Recharging at Sea Ranch, California

Sea Ranch view of the Pacific Ocean

There is a planned, unincorporated community about half-way up the California coast called The Sea Ranch. Dating back to the lat 1960s, it's 16.2 square miles of coastline along California's famous Highway One in Sonoma County, just south of the tiny town of Gualala, CA. Today, it's the perfect location for a relaxing northern California coastal getaway. I spent a week there this summer relaxing and recharging before gearing up for a fall season of consulting work and book manuscript deadlines.

When to Go:

The Sea Ranch is beautiful at any time of year, but September and October offer the possibility of viewing Humpback and other whales from the shore as they migrate south for the winter.

Where to Stay:

Sunset on the Sea Ranch

Many Sea Ranch homes are available for vacation rentals. Some are offered for rent by the owners, while others are available through real estate agencies based in Gualala. I made my recent reservations through Ocean View Properties and found their service friendly.

Points of Interest:

The Sea Ranch architecture is distinctively woodsy and designed to blend in with the surroundings. Also, the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department provides coastal access from six places along State Route 1 in the Sea Ranch area:

• Black Point (trail) at 35035 State Route 1
• Gualala Point Regional Park at 42401 State Route 1
• Pebble Beach (trail) at 36448 State Route 1
• Shell Beach (trail) at 39200 State Route 1
• Stengel Beach (trail) at 37900 State Route 1
• Walk On Beach (trail) at 40101 State Route 1

Advisories:

• Be advised that the climb down to Stengel Beach is steep and involves climbing/sliding over a large boulder. Visitors with limited mobility may find it inaccessible.
• This is tick-country, so I checked my dog carefully each day.