About the Redwood Coast

Our Chamber of Commerce service area extends from the community of Fort Ross in northern Sonoma County to Irish Beach in Mendocino county.  This magnificent stretch of coastline is known for its rugged beauty and quiet wilderness.  Nature’s splendor, along with the tranquil pace of coastal living, has long attracted a wide spectrum of residents including ranchers, loggers, trades people, writers, artists and professionals.  From this diverse blend of personalities, the cultural scene is filled with hometown picnics, fairs and festivals, quality art exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances.

More than 50 miles of spectacular, craggy coastline is punctuated with coves and sandy beaches providing access for surf fishing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, surfing or just strolling the beaches, tide pooling, and sitting mesmerized by the crashing waves.
This coast is also one of the last bastions of sport diving for abalone, and draws great numbers of divers willing to brave the cold and sometimes perilous coastal waters.

A magical event to witness on our coast is the migration of the California Gray Whale.  These incredible mammals pass the coast from November through December on their journey south, where they give birth to their young in the warm waters of Baja, California.  They pass by again on their return trip north beginning in February and continuing through April when the adult whales bring their young close to shore.  At times, these magnificent creatures can be seen scraping their barnacles on the rocks or rolling in the tide.  There are many other ocean creatures that can be seen in their natural environment, including the playful sea lions, the huge California pelicans and the endangered sea otter.

The first settlers, the Kashia Pomo Indians, referred to the area as qhawálaoli, "water coming down place".  It is an appropriate name for the redwood-flanked Gualala River that empties into the Pacific Ocean. The river’s source is high in the coastal range watershed, and the main forks of the Gualala meander through 30,000 acres of privately owned redwood forest.  Kayak and canoe rentals are available for touring the river and offer an exceptional view of the area’s native flora and fauna.  Visitors can stop at quiet beaches accessible only by boat for picnicking or lounging in the sun, catching glimpses of osprey, waterfowl, and playful river otters.  There are two campgrounds located on either side of the river, and there are beaches on the river that allow for public access for swimming, picnicking, fishing in season or launching private, non-motorized watercraft.

Highway One acts as the lifeline and Main Street to the towns up and down the coast.  Shops laden with an eclectic variety of gifts and treasures from local artisans offer a choice selection for the most discerning shopper.

From classic Victorian-style Bed & Breakfasts to modern vacation rental homes to luxury oceanfront hotels, the redwood coast offers lodging for everyone.  Whether on a romantic getaway or a family vacation, we have the place that is right for you.  Check out our member business directory to browse our lodging and vacation rental home selections.

Choice is the key to dining in the area.  Fresh-caught local seafood highlights the menus of a majority of the restaurants and our chefs take great pride in selecting indigenous foods and wines for their uniquely prepared culinary creations.  Families are welcomed in many establishments for those traveling with children and there are places to fit any budget.  Many dining establishments offer breathtaking views of the ocean.

The Redwood Coast offers a number of pursuits for the active lifestyle.  The Sea Ranch’s Scottish-style 18-hole golf links are open to the public, plus there is sea and river kayaking, canoeing, ocean and river fishing, abalone and scuba diving, hiking, biking, tennis, and a local fitness center offering memberships and drop-in privileges.  For those looking to unwind, the coast has a plethora of bodywork practitioners offering massage and other therapies both in-house and out-call to rooms or vacation homes.

Tempered by ocean breezes, the Redwood Coast enjoys comfortable weather year-round.  The deep blue of the sky mirrored in the vast expanse of the Pacific creates one gorgeous day after another. 

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