Weekend Getaway in Sea Ranch
Hotel
Sea Ranch Lodge
You’ll be spending both nights of your trip at Sea Ranch Lodge. Since you’re staying two nights during one of their promotions, you’ll get a $100 credit to their cafe.
Google Map List
Access your Google Map List for Sea Ranch, where you’ll find everything from this itinerary (plus a few extras ;D)
Map
Day 1
Friday
OVERVIEW: Drive from San Francisco to Sea Ranch
Morning
9:00: Breakfast + Depart San Francisco
Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes
On your way to the Golden Gate Bridge, swing by Ariscault Bakery. It has the best croissants in the city (their most popular ones are chocolate or ham and cheese, but I love the plain one just as much). Their coffee is so-so but Brecks, right next door, has great espresso drinks. Then, head out towards Point Reyes Station (Tip: Bring cash and keep an eye out for farm stands and cheese shops along the way.)11:00: Hike in Tomales Bay
Map: AllTrails
Stretch your legs with a quick, 1-hour, 2.5 mile hike in Tomales Bay before lunch. This hike is just north of Point Reyes Station and gives you a good idea of the nature in this area. It’s a popular spot for birding.
Afternoon
12:30: Stop at Marshall Store or Nick’s Cove for Lunch
Drive time: 15-20 minutes
The Marshall Store is a classic Tomales Bay institution with has excellent oysters, smoked salmon, and (if in season), Dungeness crab. The tri-tip sandwich is also a local favorite. If you choose Nick’s Cove, expect a more New England style take on the seafood. There are oysters, of course, but also one of our favorite lobster rolls outside of New England.2:00: Continue to Sea Ranch
Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Optional stop: Stop by Stump Beach for an easy hike to stretch your legs and enjoy the ocean views.
Evening
6:00: Sunset Drinks at Sea Ranch Lodge
Be sure to arrive and check-in in time to see the sunset. It’s truly spectacular on this corner of the coast—and there’s a lovely patio where you can sit and watch the sun set over the ocean.7:00: Dinner at the Lodge
Reservation
There aren’t many food options in this area, but the Lodge does a solid dinner. We prefer their small bites over the larger plates, and they have an excellent wine list. If you’re feeling tired, you can also opt to have a casual burger and bar bites in the bar area over their sit-down restaurant. Reservation recommended if you want dinner at the sit-down restaurant.
Navigate with Google Maps
Day 2
Saturday
OVERVIEW: Explore the area near Sea Ranch and Point Arenas
Morning
8:00: Coffee and breakfast at the Lodge
Grab a quick breakfast at the lodge. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s the closest spot to your room and unfortunately the rooms don’t have any kitchens (just a kettle for coffee). You can use your credit here.9:00: Yoga class
There’s a free yoga class at the lodge on Saturdays that I’d recommend if you like yoga. Mats are provided.10:30: Relax or take a hike/audio history tour on the property
Depending on your mood, either return to your room to relax or put on your walking shoes to walk along the coastal trails at Sea Ranch. You mentioned you’re interested in history and this place definitely has a lot of it. To learn more about it, download and listen to this informative walking tour developed by Sea Ranch while you walk the bluffs.
Afternoon
12:00: Stop by the Sea Ranch Cathedral
Drive time: 15 minutes
This is one of the quirkier attractions in Sea Ranch, and a great place to see a bit more of Sea Ranch’s unusual past. It’s also an unusual piece of architecture.12:30: Eat lunch at Trink’s or the Gualala Seafood Shack in Gualala
Drive time: 10 minutes
Prepare to head out for the rest of the afternoon. Your first stop is lunch in the small town of Gualala. Trink’s Cafe is a solid choice for sandwiches and classic diner breakfast options. Otherwise, the Seafood Shack does a solid fish and chips. There is also a gas station in Gualala. It’s expensive but if you need it, this is the last opportunity before Point Arenas.2:00: Hike on Pelican Bluffs
Drive time: 15 minutes
Take an easy 1-mile long walk on this dramatic stretch of coast. It’s really beautiful and a great place for photos.3:00: Visit Point Arena lighthouse
Drive time: 12 minutes
Stop for a quick tour of this historic lighthouse in Point Arena and more views of the ocean. The lighthouse was originally constructed in 1870.
Evening
4:00 Happy Hour at The New Museum Brewers & Blenders
Drive time: 10 minutes
Point Arenas is a small town, but this little family-run brewery rivals that of any big city. As a beer-lover, you’ll enjoy a stop here for a happy hour before dinner.6:00: Dinner at Gama
Reservation
Gama (opens at 5pm), is a Japanese-style izakaya and sushi spot—and easily one of the best meals along this stretch of coast. The fresh fish and sashimi are the best things on the menu, but definitely save room for dessert. Be sure to ask what’s fresh, since they’ll often get fresh uni (sea urchin) and other fun things from nearby.8:00: Return to Sea Ranch
Drive time: 30 minutes
Nights end early on this stretch of the coast. Head back to The Sea Ranch after dinner where you can either head to the communal space for a glass of wine while you listen to records by the fire, or cozy up in your room.
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Day 3
Sunday
OVERVIEW: Hike and drive back to San Francisco
Morning
10:30: Depart and go for a hike in Salt Point State Park
Drive time: 15 minutes
After packing up for the trip back home, make a stop at Salt Point State Park, one of the most beautiful outdoor areas on the Sonoma Coast. Since you’ve already seen a lot of coast, go for the 2-hour, 4.5 mile Pygmy Forest Trail to see some of the beautiful forests instead.
Afternoon
12:30: Lunch at Timber Cove
Drive time: 10 minutes
If it’s nice out, ask for a seat on their patio. Their menu is pretty basic, classic California, but you can’t go wrong with a burger and the salad. Great selection of beer and wines as well. Save room for dessert because….2:00: Drive back to San Francisco
You’ll want to take the (slightly) longer way back through Guerneville and stop for some of the best ice cream in Northern California at Nimble & Finn’s, which is housed in the old bank on Main street.
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Pre-Departure Checklist
Things to book
Hotel: Sea Ranch Lodge
Restaurant | Friday Night | Sea Ranch Lodge
Restaurant | Saturday Night | Gama
Other to-dos
Download: Sea Ranch audio tour
Download: Offline map of the area (reception can be spotty)
Download: AllTrails + Tomales Bay Trail + Pygmy Forest Trail
Rent: Your car