Sonoma County Coastal Loop Drive

I am grateful to live in this amazing place, with the beauty of the Sonoma Coastline only a short drive away. Over the years, I have had many visitors and have worked with many great people who are here visiting for the first time.

I am sharing with you, on the request of my pal Prasanna one of my recommended driving loops – in fact, it’s my favorite drive.

I begin from Petaluma at about 10:30 driving North to Santa Rosa to the River Road exit and head west.

These specific driving directions were developed for a coworker staying in Petaluma at Lakeville Circle.

SonomaCoastLoop

The first stop is Korbel Champagne Cellars – allow yourself an hour

The winery is absolutely beautiful. I’m not a huge champagne fan myself and I would recommend other wineries for actual wine tasting, but this spot is beautiful, the champagne is very good and the free tour is pretty darned interesting. There is also a deli onsite in case you have forgotten to pack a picnic lunch – coming up at your next stop. I love the architecture of the building and the surrounding redwood trees.

Next stop is Armstrong Grove State park. There’s a great picnic area in the redwoods and a nice trail leading finally to a huge (I mean huge) tree. There is an entrance fee of $6 which is convenient to pay if you are actually wanting to drive to the picnic area. If you are just there to see the fabulous trees, you can park outside the park in the visitors lot and walk in. Follow the signs to the Armstrong Tree.

Something interesting – they have special signs for the sight impaired.

Nearby in Guernville, I like to visit Johnson’s Beach. This is the place they hold the annual Jazz/Blues festival. Johnson’s Beach rents kayacks, canoes and paddle boats by the hour. You need a driver’s license to leave as collateral. I like the double kayack the best. If there are 4 of you it could be fun with 2 kayacks.

Goat Roack has Sea Lions at the mouth of the Russian River. Dogs are not allowed except on the other side of the parking lot at “Blind Beach”.

There are several small beaches along the way from Goat Rock down to Bodega Bay. I encourage you to pull off to the side of the road, use turnouts, visit the various beaches – they are all free to park

Bodega Head is my son’s favorite place. There are a few walking paths with great views.

Bodega Bay is where Alfred Hitchock filmed the movie “The Birds”. The Tides Wharf has a nice gift shop and a deli. I get clam chowder either from the deli or the snack bar. There are some picnic tables outside, and also inside by the snack bar – which I think closes at 4. They have other things besides Clam Chowder.

The Inn at the Tides is also a great restaurant but more expensive than grabbing some chowder.

From Bodega Bay back to Petaluma is about a 30 minute drive.