Where to Stay on the Pacific Coast with Stunning Ocean Views

This oasis is so romantic and serene on its seaside perch. As the only AAA Four Diamond hotel on the Sonoma Coast, Bodega Bay Lodge offers a luxury escape, in rooms outfitted with real fireplaces, warm, snuggly down comforters, and private balconies for stargazing. 

The drive to Timber Cove Resort is an exhilarating one, hugging Highway 1 on the edge of the cliffs soaring above the crashing waves and jagged rocks of the Sonoma Coast. But just a bit north of Fort Ross and Jenner awaits a miniature town with a very big reason to visit: this secluded resort and its Coast Kitchen restaurant. The restaurant is celebrated for its rustic luxury charm and extraordinary ocean views from floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room – indeed, guests travel from all over for a spectacular cliffside meal, relaxing before a roaring fire in the huge stone fireplace in The Great Room, then taking a brisk, post-dinner stroll in the crisp Pacific air. Recently renovated for a more modern lodge mood, this mid-century modern gem offers rooms with ocean or forest views. Most rooms have fireplaces or skylights, and they all include a record player, eco-friendly Lather bath amenities, a tea kettle with pour-over Russian River Roasters coffee, and the drama of ancient wood trim against crisp white bedding.

The rooms at River's End showcase Jenner's amazing beauty, particularly at sunset, with sliding glass doors opening onto balconies. Trimmed in wood, the rooms are rustic romantic, too, fancied up with cozy leather armchairs. Tip: ask for one of the rooms with the glass window shower, that makes you feel like you're bathing outside. And what a delicious combination: breathtaking views and mouthwatering Cal-cuisine at this locals' favorite restaurant perched on a bluff overlooking the mouth of the Russian River where it enters the Pacific Ocean. It's a hidden favorite, and during the migrating season, people in the know flock here for watching seals and whales on their annual journey. The menu is enticingly eclectic, ranging from wasabi tobiko-topped oysters to Petaluma duck confit egg rolls, sea bass with pomegranates and beets, and applewood smoked filet mignon slathered in Pt. Reyes bleu cheese.

A treasure for nearly four decades, the Jenner Inn backs up to 4 acres of land and a year round creek. There's lots of wildlife all around, too, including eagles, hawks, river otters, bobcats, deer, dozens of seals and more than 200 species of birds. All of which makes for great hiking, exploring and viewing, so you'll never miss the fact that the charming rooms don't have TVs, and cell reception is spotty at best. Most rooms are pet friendly, too. The inn's restaurant serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday, offering traditional favorites like shrimp Louie, fresh grilled salmon, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo, as well as fish and chips, grilled sandwiches, and a Jenner cheeseburger with fries. The full bar features local beers, Sonoma County wines, and premium spirits.