Sonoma Coast
The Sonoma Coast is home to some of California's most breathtakingly beautiful coastline. Coastal towns such as Marshall, Bodega Bay, Jenner, and Gualala are perfect for romantic getaways, or for hiking, surfing, tidepooling, and enjoying the incredible views of crashing waves and craggy rocks. Bodega Bay, an active working fishing port, provides fresh crab, salmon, and seafood to local chefs and restaurants, so you can enjoy fresh catch of the day at many local restaurants. The drive up Highway One, the coast highway, offers one snapshot-happy vista after another. Think of the Sonoma Coast as a less crowded alternative to Big Sur. Want a romantic room with a sunset view, oversize tub, and a cozy fireplace to curl up in front of when the fog comes in? The region's many inns have plenty of relationship-enhancing options to choose from. State beaches and parks like Salmon Creek, Goat Rock and Salt Point State Park offer hiking, camping, whale watching, and access to deserted, driftwood-strewn beaches. Historic Fort Ross, a former Russian fur trading post, is interesting to tour and also offers some gorgeous cliff-top picnic spots.