Jenner – Gateway to Sonoma’s Rugged Coastline

Jenner is a peaceful seaside village with a welcoming atmosphere. Only a 20 minute drive from Bodega Bay and 50 minutes from Santa Rosa, Jenner is a great destination for travelers who want to visit the Northern California Coast without sticking to the main tourist towns. Visitors appreciate the serene atmosphere offered by Jenner through its unique combination of rocky coastline and rural farmland. Driving through the town, you’re just as likely to come upon friendly cattle wandering the roadside as you are to find seagulls gliding on the sea breeze.

You can unplug and unwind at the rustically luxurious River’s End Restaurant & Inn, or go for shore-side sophistication at the Jenner Inn. The two hotels are right across from each other in downtown Jenner, on Highway 1. The River’s End offers exquisite fine dining with remarkable views of the ocean sunsets, while the bar at Jenner Inn serves as the perfect place to stop in for cocktails. A short walk from both restaurants is the Cafe Aquatica, a wonderfully bohemian establishment on the water that serves healthy breakfasts and lunches. The cafe regularly hosts live music on the docks every weekend.

Whether you’re content with strolling the beaches, or are looking for more active fun, there’s plenty to do in Jenner. Because the mouth of the Russian River creates a tranquil estuary right at Jenner’s edge, there is plenty of calm water for kayaking and paddleboarding. Equipment can be rented at Watertreks in town, which also provides guided kayaking and hiking tours. Goat Rock Beach rests just across the estuary, but can be crowded in the high season. You can still get a lovely view of the rock without all the bustle by going to Blind Beach nearby. Traveling north on Highway 1 from Jenner, you’ll encounter many turnout points and other beach entrances that are part of Sonoma Coast State Park.