Built around 1880 by German immigrants, the completely restored Knipp-Stengel Ranch barn overlooks the Pacific Ocean on Highway 1. At 160 feet long by 60 feet wide, this imposing landmark dominates the landscape in the center of The Sea Ranch. The building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. The ranch is now the playhouse of the Sea Ranch Thespians. 

Experience the beauty and serenity of The Sea Ranch Chapel a non-denominational sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal. Located at Mile Marker 55.5 on Highway 1 (just three minutes from Vista Del Mar), this is a most unexpected sight that you may buzz by without knowing it's there. The elaborate doors with stained glass inlays are made of teak, and the walls inside are redwood. The white plaster ceiling is meant to look like flower petals crowning the small but airy space. All the mosaic flooring and stained glass windows give the impression of natural shapes responding to the sea and the wind. Frank Lloyd Wright would have applauded the chapel's conformity with nature. Many visitors consider this to be the highlight of their Sea Ranch visit.  

A wonderful place to stop heading north, Fort Ross Vineyard is about 45-50 minutes before you get to Vista Del Mar. Nestled on a sunny coastal ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean far below, this is a “True Sonoma Coast” vineyard, being one of the closest to the ocean in California. Its high elevation above the coastal fog and proximity to the ocean provide a favorable climate for the slow, even ripening of its Burgundian varietals. A new tasting room has recently opened, showcasing Fort Ross Vineyard's acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Point Arena Lighthouse stands as an iconic figure on the landscape of the American Pacific Coast offering a fully interactive experience in the exchange between history, science and natural beauty. Grab your picnic basket and spend the day climbing to the top of the lighthouse, taking in the view of the vast ocean, the migrating whales, enjoying the guided tour and shopping at the cute souvenir shop. Also ask about their moon-lit tours. 

For those interested in a different kind of outdoor experience while visiting Vista Del Mar, consider the B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena where you can observe and interact with endangered zebra, antelope and giraffe. Just 30 minutes from Sea Ranch, visits are offered by reservation for 9:30 am and 3:30 pm tours. Located on 110 acres, their animals are allowed to live in herds in their near-natural environment. 

If you don't mind taking a slight detour on the road to Vista Del Mar, many of our returning guests will tell you it is WELL worth it.  It's a great way to bring the term "Far Sonoma Coast" to life. David Hirsch founded the vineyard in 1980 to make site-specific wine. You can tell all efforts have been on the growing of the fruit that makes their wines characteristic of the site year after year. Locals will say their favorite is the 2011 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast (505 cases made) which offers bright plantain and green fig flavors with an almost crunchy texture. Nothing not to like here! 

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is located adjacent to Salt Point State Park. Edward P. Kruse donated the land to the people of California in 1933 as a living memorial to his father, a founder of San Francisco's German Bank. The land was part of a large ranch established in 1880, on which the Kruse family raised sheep and carried on logging and tanbark harvesting operations. 

If you've never been to Fort Ross before, it's just about a 30-minute drive from Sea Ranch. Fort Ross was a thriving Russian-American company settlement from 1812 to 1841. One of the first state parks in California, Fort Ross Historic State Park was established in 1906 to preserve North America’s southernmost Russian settlement. Today, visitors learn about the outpost’s storied past while enjoying stunning views from the rugged ocean cliffs. This commercial company (chartered by Russia's tsarist government) controlled all Russian exploration, trade and settlement in the North Pacific--and established permanent settlements in both Alaska and California. 

The 195-acre Gualala State Park has open meadows mixed with coastal forest. The park contains a campground, trail system, coastal vistas and sandy beaches. The park is located adjacent to the Gualala River which offers limited seasonal fishing. Please check current regulations. The day use area of the park has a Visitors Center, picnic tables (some with BBQs) and restrooms with flush toilets. 

Annapolis is a hidden gem in an overcrowded industry. The Scalabrini family built the winery in 1987 and began making wine from each vintage thereafter. From pruning to bottling, they take personal pride in producing the best wine possible--and their focus is on quality, not quantity. They produce a very small amount of wine, taking personal care at each step of the process and the results are wines that are naturally lush and intense. 

The coolest theater in the San Francisco Bay Area isn't in the Bay Area: it's actually located in the mighty town of Pt. Arena just about a 25-minute drive from Sea Ranch. Here you'll find a 1928-vintage vaudeville theater where a collection of celluloid heroes have spiffed a little gem of moviedom. Restored in 1996 to an Art Deco style, state-of-the-art entertainment venue. Real butter on the popcorn, brewer's yeast, balcony seating, comfy chairs, nice staff, absolutely impeccably clean restrooms...what's not to like? And there's even a family movie night deal on Sundays!