3 Perfect Days On the Sonoma Coast: A Local’s Guide (2025)
If you love a rugged coastline with some of the best seafood and wine the region has to offer, the Sonoma Coast is the perfect place to spend a weekend. Three days is a great amount of time to spend along the coast exploring the different areas and getting a little R&R. The Sonoma Coast is huge, so it’s easy to spend a ton of time in the car when visiting. This 3 day Sonoma Coast itinerary has been curated to minimize that so you can actually savor your time here, minimizing long drives and hitting all of the best local favorites.
Growing up in Sonoma County, the coast has always been one my absolute favorite areas. No matter what time of year, my family and I often take day trips here for fresh seafood and to let the kids run around at the beach. When guests come from out of town, the Sonoma Coast is usually their first request for a day trip!
Regardless of the weather inland (even in the summer), ALWAYS make sure you bring a hoodie or jacket. Weather can quickly get a little chilly!
For an overview of the rest of Sonoma County, check out this guide!
Sonoma Coast Weekend Itinerary: 3 Day Overview
This Sonoma Coast itinerary will cover 3 full days, which can be done on Friday through Sunday. Be aware that these days will be the most crowded, especially in the summer. If your schedule allows, try to visit during other days of the week.
➡️Day 1: Bodega Bay – South Side
➡️Day 2: Jenner and Fort Ross
➡️Day 3: Bodega Bay – North Side
Day One: Bodega Bay: South Side
Bodega Bay is the southernmost town on the Sonoma Coast, not to be confused with the town of Bodega which is slightly inland. This is one of my absolute favorite spots!
Morning
If you’re driving up from Highway 1, stop in Valley Ford and grab breakfast and coffee at Estero Cafe.
After breakfast, head north to Bodega Bay and check into your accommodations!
Afternoon
After check in, head to Doran beach for a walk. Park at the end for a longer walk! This is a Sonoma County Regional Park, so there is a $7 parking fee if you don’t have an annual pass. This can be paid at the kiosk on your way in or with the machines located inside.
Another option would be to book a harbor cruise with Sonoma Coast Adventures.
☀️Book your harbor cruise HERE
Evening
After the beach, head about 5 minutes up Highway 1 to Rocker Oysterfeller’s or Fishetarian, which are in the same parking lot. If you are there around dusk, be sure to watch the fisherman feeding scraps to the sea lions! It’s always fun to watch, especially with kids.
Where to Stay in Bodega Bay
My favorite place to stay is the Lodge at Bodega Bay, located right at the top of the road from Doran Beach. It’s close to great places to eat and a great option for spa treatments as well.
🏠Book your stay at the Lodge at Bodega Bay HERE!
The Bodega Bay Inn is another great option, located a few minutes up the road.
🏠Book your stay at the Bodega Bay Inn HERE!
Day Two: Jenner and Fort Ross
Heading North on Highway 1, Jenner and Fort Ross are stunning places to see!
Morning
Grab breakfast at the best NEW local breakfast spot before you head over the Russian River to Jenner! Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse has arguably one of the best views in the entire county, in my opinion.
After breakfast, head about 5 minutes up the road to Jenner for a kayaking tour!
☀️Book a kayaking tour on the Russian River HERE
Afternoon
After kayaking, head over to Cafe Aquatica for lunch, while you enjoy more epic views of the Russian River estuary.
If you’re up for it, drive up to Fort Ross to explore a little local history.
Evening
In the evening, drive back down the coast back to Jenner to get dinner at River’s End before going back your hotel.
Day Three: Bodega Bay – North Side
The north end of Bodega Bay is full of hidden gems! This day will focus on the area between Fishetarian and Jenner, covering areas that you didn’t explore on days 1 and 2.
Morning
This morning, start your day with coffee from Sea Flower Cafe before heading out for a hike.
Head over to Kortum Trail (weather permitting) for a scenic hike along the coastline!
Afternoon
Grab lunch from Spud Point Crab Company. This is my personal favorite for New England Clam Chowder and their Crab sandwich! Spud Point sometimes have long lines, but they move fast. Their seafood counter also sells fresh fish or crab depending on the season.
Evening
After you grab some seafood, continue up the road to Bodega Head trail to enjoy another walk or check out the sunset before heading home.
FAQs
How many Days Are Needed for Sonoma?
If you want to explore the best of what the Sonoma Coast has to offer, 3 days is perfect for a first time visit. If you want to explore more of Sonoma County itself, you can spend a lot more time!
Which is Prettier, Napa or Sonoma?
Napa has some gorgeous places, but if you want to spend time at the beach, Sonoma County is the best choice.
What Month is Best to Visit Sonoma?
Sonoma County enjoys mild weather year round! Personally, I will head to the Sonoma Coast any time of year. Summer can have surprisingly gloomy weather on the coast, with more sunny days in the Fall.
Take Aways
Three days on the Sonoma Coast is a perfect getaway to relax and experience some of the best that Sonoma County has to offer. If you want more info about the area, be sure to check out our guide about the town of Sonoma or our accommodations guide.
