Day Tripping to the Coast
The Sonoma Coast offers enough to warrant staying overnight, but its proximity — just an hour west of the 101— also makes it the perfect day trip destination. The drive alone, passing hundreds of acres of vineyards and winding through the Russian River Valley with its densely forested Redwoods and colorful river towns, is worth the journey. Here are a few spots we uncovered along the way to help inspire your next adventure.
Take in the View from Kortum Trail We like to start the day with a hike. It takes the guilt out of everything else. So we got an early start and hit the coast first, noting the places we wanted to stop on our way back home. The mouth of the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean at Goat Rock Beach, named for the immense sea stack protruding from its shore. A long winding road, conveniently named Goat Rock Road, leads from Highway 1 down to the beach. Along the southern side of this road are turnouts where you can park and catch one of several trailheads for Kortum Trail. One of the area’s best coastal hikes, Kortum Trail runs along the bluffs high above the coast. Framed by Arched Rock to the south and Halfmile Rock to the North, Kortum Trail’s raised perspective affords unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean. Turn around and you’ll see pastoral headlands dotted with colorful wildflowers extending for miles in any direction.
Get climbing on the bouldering rocks of Kortum Trail Kortum Trail runs south to Shell Beach, 4.6 miles out and back. It’s a leisurely hike easily enjoyed no matter the state of one’s knees or the severity of one’s hangover. It isn’t heavily trafficked and the trail is well maintained. Do some bouldering at Sunset Rocks. Watch the horizon for whales. Or just pack a blanket and a bottle of wine (hey, when in Rome) and melt into the view with friends. Local tips: • ALWAYS pack out your trash and be mindful of other visitors. • Forget the forecast. Pack layers. Trust us. • Heads up! No dogs on Kortum Trail. Our furry friends sat this one out.
Recharge at Café Aquatica A few miles north of Goat Rock Beach is the one-bend town of Jenner. It’s the only place with a gas station before Guerneville, so it’s a good place to stop before starting the drive back home. Across the street from the gas station, on the water, is Café Aquatica, a long-standing local favorite with pour-over coffee, tea, sandwiches, and sweet treats. They have gluten free, dairy free and vegan options. Oh, and everything’s organic. Rad. Grab a seat on the deck and gaze out at the river, talk with other patrons or listen to the occasional set of live music while enjoying your beverage and snack. Local tips: • CASH ONLY. ATM onsite: soul-crushing fee included. • Plan on a line. There’s going to be a line.
Discover Duncans Mills Yawn and you’ll miss it. Nestled back against a forest of redwoods, the historic town of Duncans Mills is fairly easy to miss. But stay awhile and your casual curiosity will quickly spark a revelation. You’d be hard pressed to find a town so small with as much to offer as Duncan Mills. Really. There are antique shops, galleries, gifts, crafts, organic ice cream and toys. You can find walls (literally) of every type of tea and tea accessory or collectible imaginable at the almost impossibly cute Mr. Trombly’s Tea, where we sampled the daily blend and spent nearly an hour smelling teas. You can get a good lunch at Cape Fear Café (the fish and chips were a hit) or a beer down the street at The Blue Heron Restaurant and Tavern. It’s hard not to fall in love with Duncans Mills. And It’s harder still to leave. Local Tips: • Confirmed. The Blue Heron has Pliny the Elder on tap. • They also serve up barbecued oysters and live music on the deck every Sunday during the summer months. • Duncans Mills is the perfect place to find that “can’t get it anywhere else” kind of gift for your next occasion. Thank us later, send beer.
Tickle your Sweet Tooth at Nimble & Finn’s If you’re going to cheat on your diet, please do it at Nimble & Finn’s Handmade Ice Cream. Seriously: don’t pass through Guerneville without stopping at this attractively restored bank and picking up a scoop of strawberry sour cream … or bourbon pecan … or salted chocolate … or dairy-free coconut … or even some good old fashioned vanilla. Throw it on top of a warm slice of chili apple pie from Chili Pies Baking Co. while you’re at it. Then take it outside and enjoy the sugary, creamy taste of bliss while you watch the passersby of one of Sonoma County’s most colorful towns. Local Tips: • Feeling adventurous? Taste a few flavors before you decide. • The back vault is now a photo booth. Pop in with your friends! [Rewriting wrap]
