Sea You at the Ranch

Hiking at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast

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. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View