Facilities and Activities
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All Sea Ranch roads, most facilities, and most trails are private, for use only by owners, renters, and their guests. However, members of the public may enjoy The Sea Ranch by visiting the public beaches and access trails, or by renting a house from any of several rental agencies. You may also stay at the Sea Ranch Lodge or play golf at the Sea Ranch Golf Links. The public is welcome to visit the Sea Ranch Chapel, located at mile marker 55.5 on Highway 1.
Visitors are asked to remember that The Sea Ranch is a community of private homes. Please respect private property and the privacy and peace of the residents.
Public Beaches and Trails
All of the beaches on the coast of The Sea Ranch, like all California beaches, belong to the public. The public can access the beaches at specific points without trespassing on private property. Along Highway 1 at the mile markers indicated, you will find public access parking maintained by Sonoma County. Parking is currently $5. Restrooms are available. From each parking area, you walk a trail to the beach.
- Black Point: Steep staircase to 1/4 mile-long sandy beach with dramatic waves. Mile marker 50.85.
- Pebble Beach: Small sheltered cove with tidepools. Mile marker 52.29.
- Stengel Beach: Small rocky beach with stairs that end on a large rock; waterfall after rains. Mile marker 53.96.
- Shell Beach: Sea stacks and tidepools; logs to sit on; ramp to walk small boats to the ocean. Mile marker 55.54.
- Walk-On Beach: Wheelchair and stroller accessible, but it's a hard push through sandy spots; a sandy beach. Mile Marker 56.48. Please Note: The public trail to Walk-On Beach is currently closed just north of the beach, due to a collapse of the trail. There is no public access to Walk-On Beach until the trail can be repaired.
- Bluff Trail (3 miles from Walk-On Beach to Gualala Point Park).
Information for Abalone Divers
Shellfish Hotline: 1-800-553-4133 This toll-free line maintained by the California Department of Public Health advises the public of quarantines that prohibit the harvesting of shell fish. The quarantines are issued to prevent human illness and death caused by paralytic and amnesic shellfish poisoning.
Renting a House
Use a search engine to locate a rental agency serving Sea Ranch owners. Renters are guests of the home owner and, as such, may use the private facilities and trails of The Sea Ranch. Of most interest to renters are the trails, beaches, and recreational centers with swimming and tennis. Stop by the Association office on Annapolis Road to obtain trail maps and information about the natural environment. Your rental agency will supply information about recreational facilities. (See also Information for Renters and Visitors.)
The Sea Ranch Lodge
The Sea Ranch Lodge currently has 20 rooms, a restaurant and bar, gift shop, and dramatic hiking trail down to Black Point. It hosts many weddings, parties, and meetings. Visit their website for more information.
The Sea Ranch Golf Links
A Scottish-style course with a dramatic setting on the ocean, the Sea Ranch Golf Links course was designed by Robert Muir Graves. See their website for more information.
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