Thanksgiving Tips for a Great Sea Ranch Holiday
Join the Inner Circle now

Thanksgiving at Abalone Bay is a wonderful way to spend the long weekend with friends and family.
Yet, Thanksgiving can also be a time of stress. And that’s just when you’re planning a simple holiday dinner at your own home!
Nonetheless here you are – getting ready to travel to Sea Ranch for Thanksgiving at Abalone Bay!
No worries!
Our tips below are sure to make your Sea Ranch Thanksgiving at Abalone Bay the welcomed holiday you’ll want to repeat as often as you can.
Wild Coast ~ Warm Hearts
Where better to spend Thanksgiving than on Sonoma County’s rugged Sea Ranch Coast with your family gathered around!
While the ocean and weather may be wild outside, inside your holiday home at Abalone Bay it is sure to be filled with warmth and love.
Book Early for Your Sea Ranch Thanksgiving Holiday!
Most importantly, book your Sea Ranch Thanksgiving as early as you can.
Sea Ranch Abalone Bay requires a 5-night stay for the Thanksgiving holiday, and must include the adjoining weekend.
Thanksgiving is one of the most popular times for guests and residents alike. To assure you are able to enjoy this holiday weekend requires early planning, and, most importantly, early booking.
That is unless you are lucky enough to find a cancellation, and even then it can be a challenge to book just the right home in The Sea Ranch, like Abalone Bay!
Become an Inner Circle Member
Finding a holiday cancellation can be tricky. However, our Inner Circle members are always first to know when we have availability.
When you sign up for free to the Inner Circle you not only receive tips and announcements about a Thanksgiving vacation at Sea Ranch, you’ll also be first before the public of released dates or cancellations.
Inner Circle Members Learn First about Released Thanksgiving and Other Dates
Our Inner Circle Members are first to learn of our opening and as more dates become available. This allowed them to book those coveted holiday periods, including Thanksgiving. For this reason, you’ll definitely want to become a member now!
Inner Circle Membership
Relax Knowing There are Many Cooking Tools for Your Thanksgiving Prep
Unless your Thanksgiving holiday recipe calls for very unique cooking equipment, it’s a fairly sure bet you’ll not need to bring any added cooking or baking equipment for your special meal. Because of COVID-19 protocols we no provide a request form to request specific items not frequently used.
Jenn-air Dual Fuel Range
Abalone Bay’s kitchen is well stocked with just about everything you’ll need. The Jenn-Air dual fuel range offers gas burners with downdraft ventilation. Its high-heat baking and roasting element allow you to beautifully roast meats and vegetables. And for the baker in your party, perfectly baked bread and pastries evenly in the oven. And if your dinner hour is fast approaching consider using the convection element to help speed up the cooking time.
Microwave, Ninja Airfryer, Refrigerator/Freezer and More
Whether used for quick warming or flash cooking, the microwave is now an essential appliance and we have you covered. You can take food from the refrigerator or freezer compartment to the microwave. The available microwave cooking pans and bowls make your cooking safe and easy. Our favorite is the tortilla warmer. Also included is a plastic cover to keep your food from splattering when cooked.
But now more than ever today’s cooks love that we also have Ninja Oven. This marvelous appliance is also an air fryer, toaster, broiler, and dehydrator, all packaged into one incredibly compact and stylish unit.
Crockpots, Electric Pressure Cooker, and Rice Cooker
Whether you want to slow cook or pressure cook, Abalone Bay has you covered. Rice cooking is easy when you use our rice cooker.
Toasters and Fry Pan
Got bagels? We got a wide-slotted toaster. Abalone Bay also provides an electric frying pan for that moment you need just one more burner. Also available is a toaster oven. Also available is a frying splatter screen.
Many other small appliances
You’ll delight in the many other small appliances available that will make your cooking adventures less adventurous.
They include:
- Heavy-duty food processor
- Juicer
- Hand mixer
- Blender
Leave Your Pots and Pans Behind
We strive to maintain well-kept cookware and pans including adding new pans upon inspection and discovery they are just too scratched.
Located under the counter near the range are the two pull-out shelves filled with pots and pans with protectors to keep the non-stick finish lasting until your arrival.
We have a variety of pans for the discerning cook including nonstick, stainless steel, and aluminum.
They include:
- Large Covered Roaster with insert
- Saucepans varying sizes
- Frying pans
- Saute Pans
- Deep pot perfect for soups and stews
- Cast Iron stew pot
Bakeware includes:
Located in the free-standing cabinet you’ll find:
- Springform pans of varying sizes
- Cake Pans
- Pie plates
- Cupcake Pan
- Cookie sheets with a silicone mat
- Cookie cutters
Mixing and cooking utensils and knives:
These essential tools make your baking and cooking easier. You’ll find these in the corner near the range and in the two drawers under the counter.
- Wooden and plastic mixing spoons
- Potato Masher
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Variety of spatulas
- Henckels Cutlery
Here are photos of our cooking tools and gadgets drawers. Some of our cooking tools include:
- Basters
- Garlic press
- Ice cream scoop
- Vegetable peeler
- Frying and Baking thermometer
- Crab/lobster/nutcrackers with picks
- Egg rings
- Zester
- Egg Slicer
And then there’s the…
- Meat/Abalone tenderizer hammer
- Corn on the cob picks
- Knife sharpeners
- Cheese slicer
- Stainless measuring cups
- Oven thermometer
- Tea strainers
…And even more knives!
Pack Menu Items, Unique Spices, and Herbs
Our food packing tip for your Sea Ranch Thanksgiving meal prep is to pack any unique spices and herbs along with other special menu-making items that you’ll need for the first day. You’ll find many items available for your special meals.
And of course, you’ll discover our welcome bag of Little Green Bean Roastery coffee.
Local Markets Are Opened Thanksgiving Day
Surf Market and Gualala Supermarket located north of Sea Ranch in Gualala will open at 7 AM. With any luck, you may also be surprised by fresh Dungeness Crabs to add to your menu.
Be aware both stores close early at 2 PM for any last-minute items you’ll need.
Order Ahead for Your Arrival
If you hope to have fresh Dungeness Crab for dinner we recommend you call The Surf Market or Gualala Supermarket to verify stock and order ahead of your arrival.
Two Fish Baking Company
Two Fish Baking Company now located at The Stewarts Point Store has Pumpkin, Apple, Pecan Pies and Challah Rolls that can be ordered ahead of time. They will be available for pickup the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Be aware they will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but the rest of the week will be open as usual. Call in your order at Call (707) 785-2011.
Online Pre-shopping – A Word to the Wise
Another tip that we have found helpful is just before arrival at Abalone Bay shopping via online services like Amazon Prime. Once you have your items selected, mail them directly to the house. The beauty of this is the delivery truck will bring it directly to the door leaving you space in your car for that oversized Turkey waiting to be cooked. This works especially well when you book longer stays.
Just address the packages to yourself for delivery directly to the house.
Double-Check Before You Buy
Using Amazon Prime or other fast delivery services can be tricky. You’ll want to make sure you double-check on the availability of the item and that it will actually be mailed out in a timely fashion.
Also, keep in mind deliveries are not always made all the way to Sea Ranch on holidays and Sundays. Be sure to monitor announcements of arrivals.
FedEx and UPS
Delivery by our FedEx and UPS drivers is usually made inside the gate. The drivers will open the gate and place packages usually next to the door out of the elements. Most often they are found on the bench next to the door.
They do not always knock, and they never enter the house.
For guests expecting a package, we recommend bringing your dog inside.
Set a Table That’s Picture Worthy!
The ultimate Thanksgiving photo is that of the table well set. How can you not have a beautiful photo with the amenities available for your Sea Ranch Thanksgiving holiday?
A floral arrangement always makes the table stand out. Whether you use cut flowers arranged in the bud vases we provide or purchase a floral arrangement specially designed for you, flowers offer that special touch.
We recommend Flowers By Natasha and Garden By the Sea for floral arrangements. You may also discover bouquets of flowers at the local markets too.
Plate Service with Sea Ranch in Mind
Set out a beautiful table with seagrass woven chargers for our sea-themed plates.
There’s no flimsy cafeteria flatware in Abalone Bay! You’ll scoop up your marvelous meals with flatware of heavy stainless 18/10 quality.
Added service pieces include gravy boats, one for each end of the table, and wooden salad bowls.
Serving bowls are plentiful and large enough to hold all your side dishes. This photo shows not only our serving bowls and platters but also mixing bowls.
And if you prefer a more basic white plate to provide more elegance to your table we have you covered there too!
Children Served Here
Will the little ones be at the adult table too? Our melamine dishes and sea-themed baby plates and spoons will keep them wanting more, please.
We also have a high chair and booster chair for your little ones wanting their own turkey leg, please.

Enjoy the Parades, Root for Your Teams, or Binge on Netflix
With the 65 inch TV strategically placed you’ll think you’re there in New York City watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, or on the gridiron run the football to the end posts.
The Samsung TV also provides many, many streaming services.
Even the cook and sous chefs can choose to follow what’s going on the TV set or gaze outside for passing whales or deer.
Holiday Tips to Enjoy
Below are holiday tips for enjoying the unique natural environment of Sea Ranch.
Whale Watch

While the amenities at Abalone Bay are worthy of keeping you entertained, we recommend you plan some time to get out and enjoy a walk along the trails. With easy, direct access to the bluff trail, there’s no telling what natural marvels you’ll discover.
Gray whales can be seen in November as they move south to breed in the warm, shallow lagoons along the Mexican coast. Whale watchers must look for whale spouts or blows, clear signals that whales are passing!
This is a short video of whales we saw swimming past Smugglers Cove just a few yards south of the house.
Visit the Harbor Seals
Just steps from the back door are the Harbor Seal Rookery. The seals are the very picture of a Sea Ranch Thanksgiving! As they lay sprawled out along the rocky shelf, they have that look of someone who just overindulged in one piece of pumpkin pie too much.
Blue Herons on the Hunt
While walking along the trail just outside of Abalone Bay, you might even find a blue heron walking the path with you!
Paroled Wild Turkeys on the Prowl
When walking or driving along Highway 1 as it cuts through The Sea Ranch, you’re sure to spot many “rafters” of wild turkeys. Learn more about our Sea Ranch wild Turkeys in our blog post here.
We just suggest leaving that extra turkey leg back at the house as they may see it as a bit rude on your part.
Children and Adults Alike Enjoy One-Eyed Jacks
[Note: Check first on updated COVID-19 Protocols]Have the little ones been cooped up in the house too long for this Sea Ranch Thanksgiving?
Are the kids in need of a little romp?
Well then, visit One-eyed Jacks Playground and Picnic area will certainly help them burn off some energy.

This hideaway park has an enclosed children’s playground fun enough for dads and granddads, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, Petanque court, picnic tables, barbecues, and lots of room for active sports.
It is a favorite with Sea Ranchers and guests alike.

Equipped for large gatherings, One-eyed Jacks is the site of the annual Volunteer Fire Department barbecue. Ranch history has been preserved in the old sheep-shearing sheds marking the site. Groups proposing to use the facility (e.g. for birthday parties or family reunions) are requested to phone the Association office for calendar information.
For more kid-friendly activities click here. And for hints for making a Sea Ranch Thanksgiving for your teens’ pleasant click here.
Be Thankful for Bad Weather
Everyone wants to have great weather when on vacation, especially on Thanksgiving. However, it could very well rain on your Thanksgiving vacation.
We certainly hope that your travel to Sea Ranch in the rain will be safe.
We truly are thankful for any rain that may come, given our frequent droughts and serious fire danger as a result. Further, our hearts and prayers are definitely sent out to the victims and first responders who have suffered the state’s recent fires that have brought great tragedy and poor air quality.
Average Weather in November
- Below is the average of weather you may expect when visiting The Sea Ranch in November:
Daily high temperatures decrease by 7°F, from 65°F to 58°F, rarely falling below 53°F or exceeding 71°F. - Daily low temperatures decrease by 3°F, from 47°F to 44°F, rarely falling below 36°F or exceeding 54°F.
- For reference, on August 23, the hottest day of the year, temperatures in Sea Ranch typically range from 51°F to 74°F, while on January 1, the coldest day of the year, they range from 41°F to 55°F.
Precipitation and Rainfall
A wet day is one with at least 0.04 inches of liquid or liquid-equivalent precipitation. In Sea Ranch, the chance of a wet day over the course of November is very rapidly increasing, starting the month at 20% and ending it at 33%.
For reference, the year’s highest daily chance of a wet day is 37% on February 23, and its lowest chance is 0% on August 3.
The average 31-day rainfall during November in Sea Ranch is very rapidly increasing, starting the month at 3.2 inches, when it rarely exceeds 6.6 inches or falls below 0.5 inches, and ending the month at 6.0 inches, when it rarely exceeds 12.2 inches or falls below 1.1 inches.
Learn more about Sea Ranch’s Average Weather in November here.
Nature’s Surprises at Thanksgiving
If you are blessed with rainy days this Thanksgiving, rejoice and be thankful because mushrooms are sure to follow. You’ll find them sprouting up in the forests above Abalone Bay and along the tree-lined ocean trails. Many mushroom hunters also look for the delicacies at Salt Point just a few miles south of Sea Ranch.
Hunt with a ‘Shroom Expert
We strongly recommend you have a friend knowledgeable in edible and safe mushrooms go picking with you if this is your first time hunting ‘shrooms. To help with your mushroom identification you’ll find books on our shelf. We also have cookbooks that will help you with the preparation of your delicacies.
Don’t Forget to Share Your Thanksgiving Feast and Fun!
Food is for sharing most especially on Thanksgiving. With free wifi, we make it easy.
Though we won’t be at your table you can send photos of your table and scrumptious meal to us!
You’ll find us on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and of course Facebook.
Don’t forget to hashtag: #SeaRanchAbaloneBay & #SeaRanchThanksgiving
WISHING YOU ALL WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!
And don’t forget to book ahead for your Sea Ranch Thanksgiving holiday at Abalone Bay
Book now
[…] Scientist at Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study. Scott believes Gray Whale southbound migration of the fall season should be reaching The Sea Ranch coast in the upcoming […]