Jenner by the Sea
Jenner is set along the Pacific coastline. The transition to the coastal environment begins around Duncan's Mills and completes at the river's last bend before flowing into the ocean (see the picture at the left). Jenner offers fine River and Ocean view dining, great vacation rentals, romantic lodging and unique gift shops. Jenner is a short drive from spectacular cliffs and accessible beaches including Goat Rock State Park.
The tiny community of Jenner is the perfect starting point for all of your coastal activities and excursions. Although the quiet of Jenner itself may be just what some of you are looking for, others may wish to explore more areas of the coast and some of Sonoma County's numerous other wonders. Whatever you're seeking, you'll certainly find it here.
The town of Jenner is set along the Pacific coastline in Sonoma County, California. The Russian River flows past picturesque Penny Island here and then makes its last bend before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. This once boisterous logging community is now a quiet haven for nature lovers and those seeking some fresh sea air. Wildlife abounds and many of the most popular area activities are focused around enjoying the splendor of nature. Lotus Kayak rents kayaks literally only a few hundred feet from the door of our home. Several dramatic beaches are only a few minutes drive away.
By spending a few more minutes in the car, many other locations are accessible. To the south on Hwy 1, you can visit the bustling fishing community of Bodega Bay. Numerous restaurants there, in all price ranges, will satisfy your seafood cravings. To the North, the views of dramatic cliffs along the drive to historic Fort Ross, the Sea Ranch community and Mendocino will rival the destinations themselves.
Further inland, the heart of Sonoma County will offer unforgettable experiences for you. Vineyards are plentiful in the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. Each micro-climate of Sonoma County offers fabulous wines, produce and dairy products. We can all reap the bounty of the county in a number of fantastic restaurants and world-renown wineries – most 1 hour or less from Jenner. The area is the gourmet's and oenophile's dream!
Thankfully, most Californians can easily reach Jenner and the surrounding areas by car. The cities of San Francisco and Sacramento are about 2 and 3 hours away, respectively. Those from further away may need to fly into one of three Bay Area airports such as Oakland, San Francisco, or San Jose.
HOW TO GET HERE
Hwy 101 from the South
(Santa Rosa Area)
- Hwy 101 Exit 494 for River Rd toward Calistoga
- Turn left onto Mark West Springs Rd/River Rd
Continue straight to follow River Rd
15.9 miles - Continue straight onto Hwy 116 W/CA-116 W
11.5 miles - Continue right onto CA-1 North/Coast Hwy
1.2 miles
Hwy 101 from the North
(Santa Rosa Area)
- Take exit 494 for River Rd toward Calistoga
- Turn right onto Mark West Springs Rd/River Rd
Continue straight to follow River Rd
15.7 miles - Continue straight onto Hwy 116 W/CA-116 W
11.5 miles - Continue right onto CA-1 North/Coast Hwy
1.2 miles
Here are a few links to some great Sonoma Coast web sites.
- www.russianriver.com
- www.bodegabay.com
- www.bodegabay.com/events
- www.bodegabay.com/features/birds
- www.sonomacountyairport.org
- www.sonoma.com/visitorsinfo/chambersofcommercelistings.html
- www.sonoma.com/visitorsinfo/Sonoma_County_Winery_Map.pdf