKED GOODS, AND OTHER LOCALLY SOURCED FRESH FOOD. HOURS ARE FROM 3:00 PM TO 6:00 PM ON THURSDAYS. AFTER THE FARMERS MARKET ENJOY A CONCERT FROM LOCAL MUSICIANS.
OUR FAVORITE GUERNEVILLE WINERY, PORTER BASS WINERY IS BIODYNAMIC AND ORGANIC. WE RECOMMEND RENTING BICYCLES AND STARTING YOUR RIDE AT HWY 116 AND MAYS CANYON ROAD. SCHEDULE LUKE BASS FOR A WINE TASTING. IT WILL TAKE YOU ABOUT 30-45 MINUTES BY BIKE ON A MOSTLY FLAT, SCENIC AND SAFE RODE. 11750 MAYS CANYON RD. (707) 869.1475.
IN BODEGA BAY: (20 minutes)
BODEGA BAY HAS MANY BEACHES, SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, DELIS, AND SHOPS. CANDY AND KITES HAVE UNIQUE GIFTS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES. FOR FISH & CHIPS WE LOVE THE BOAT HOUSE JUST AS YOU COME INTO BODEGA BAY NEXT TO THE KITE PLACE. (THE OWNER RUNS A FISHING TRIP OUT OF THE MARINA).
THE TIDES IS ONE OF THE LOCATIONS FOR HITCHCOCK’S THE BIRDS. WE LIKE LUCAS WHARF, A WATERFRONT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, AND THE FISHETARIAN FISH MARKET NEXT DOOR. A GREAT LUNCH SPOT WITH OUTSIDE TABLES, OR ORDER FROM THEIR DELI AND GRAB SOME DUNGENESS CRAB OR CLAM CHOWDER AND HEAD OFF TO THE BEACH OR BODEGA HEAD TO WATCH THE SUNSET. A RESTAURANT NOT TO MISS IS THE MICHELIN RATED TERRAPIN CREEK CAFÉ!
FOR ART LOVERS, WE RECOMMEND THE REN BROWN COLLECTION GALLERY, SPECIALIZING IN CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE ART AND ANTIQUES.
THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES, THERE ARE STILL LOTS MORE FOR YOU TO DISCOVER AND ENJOY!
