Sonoma Coast
and Beaches South
The Sonoma Coast loop will take you as far as Bodega Bay. (See the Russian River Loop for the coast north of Jenner.) This easy, scenic drive wends through what were once apple- and plum-producing orchards and are now vineyards. Check the Sonoma Coast day-trip map for the location of wineries and wine-tasting rooms in the area.
Starting from Highway 101 just north of Petaluma, you’ll take the Highway 116 West exit. (Be sure not to take the East exit, a separate offramp, and the southernmost 116 exit.) Highway 116 is also known as Gravenstein Highway from here north.
Plenty of picturesque countryside and old buildings still exist on the way to the Sonoma Coast. You'll pass the historical Llano Road Roadhouse at 4353 Gravenstein Highway South.
Traffic might slow down a bit for the Sebastopol Flea Market. On weekends, the jumble of stalls set up in the woods becomes a beehive for bargain hunters, and traffic can back up a bit.
A little farther north at Bloomfield Road, get pumped for the day with a stop at the Hardcore Espresso stand on the left side of the highway. You'll recognize it by the motorcycles, farm trucks, and occasional tractor parked in front.
When you come into Sebastopol, you’ll be tempted to linger in this bustling country town, but continue on to the Sonoma Coast for now, as you will be returning here at the end of your day trip.
Bodega Bay and Beaches
 At the intersection with Highway 12, turn west and follow the two-lane rural road approximately ten miles to the Sonoma Coast. Horticulturist Luther Burbank had gardens in this fertile area. There are many nurseries along the way, some offering tours.
You’ll be sure to slow down for the colorful roadside strip of antique and curio shops at the little town of Bodega. Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 film The Birds was filmed in this 19th century village. The film featured the historic school and church.
Highway 12 reaches the Sonoma Coast at Bodega Bay. This fishing port is always picturesque, regardless of frequent foggy mornings.
Doran Beach, at the south end of town, is a long, sunny sandspit with a stretch of swimming beach on one side and the mud flats for birding on the other. There is a scenic golf course in the recreational development nearby. Enjoy fresh seafood and local oysters at one of the rustic waterside restaurants. Fishermen sell their catch dockside. You can book deep-sea fishing and seasonal whale-watching trips from this port.
Go north on Highway 1 and turn left to drive around the bay on your way to Bodega Head. During low tide you can observe many species of seabirds on the mud flats. On your left just before drive up Bodega Head, there is a cozy cove where locals like to swim.
Hiking trails criss-cross Bodega Head, offering views of the ocean and bay. During the Grey Whale migration you can view the whales from the cliffs.
The public beaches north of Bodega Bay stretch for 17 miles, bordered by gentle sand dunes. Highway 1 leads to Jenner, at the mouth of the Russian River. (The coast north of Jenner is included on the Russian River Loop. Today's tour doubles back south to Highway 12.)
Bohemia and Country Roads
Traveling inland from the Sonoma Coast, when you come to Bohemian Highway turn left. Freestone is just ahead. Stop in at Wild Flour Bread. Hand-kneaded breads, scones, and biscotti come warm and crusty from the wood-fired oven, making this a must-stop with locals. Stretch your legs on a stroll through their pretty little herb, vegetable and flower garden.
The Osmosis spa nearby has a meditative Japanese garden. They offer a Japanese enzyme bath. Visit the Wishing Well Nursery to see its 100 types of fuchsias and handsome garden sculptures.
Just a few miles ahead the road runs through the bohemian town of Occidental, nestled between steep forested hills on either side. The Victorian buildings house shops and restaurants, each with its own unique character and offerings. A mile down the road you can view some of the most exotic plants in the United States at the Western Hills Rare Plant Nursery.
Turn off Bohemian Highway at Graton Road and drive through gently sloping vineyards to an undiscovered delight of a little town called Graton. In the village of prettily-restored old buildings you’ll find shopping an adventure. There is a fine local artists’ gallery, and a potpourri of antique and import shops.
Country markets and cozy restaurants sell gourmet items and fresh-baked goods. Take a walk on the hiking trail through the vineyards, and in the late summer pick wild blackberries roadside by the bucket.
Drive up the hill to Gravenstein Highway and turn right onto Highway 116/Gravenstein Highway N. When you get to the intersection with Occidental Road, you can turn either way to do some winetasting.
To go to the Taft Street winery, turn right on Occcidental Road and at Barlow Lane turn left. To go to the Hanna winery turn left on Occidental Road. It's a beautiful drive that crosses the Santa Rosa Laguna.
When you are finished wine-tasting, go back to Highway 116/Gravenstein Highway N. and head south to Sebastopol, the end of today's day trip.
Sebastopol
 the end point of this day’s journey. There are a variety of lodging options. The creative, eco-friendly and health-minded character of this town is evidenced by natural food markets, new age shops, local art and crafts galleries, an array of good restaurants, and farmer’s markets heaped with local fresh produce.
Ragle Park offers hiking trails to unwind. The nature trails provide some excellent birdwatching. There is a playground for children, and leashed dogs are allowed.
You’ve enjoyed the best of the south Sonoma Coast region. Highway 101, the starting point for any of the day trips, is just eight miles from Sebastopol. Don’t forget to
fill up your gas tank
for your next Sonoma backroads and byways day trip.
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