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.
Sea Ranch is a wonderful location to relax. Sea Ranch is home to architecturally stunning Airbnb retreats. some, like Abalone Bay that you may also book direct, and save significantly. It also where you may experience nature at your doorstep. It’s 50 miles of trails include coastal bluff pathways that wind through untouched meadows that lead up into the redwoods. You’ll love its private untouched beaches.

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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
To book your Sea Ranch vacation, always book direct! Always look for the vacation rental’s website such as our website to book or perhaps via their social media pages.
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.
A. We love to share this weather joke when asked about the Sea Ranch weather:
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.

Sea Ranch is generally a very safe location for your vacation. The crime rate in The Sea Ranch is one of the lower rates in America among communities of all sizes and receives an A+ rating for safety.
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.
A. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations can be found here:
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.
A flat fee of $125 is charged for every cancellation up to 21 days.
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.
A. There are a few venues available for special events. The Sea Ranch Lodge may be booked for retreats, weddings or other gatherings.
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.
A. Sea Ranch allows reasonable monitoring of the outside of the property while still protecting your privacy inside the home. Abalone Bay has two cameras. They do not face any interior locations. There are outside security cameras only on the exterior of the home monitored 24/7.
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.
Yes. We strongly recommend that you consider travel insurance, especially “Cancel for any reason (CFAR).” Once you book with us you will be provided a link to purchase your insurance. You may review the insurance we offer here. Of course, you may choose to purchase your own from another vendor.
A. We allow up to 6 people (inclusive of adults and children). We have 3 bedrooms each with one bed: Principal room- Eastern King Bed; Guest rooms (2) – Queen bed
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. There is not a daily housekeeping service. However, if you are interested, this can be provided at an additional fee.
A. Abalone Bay provides screened parking for one car plus one garage parking space. A maximum of two (2) vehicle passes may be assigned to guests. One additional vehicle can be parked at the home within the screened parking area. 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) must be displayed by attaching 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. Beach Rentals shall remain harmless if the “boot” is applied.
A. One day prior to your arrival you will receive an email and SMS with your key code and instructions on how to use the code.
Upon entry into the house, a welcome packet awaits you on the dining room table. You will find the garage door opener there. Upon check-out, the garage door opener must be returned. Failing that a fine of $200 will be charged
Upon arrival into the house, your guest passes, and up to 2 car’s parking hangtag(s) will be set out by the entryway door.
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.
A. General cleaning following your departure is subject to post-departure housekeeping fees. Please follow the Departure Check List provided on the check-in to avoid additional cleaning charges for excessive cleaning due to abnormal wear and tear. If our home requires excessive cleaning, you will be charged $45 per hour which will be deducted from your damage deposit. This will include carpets. Rental guests may be charged the cost to spot clean or completely clean carpets due to excessive spotting.
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!

A. The two guest bedrooms have views of the ocean.
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.
A. Yes. Abalone Bay has a gas barbecue. We also have barbecue tools. We ask that you keep the barbecue clean after your use. The barbecue is located on a non-combustible surface. Do not move the BBQ onto the wooden deck or on grasslands.
A. Yes. The folding ping pong table is located in the garage. There is also a drop-down table for your use.
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.
We provide coffee, tea, hot beverage condiments, a small bottle of olive oil, and a shaker of Multi-Spice shaker that includes Paprika, Curry, Cayenne, Garlic Salt, Black Pepper, and Salt.
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!
We provide a Brita water pitcher for filtered water.
We provide welcoming 2-oz sampler’s bags of Little Green Bean locally roasted whole coffee beans for your first two pots of coffee. They are found in the kitchen cupboard. We also offer various teas.
Coffee and teapots include:
- Cuisinart 12 cup automatic drip
- French press
- Stovetop espresso maker
- Electric kettle
We do not have a Keurig Coffee Pot.
A. Yes, you will find Abalone Bay’s kitchen is well stocked with the tools needed to make an outstanding meal, including turkey roaster and forks for lifting it out, many platters, as well as bakeware and utensils. You will be sent a checklist prior to your arrival to select needed cooking tools, pots, and pans.
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.
A. Mendocino and Sonoma Counties charge 10¢ per paper bag at grocery and retail stores. For your convenience, we provide you with free Abalone Bay reusable shopping bags. And you are invited to take them home with you!
Bathrooms have:
- 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.
Yes, we have a hairdryer located in each of the bathrooms.
A. Abalone Bay is considered a full-service home. We have available for your initial arrival:
- 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.
Our kitchen provides you with just about everything. And if you find you are in need of something please don’t hesitate to let me know! You will be cooking on a Jenn-Air gas stove top with an electric oven with convection. And for quick-cooking convenience, you also have available a microwave and toaster oven.
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
A. We have found that phones using Verizon cell service have better service. AT& T cell service is increasingly more reliable as well. Abalone Bay’s landline and any cell phone service on The Sea Ranch are available through Verizon only. Abalone Bay Home provides free local, national, and limited international telephone service to its guests.
A. We provide a bandaids found in the kitchen and a first aid kit located in the hall closet. The nearest hospital is two hours away. The Coast Life Support District (CLSD) provides paramedic ambulance response and transport. For more serious medical emergencies, Air (helicopter) ambulance service is available on the coast from REACH and occasionally from Sonoma County Sheriff’s Henry 1 helicopter. If helicopter evacuation is required it is not possible to choose which service will be used; whichever service is available at the time will be dispatched. Memberships can be purchased for a small annual fee from both REACH to cover the cost of transport. Check with your personal medical insurance to determine if costs are covered.
For more information related to medical and other emergencies click here.
Yes, we have a published Privacy Policy. You may read it in its entirety here: https://searanchabalonebay.com/privacy-policy/
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.
Ready to book?
Now that you have all the FAQS about Abalone Bay just click the button below to book your oceanfront Sea Ranch vacation now.
[…] Guest Information […]