Activities

Covering all of the activities available around Jenner and Sonoma Coast is a difficult task. There are are a huge variety of places to visit and sights to see, plus several annual events not to be missed. We cannot possibly mention them all here, but this is a taste of what Jenner and the surrounding areas have to offer.

In Jenner, the main attraction is being at the mouth of Russian River. This is the intersection of the river and ocean ecosystems. Consider renting a kayak or canoe to paddle around the estuary and Penny Island. Lotus Kayaks company rents kayaks right down the street.  There is a great deal of wildlife to be enjoyed, including ducks, pelicans, seals, otters, seagulls and more.  During seal pupping season, it’s exciting to see the seals swimming along next to you, as they poke their curious heads out of the water.  With our convenient location, you can bring the kayak right up to the shore in front of the house so you can rest if you get tired. The closest beach is Goat Rock Beach State Park & Beach, which you can visit by kayak or car. It's a great place to have a picnic with the dunes, rock formations, pounding surf and a dramatic hiking trail.  Some of you may recognize it from scenes in the movie “The Goonies.” Within walking distance from the house, you can visit a convenience store and gas station, a coffee shop, a gift shop or dine at one of the local restaurants, Rivers End.

Jenner is also a short drive from spectacular hiking cliffs and easily accessible beaches and state parks such as Doran Beach, Salmon Creek Beach and Armstrong Redwoods in Guerneville.  On your way south on Highway 1, you can stop at Shell Beach, which has excellent tidal pools and interesting geological formations.  A short drive to the north and you can visit Fort Ross Historic Park. They have a small museum and many historical installations. The 15 minute drive is worth it for the dramatic scenery alone.

About 20 minutes south of Jenner, visit the busy fishing community of Bodega Bay. From here, you can depart for deep sea fishing or whale watching trips or rent all the gear you’ll need to enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, surfing, windsurfing, and diving.  If you’d rather stay on dry land, you’ll find lots of fine restaurants, shopping, wine-tasting and art galleries.  It’s also the home of Bodega Harbour Golf Links, an 18 hole Scottish links style golf course.  If you tire of that course, there are many other golf courses in the area, including Northwood in Monte Rio, where you can practice your swings among the redwoods.  Movie buffs will not want to miss a chance to see the small town of Bodega, only a few more minutes away.  Here, Alfred Hitchcock filmed his classic “The Birds”.

When you’re ready to explore inland Sonoma County, area treasures are only a short distance away.  In just a 10 minute drive, go to the quaint town of Duncan’s Mills, home of summer events like a rodeo, Civil War Days, and an art festival.  Here you can stop for wine & cheese tasting, visit a general store, and take advantage of some very unique shopping. The Gold Coast Coffee & Brickoven Bakery features brick-oven pizzas, mochas and lattes. Just down the street, kayaks can be rented from Russian River Outfitters.  Head a bit further inland and you can visit the larger town of Guerneville, which hosts Jazz and Blues concerts on the river featuring big name musicians each summer.  There is even more shopping here and lots of restaurants, in all price ranges.  Still haven’t found quite what you’re looking for?  How about a trip to Korbel cellars to taste world famous wines?  Plus, there are innumerable other wineries and vineyards to see throughout the county.  Find links for a number of maps in our local info section.

If Art is what you seek, then you will definitely want to see the Sonoma County Gallery Group's 'Destination Art" guide. We've hi-lighted some really great spots, but don't just take our word for it.

Dining Guide (printable version) - PDF

Copyright 2007 The Viking House at Jenner, LLC.