Dreaming of a coastal getaway? Check into these gorgeous hotels along Highway 1 in Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino counties. Take a walk on the beach, go surfing, eat oysters or just relax with a tasty glass of wine and someone special by your side.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay
Nestled atop a hill overlooking Bodega Bay, this coastal hotel has 83 modern rooms — most of them overlook the bay, where you can see coastal birds, fishermen in their boats and, if you're lucky, a whale or two. The property is minutes from downtown Bodega Bay, with seafood shacks, surf shops and cafes. (Paul Dyer/Lodge at Bodega Bay)
The Lodge at Bodega Bay has a heated bayside pool, a hot tub and a full spa for those looking to relax after a busy week. Watch the sunset from the fire pit, followed by dinner at Drake's Sonoma Coast Kitchen. Don't miss the local clam chowder. Rates start at $227; average rate is $409-$699. 103 Coast Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3525, lodgeatbodegabay.com (Courtesy of Lodge at Bodega Bay)
Timber Cove Resort
Timber Cove Resort, just north of Jenner on Highway 1, is an architectural masterpiece built in the 1960s on a cliff overlooking the ocean. This part of the Sonoma Coast, often photographed by Ansel Adams, is a stunner. The resort features numerous hiking trails along the rugged coastline. (Courtesy of Timber Cove Resort)
The rooms at Timber Cover Resort are modern in design, with record players and vintage vinyls, free local beer in the fridge, fireplaces and local artwork. After a game of bocce ball overlooking the ocean, enjoy a sunset dinner at Coast Kitchen, an organic, seasonally driven restaurant that serves small production local wine. Rates start at $239; average rate is $335-$383. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-847-3231, timbercoveresort.com. (Courtesy of Timber Cove Resort)
River's End Restaurant & Inn
Located in the town of Jenner, River's End is well known for its restaurant, which serves seasonal seafood on a cliff overlooking the Russian River estuary and the Pacific Ocean. The property also has five romantic ocean-view cabins tucked away amid coastal gardens. (Crista Jeremiason/The Press Democrat)
River's End aims to rejuvenate couples: There are no TVs and no internet or cellphone service on the property. Sip a glass of wine from the restaurant's Sonoma-centric wine list and relax on your private patio — be sure to bring binoculars to check out the seals below. After a night's stay, have lunch at the restaurant and order one of their famous Bloody Mary's. Rates start at $149. 11048 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-865-2484, ilovesunsets.com (Charlie Gesell/Sonoma Magazine)
The Harbor House Inn
For a once-in-a-lifetime getaway worthy of a splurge, make reservations at The Harbor House Inn in Elk, 15 miles south of Mendocino. This coastal property, built in 1916, reopened in 2018 after a stunning remodel and houses a two Michelin-starred restaurant with ocean views. Guests stay in rooms at the inn’s main building or reside in cottages next door with spectacular views of the coastline and ocean. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The six classic guest rooms and five standalone cottages at The Harbor House Inn have serene-sounding names like Oceansong and Lookout (pictured). Guests can select between garden view or ocean view rooms or cottages with private patios. Stays include cozy accommodations, breakfast and access to a private cove. Cellphone reception is limited on the coast and on this property, so use this stay as an opportunity to unplug. Rates start at $499 (room); $759 (cottage). 5600 South Highway 1, Elk, 707-877-3203, theharborhouseinn.com (Courtesy of The Harbor House Inn)
