FAQs or Frequently Asked Questions
Sea Ranch and Sonoma Coast Vacation Planning
FAQs, or frequently asked questions, are posted in the following sections. Just scroll to the question listed for more information. FAQs include items about booking and staying at one of the best Sea Ranch vacation rentals, Abalone Bay.
If your question is not answered here please leave us a message in the form found on our Contact Us page and we will answer it within 24-48 hours.

There are many wonderful Airbnbs at Sea Ranch, located on the Sonoma Coast, each offering entire homes with unique rooms and decor. You’ll find many vacation rentals in Sea Ranch, CA from local hosts as well as Property Management companies. Some say the best Airbnbs in Sea Ranch have views that are hard to resist whether from the hot tub, your deck, or windows offering wide vista views of the ocean, like Sea Ranch Abalone Bay. Others admire architecturally designed Sea Ranch Airbnbs.
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With so many incredible Airbnbs in Sonoma, California you’re sure to find one that meets your desires. But before you book through Airbnb, always look to see if you can locate a direct booking site.
There are many reasons why you’ll be glad you did!
- No Hidden Fees. Most third-party travel websites (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking) charge guests an extra fee for booking online with them, sometimes as much as 25%. Avoid those charges and enjoy complete transparency when you book directly with us.
No Added Layer of Policies. Third-party companies have their own policies you are subject to.
Access to our Full Home. We control our own booking, make special arrangements with our guests for added concierge benefits.
More Flexibility. We have more flexibility with making your reservations than third parties should you need to make changes.
Local Customer Service. Sea Ranch Abalone Bay owners and team members are knowledgeable about both our property and the surrounding area.
Current Information. We will always have the most current and accurate information about our own property, amenities and operations as well as events occurring during your stay.
Dog-friendly. Our home welcomes up to 2 dogs. Pet policy applies.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS!!! You’ll find specials here that are offered nowhere else. We also offer a Loyalty program, including deep discounts upon your third booking with us.
Welcome to Sea Ranch, California! Winter starts at 6am. Spring starts at 10am. Summer is at 2pm and Fall is around 4:30ish. Dress accordingly.
Generally, the summer and winter months are actually our cooler times of the year. Summer pack a jacket, sweatshirt, or sweater to help ward off the summer fog, coastal breezes, and night air. Winter you’ll want to pack warmer clothes and rain gear.
Spring and fall are our most pleasant times of the year with little fog and more stable air. Still, you’ll want to pack a light wrap. Read more about our Sea Ranch seasonal weather here.
- 1 – Layered clothing: Light shirts with a jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt. …
- 2 – Comfortable shoes and socks. …
- 3 – Hiking, jogging wear, and equipment. …
- 4 – Food Items for your special meals. …
- 5 – Swimsuit and suntan lotion. …
- 7 – Camera
- 8 – Fishing Tackle and/or Diving Equipment- AND Fishing Licenses/Tags
- 9 – Pack your curiosity
- 10- Great expectations for a wonderful stay
Note: you will receive a very detailed digital guidebook that will offer more tips and suggests for your pre-planning.

The Sea Ranch is a privately-owned California community located along 10 miles of the northern Sonoma County coast. There are many beaches with direct private access such as Smugglers Beach near Abalone Bay. There are five public beaches at Sea Ranch.
All beaches are managed by the Sonoma County Parks Department and are available for anyone to use. Parking is located at special designated locations off of Highway 1. Beside each parking lot is a restroom. You will need to walk to the various beaches along each trail
The Sea Ranch public access trails (north to south)
- Bluff Top Trail
3 miles one way – Runs along the headlands from Walk On Beach to Gualala Point Regional Park. See cypress groves, windswept meadows, and unique sandstone formations. - Walk on Beach Trail
0.25 miles one way – Passes through a large Monterey cypress grove to a quarter-mile beach reached by a bluff-top staircase. - Shell Beach Trail
0.65 miles one way – Runs through pines and meadow to a wide, sandy beach with sea rocks and tide pools. Small boats can be carried to the ocean via a beach ramp. - Stengel Beach Trail
0.12 miles one way – Short path lined with cypress leads to a wooden staircase and small beach. Look for seasonal waterfalls on the cliffs. Note: Beach access is closed for stairway maintenance. - Pebble Beach Trail
0.27 miles one way – Weaves through pines and meadow to a sandy cove reached by stairs. - Black Point Trail
0.25 miles one way – Crosses the bluffs to a curving, quarter-mile beach reached by a steep staircase. This beach is just north of Black Point cape and popular with surfers.
There is also a trail leading out of Gualala Point Regional Park. Public access on the beaches along the Sea Ranch coast extends to the foot of the bluff or to the first line of vegetation. Most of the roads and trails in Sea Ranch are private property. Visitors should, of course, be respectful of private property rights.

We remind you that Sea Ranch is situated in a natural setting. The community strives to live in harmony with its animal and insect neighbors. For that reason we want you to be aware we have dangerous, potentially fear-provoking, and non-threatening creatures on the property. This property is located in the coastal intertidal zone surrounded by native grass meadows and forested areas. It is possible, but not likely, to see reptiles (e.g. snakes, lizards), amphibians (e.g. frogs, salamanders), vermin (e.g. mice, voles), birds of prey and turkeys, raccoons, feral cats, and other wild animals, as well as all kinds of bugs, including, but not limited to, ants, bees, potato bug, roaches, etc. on the property. Occasionally horse owners will ride on the trails. Sea Ranch uses sheep and goats to manage and maintain fire safe our meadow grasses. They may on occasion escape from their pens. They also travel by the local roads when moving to new sections of the meadows.
We have monthly pest control services to deal with these creatures. If you come across any of them, please contact us via Airbnb’s Direct Message (DM) system, immediately. We will work to take timely action to deal with anything that you may discover, both inside your space, or outside, on our property. Many of these creatures are free-roaming. We do not have control of anything that occurs on neighboring city, community, or HOA properties, and cannot be held liable for their maintenance of same.
If a bug is going to frighten you, or if you find that you are unable to follow the our guidance to assure you, your guests and pets are safe in our natural community, then we strongly recommend that you move on to a home better situated for you.
See Map for stations.
Tesla destination chargers
If you drive up from the Bay Area starting with a full charge, you should be able to make it back.
Charging stations nearby may charge for use. They include:
- The Sea Ranch Lodge (60 Sea Walk Dr, Sea Ranch)
- Sea Ranch Supply (35550 Verdant View, Sea Ranch)
Abalone Bay offers a 240-Volt Level 2 charging outlets to install your own plug for your electric vehicles.
Late cancellations or early departures do not warrant any refunds of rent or Initial Deposit. Any request for cancellation request must be made in writing to Owner.
For this reason, Guest is encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance, especially Cancel For Any Reason. Refunds on cancellations will be made as follows:
Up to 45 days before arrival, Guest receives 97%;
Up to 21 days before arrival, Guest receives 50%;
No refunds will be given if cancellation is made within 21 days of Guest’s arrival date.
For that reason, we strongly recommend you purchase Travel Insurance at the time of booking. We suggest you consider “Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR).” Be sure you read the policy carefully.
When you stay at a Sea Ranch vacation you may request the use of One Eyed Jacks picnic area or rent one of the community center rooms.
Of course, you may enjoy a quiet special event at our home. Just recall that Sea Ranch has regulations that require quiet hours between 9 PM and 7 AM the next day. Also, our home limits the number of occupants to only those who have registered to be our guests. Our house is NOT a “party house.” If that becomes the case you will be evicted and charged a fine of $500.
The Sea Ranch Quiet Hours are between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. every day. You may be fined if you if exceed the noise level of 50db.

A. Abalone Bay is a dog-friendly unit. A one-time $80 per dog fee applies. Abalone Bay also pampers your pet by providing a luxurious pet throw which may be used for furniture protection as well as a blanket for when the fog creeps in. Learn more about bringing your pet to Abalone Bay by clicking here.

A. – VEHICLE: A maximum of two (2) vehicle passes may be assigned per home. Additional vehicles can be parked at the home within the screened parking area and within accessible garages at the home. Passes are not necessary to drive directly from Highway One to your vacation home rental. Passes are required for parking at the Recreation Centers and along the private roads at designated locations throughout The Sea Ranch. The hangtag (hard copy) of your guest pass must be displayed by attaching it to the interior rearview mirror of your vehicle. Failure to display the guest pass will result in the vehicle being “booted” by The Sea Ranch Association Security Department. A $100 fee will be charged by The Sea Ranch Association Security Department to remove the boot. Abalone Bay shall remain harmless if the “boot” is applied.
B. – PERSON: A maximum of six (6) guests may be issued access to the use of the Recreation Centers per home. Recreation Centers may require guests to reserve their use. Upon booking further information will be provided. Your guest pass is required when checking in and registering at the Recreation Centers. Guest Passes also must be carried with you when on the private trails.
IMPORTANT: You will be charged $200 each for any guest pass or hangtag lost or inadvertently brought home. They all are needed for the next guest after you.
Guests with dogs are responsible for cleaning after your pet and any damages your pet may cause. Should our housekeeping discover missed dog poops you will be charged $100.
A. The ocean bluff and trail is less than 50 yards away. A short 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) will bring you to the Smuggler’s Cove staircase that takes you down to the beach. The beach is small and sandy with a rocky shoreline to the sides. Below the bluff trail are areas that you may consider walking to for tide pool exploring. We strongly advise caution when walking on the slippery rocks, to wear appropriate shoes, and NEVER TURN YOUR BACK TO THE SEA!

The principal bedroom has a sliding glass door with interior blinds located between the panes of insulated glass that opens to the courtyard and the hot tub.

A. Yes Abalone Bay’s private courtyard has an outdoor hot tub to be used solely at the rental guest’s own risk. It has views out to the ocean. You must leave the bromine feeder (floater) containing hot tub treatment products to keep the water sanitary in the water at all times while using the hot tub. Please note: Some people have a sensitivity to hot tub treatment products; the clothing worn in the hot tub may fade; individuals should not stay in the hot tub for more than 15 minutes at a time – the high temperatures of the water may affect them adversely. Please also observe the additional precautions advised by the hot tub manufactures; individuals who are pregnant, have high blood pressure, hypertension or diabetes must not use the hot tub. Alcohol must not be consumed while in the hot tub.
Ping Pong Table Rules:
- Keep the Ping Pong Table inside the garage at all times.
- Keep the garage door closed while playing ping pong during the evening to prevent noise and light disturbing neighbors.
HOA restricts noise with quiet hours at 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. every day. It also requires no light-pollution. - Keep food and drink away from and off of the Ping Pong Table.
- Clean the area after your play: wipe the folding table and sweep the floor of all food crumbs & drink spills to keep pests from invading the garage. Please put all trash in the lidded trash bin located by the garage door.
- When done with play replace the cover on the folded and store Table flat along the wall next to the drop-down table to allow for space to park .

A. Abalone Bay uses mother nature’s system of air conditioning, the coastal breezes, and fog. If you find the house becoming too stuffy or warm open we recommend following tips included in our guidebook you’ll receive upon booking. Specifically we use a cross-draft method within the house to help with air circulation.

A. No need to bring your own linens, towels, and washcloths. We even have makeup washcloths. Our housekeeper will have your beds prepared with fresh luxurious linens and towels at the beginning of your stay. We also provide robes and quick drying peshtemal towels for hot tub use.
Please bring your own beach towel or blankets for picnics at the private coves and use at the Recreation centers.
Guests are also treated to a welcome basket of snacks and wine.
You are expected to provide your own food and special condiments.
All other food, baking, specialty spices/herbs, and beverages must be supplied by the guest.
We ask that all food items that you bring be packed and taken home at the end of your stay with us.
However, if you find you have unopened, nonperishable items at the time of departure we invite you to leave them behind to be donated to our local food pantry.
We and our community thank you for your support!
Coffee and teapots include:
- Cuisinart 12 cup automatic drip
- French press
- Stovetop espresso maker
- Electric kettle
We do not have a Keurig Coffee Pot.
We provide as holiday amenities a full service of holiday Pfaltzgraff Winterberry Dinnerware and a Spode Hanukkah dessert dish.
Our home is decorated for the Christmas & New Years holiday with a wreath, garlands, and a Santa with a special welcoming gift.
- Toilet paper (4 rolls per bathroom),
- 6 sets of towels and washcloths, makeup removal cloth,
- 2 hairdryers (one for each bathroom found in the drawers)
- Toiletries include soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.
- A rubber ducky is found in the guest bath
- Non-slip rubber mats for the tubs are found in the cupboard
- Cleaning supplies are also available plus a cleaning brush and plunger
- And for those of you not wanting to ruin your diet while on vacation, there is a scale located in the master bedroom.
- laundry soap,
- trash bags,
- Kleenex,
- Toilet paper
- Household cleansers
We also provide whole coffee They are found in the kitchen cupboard.
You are expected to provide your own food and special condiments.
We pride ourselves on having a well-stocked kitchen for your baking and food preparation needs.
Of course, if cooking isn’t your ideal vacation activity, there are many great restaurants to choose from in Sea Ranch and Gualala.
There are extra blankets, pillows, dish soap, dishwasher soap, hand soap, toilet paper, and paper towels, flashlights.
We do NOT provide nor allow candles or matches in our home. We do however have battery-powered candles and flashlights.
Cooking equipment includes:
- Aluminum, stainless, and Teflon cookware
- Baking pans: cookies, cakes, springform
- Casserole dishes
- Turkey Roaster
- Crockpot & Instapot
- Electric pressure cooker
- Wok
- Paella Pan
- Blender
- Juicer
- Toaster Oven & Microwave
- Toaster
- Handheld mixer
- Handheld blender
- Pizza stone
- electric and handheld can opener
Kitchen tools include:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- grater & microplaner
- Crab/nutcracker and forks
- Spatulas & stirring spoons
- Knives
- Wooden cutting boards
- corkscrews, bottle openers
For more information related to medical and other emergencies click here.
This property is located in the coastal intertidal zone surrounded by native grass meadows and forested areas. There are potentially both fear-provoking, and non-threatening creatures on the property. Many of these creatures are free-roaming. We do not have control of anything that occurs on neighboring city, community, or HOA properties, and cannot be held liable for their maintenance of same. If you come across any of them, or have concerns, please contact us immediately. We will work to take timely action to deal with anything that you may discover, both inside your space, or outside, on our property.
During your stay it is possible, but not likely, to see reptiles (e.g. snakes, lizards), amphibians (e.g. frogs, salamanders), vermin (e.g. mice, voles), birds of prey and turkeys, raccoons, feral cats, and other large wild animals including mountain lions and bears. You may also encounter all kinds of bugs, including, but not limited to, ants, bees, potato bugs, roaches, etc. on the property. Occasionally horse owners will ride on the trails. Sea Ranch uses sheep and goats to manage and maintain fire safe our meadow grasses. They may on occasion escape from their pens. They also travel by the local roads when moving to new sections of the meadows. We have monthly pest control services to deal with these creatures.
This privacy policy has been compiled to better serve those who are concerned with how their ‘Personally identifiable information” (PII) is being used online. PII, as used in US privacy law and information security, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context. Please read our privacy policy carefully to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect or otherwise handle your Personally Identifiable Information in accordance with our website.
Have more questions to add to FAQS?
If so–please don’t hesitate to email us at Donna@SeaRanchAbaloneBay.com. We will be happy to assist you in answering all your questions.
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