Sonoma Coast Weekend Itinerary

I can’t believe I’ve spent my whole life in San Francisco, and it took me this long to get up to the Sonoma Coast. While it is a bit of a drive, it’s closer than Big Sur and just as stunningly beautiful. The landscape is so perfect that it almost feels like it’s fake, and it’s the perfect weekend getaway. Just be careful driving on the cliffs!

Friday

• Depart San Francisco as early as possible — you want to beat the traffic and make it to Bodega Bay in time for an early dinner so you arrive at the hotel before dark.
• Early dinner at Terrapin Creak Cafe in Bodega Bay — an unassuming neighborhood restaurant that just happens to have a Michelin Star. Everything is good, but the lamb pasta was the standout dish. They have a nice local wine list, but just have a sip if you’re driving (you need to be alert for the curvy roads ahead!).
• Leave at least 30 minutes before sunset to continue on up the coast. There are many pretty places to pull over and admire the view, but our favorite spot was Duncan’s Landing Overlook. Park your car and take a few minutes to walk around. We took our dessert to-go and enjoyed it on a park bench near the cliff.
• Arrive at Timber Cove Resort. Check in, drop your bags, grab a drink at the bar, and take it out to the fire pit. The hotel was recently remodeled, and I loved the rustic chic aesthetic. See below for tips on which room to book.

Saturday

• Breakfast at Timber Cove is mediocre, so instead I’d recommend driving north to Stewart’s Point Store for pastries. You can pick up picnic sandwiches while you’re there and check out their fun candy selection.
• Go for a walk at Salt Cove Beach or continue driving down to Gualala Point Regional Park. We found a beautiful spot to picnic overlooking the bay. Remember that there are ticks in Sonoma, so use bug spray and wear long pants to stay safe!
• Sonoma coast is wine country, but many of the brands I was familiar with don’t have tasting rooms. We stopped by Fort Ross Vineyard, which was up in the clouds on the day we visited, but is supposed to have a great view when it’s clear. Definitely order their impressive charcuterie plate.
• Head back to shower and rest before dinner. If you have time, the bocce court overlooks the ocean and is a fun way to spend an hour. Make sure you’re ready with a cocktail in hand when the sun starts setting.
• Dinner at Coast Kitchen, the restaurant at Timber Cove, is much better than its breakfast. They were out of a few things the night we went, but the dishes we ordered were well executed and hearty. (the fried chicken portion was huge!)

Sunday

• Spend some time exploring the hotel grounds before you head out. There a few little benches that would be the perfect spot to read a book on a sunny day.
• Drive back along HWY 1 and stop for dinner at Nick’s Cove or head to Point Reyes Station for cheese from Cowgirl Creamery and burgers from Marin Sun Farms.
• Arrive back San Francisco and start planning your next Sonoma trip!

Hotel — Timber Cove Resort

When booking your room, here are a few things to consider:

• Forest View Rooms —nice rooms but they face the parking lot. We requested one with a lofted bed, which had a spacious layout with a living room space below and the bed up a narrow spiral staircase. However, be warned that even on a cool night the loft was stuffy and hot and that the stair case is a little treacherous if you need to use the restroom in the middle of the night.
• Ocean View Rooms — have an amazing view, but no indoor seating other than the bed so not ideal if you plan to spend much time in the room.
• Ocean Cove View Rooms — from the outside it seemed like the view would really vary based on which room you got (depending on whether you face more ocean or more trees). I read great reviews of the ocean cove junior suite, so this would probably be my first choice room in the future.
• Ocean View Suites — similar to an ocean view room but have an attached living room and a double wide deck. Definitely recommended for a special occasion!