Tips for Planning a Great Sea Ranch Vacation

Plan Now for Fall/Winter Holidays

At the risk of being the bearer of bad news, summer holidays and vacations are creeping to an end as fall’s calendar tugs to get your attention.  In fact, most regional schools begin their 2023-24 terms in August.  For that reason, we recommend before the school prep crazy begins, to start the dialogue to plan your the fall and winter holidays for your Sea Ranch vacation!  

Whether it’s your first time to Sea Ranch for a fall or winter holiday, or a return visit to this favored location, we have you covered with inspiration and insider’s tips. 

Check All Your Calendars for Available Holiday Dates

We suggest you visit your various schools’ and/or universities’ calendars to check what the first day of school is, and what holidays they recognize. This is easily done by going to the schools’ website. Then match those dates against your employers’ calendars. Coordinate between work and school calendars to determine when they intersect then nail down dates that work well for all.

Then check our Booking Calendar to view what days we have released and currently have available. Next, contact us with your inquiry to reserve your preferred dates. If you find that your desired dates are not available now contact us anyway, we may be able to accommodate you, if not now, then later.

Book Directly!

Our most important tip is to book your Sea Ranch Vacation Rental directly! Once you know when you are able to escape to Sea Ranch definitely book us directly.

Sea Ranch Travel Guide to Savings

Many of you may think the first step is to search Airbnb-Sea Ranch Vacation Rentals to find a place to stay and then book it on that platform. That would certainly work to find a vacation home to rent, including our own Abalone Bay oceanfront, dog-friendly home with a private courtyard and hot tub.

Airbnb’s Dirty Little Secret 

But did you know that by booking Abalone Bay directly you SAVE $500 or more in fees that go into the pockets of Airbnb?  Imagine what you could do with that money in your pockets while on vacation! 

Save Even More!

Now that you’ve put the booking fees in your pocket, how would you like even more savings? When you book directly, it’s quite possible you’ll save at least 10-40% or even more overall in the nightly rental costs! 

How do I know that? Because, I like many others increase their rates on the booking sites to cover our own costs for paying to play on their platforms. 

How to Find the Direct Booking Site

We at Abalone Bay want to help you save money and book vacation rentals safely whether you stay with us or others. The booking platforms are helpful if only to give you an idea of homes available to rent for your vacation. We recommend that once you found your home look for clues in the description that could help lead you to discover the listed home’s own website. For instance in all our booking site listings you’ll see our full – and “Google-able” name, Sea Ranch Abalone Bay. Using that term try Googling it and Voila! There we are.

We suggest you look at an earlier blog post, “14 Brilliant Ways to Book Vacation Rentals Safely”  to learn other means of tracking down a vacation home’s direct booking site if unknown to you.

 

But Wait – There’s an Added Plus!

Guests who subscribe to become members of our Inner Circle have the added plus of even more savings- as much as a THOUSAND DOLLARS!- when they use our special Inner Circle membership promo codes!  

Now ask yourself – is the added nightly cost of Airbnb plus Airbnb service fee worth it when you can book directly with someone you know and trust and get a discount to boot? 

So before we dive into more Sea Ranch vacation tips, take a quick moment now to subscribe below to become a member of our Inner Circle. 

Soon you too will be on your way to your Sea Ranch adventure with significant savings!

Now, on to the rest of our Sea Ranch travel tips.

What to Pack 

Wardrobe recommendations of course depend on your planned activities or events you’ll be attending while at The Sea Ranch

Causal Style

Life at The Sea Ranch and surrounding towns along the Mendonoma Coast tends to be very laid back and casual. Unless you are attending a special event such as a wedding (see below), coastal casual (sweatshirt, jeans, and walking shoes) or country-wear (cotton tees, alpaca throws, and slip-on shoes) will be perfect.

Layered-Look  for All Seasons

Coastal winds frequently blow across the meadows, sometimes unforgivingly, especially during Spring.

While the sun will come out~eventually~ it’s more likely that your Summer days will be cool and foggy. The fog usually moves in and out along with the winds as the sun goes up or down.

Spring and most especially Fall are our more temperate seasons. 

Expect winter to be more blustery, cold, and, with any luck rainy.

Packing List 

For your daily wear you’ll want the following:

Light shirts

We suggest polo or tee shirts. Include short-sleeved and long-sleeved, as the temperature can be fickle. 

Hoodie, sweatshirt, light jacket, or heavier jacket with a removable and wearable lining: 

A windbreaker or sweatshirt will help when the coastal breezes kick up on the coast. It will also be helpful for when the fog comes in or out. Cold weather periods are relatively mild. On occasion, there may be frost in winter. The nights can get cool.

Shawl or poncho

Many find a shawl or poncho sufficient for the coastal breezes, especially made of light wool.

Comfortable shoes and socks

You’ll want comfortable shoes and socks for hiking and/or jogging the ocean bluff trails. The trails can be wet with the dew or drizzle from the fog and muddy during the rainy season. So you’ll want shoes that are also waterproof and easily cleaned.

Sandals, tennies, slip-on, or other casual shoes will be perfect for going into town for shopping, or out to dinner at one of the restaurants. 

Hiking, jogging wear, and equipment

Sea Ranch has 40 miles of trails along the ocean bluffs and in the redwood groves that are perfect for hiking or jogging.  While the trails are generally easy to navigate, you may wish to pack walking sticks. If you enjoy hiking or jogging to tunes, be sure to include headphones and a recorded playlist. You must use headphones while outside to assure all may continue to enjoy the sounds of nature, not your playlist.

Slacks and shorts

You’ll find your causal walking slacks or jeans will be perfect for trail and in-town wear. In the warmer months, shorts are perfect. Just be sure to stay on the groomed paths if wearing shorts as the meadows have ticks and burrs. 

Hats

You’ll want to protect yourself from the sun and the winds. If you bring a wide-brim hat, be sure it also has a tie. When the wind blows, you’ll not want to climb down the ocean cliffs to retrieve it in the ocean!

Swimsuit and suntan lotion

Definitely pack your swimsuit! Abalone Bay has a hot tub and Sea Ranch has three recreation centers, each with its own pools. Ohlson Recreation Center is a short walk from Abalone Bay. And don’t forget the suntan lotion. Remember you can get a sunburn even when it is foggy out! 

Large pool towels

While Abalone Bay provides bathrobes plus spa towels for the hot tub, you may wish to pack your own pool/beach towels.

Golf/tennis/basketball/volleyball attire and equipment

Sea Ranch does not have a specific “dress code” for golf, tennis, or other sports. However, you may find you’ll be comfortable if you pack sports-related clothing. Don’t forget to bring your own gear (golf clubs, basketball, tennis rackets, and balls). 

Wedding Attire Tips

Of course, if you are a member of the wedding party your wardrobe will be pre-determined. If attire has not yet been decided you’ll want to share with the bridal party these tips:

Cleaning and ironing 

If your wedding attire needs to be cleaned or refreshed, be aware there are no dry cleaning services available anywhere above Bodega and below Fort Bragg. We do have a washing machine and dryer. We recommend that you inquire with your host if they, as Abalone Bay does, provide a steam iron, handheld steamer, and ironing table.

However, if you have a large party we recommend you pack a full-size garment steamer.

Shoes- Flats or ballet style shoes

If your wedding will be outside we recommend you wear flats or ballet style shoes and save the heels for the dance floor. Otherwise, you’ll be aerating the meadow with your heels.

Coats, wrap, sweater, or jacket

The wind or fog is sure to pop up when you least expect it~Be prepared!

For more suggestions visit our blog post on Packing List Must Haves

Dog Owner Tips

If you are a dog owner, naturally you’ll want to bring your pet along with you. Lucky you, that many homes, like Abalone Bay, are dog friendly. 

However, before you do bring your pet, we strongly recommend you consult with your veterinarian about putting your dog on a flea and tick regimen. Unlike the Northeast, ticks are active year-round in California. Our own dogs have picked up ticks! Thankfully given their tick treatments the moment they start sucking the blood they die. 

We also strongly recommend that you pack tweezers for your dog in the likelihood ticks jump aboard your pet or yourself when hiking the trails.

Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases can be contracted at any time of the year. It can be deadly to your dog. Coastal areas such as Sea Ranch are considered high-risk areas. 

Learn more about Ticks:

• TICK EXPLOSION AT SEA RANCH AND BEYOND 
• 5 TIPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SEA RANCH TICKS
• 10 GOOD SENSE TIPS TO PROTECT AGAINST TICKS AND TICK BORNE DISEASES

For the Adventurous 

If you’re looking for boatloads of fun or relaxation on the river, check out Adventure Rents!  

Tours

• 2 hour: $50/person 1-8 people
• 4 hour: $60/person 1-8 people
• All day: $707person 1-8 people
• Active-duty Service Discount 25%

Includes

• Boat for you and your gear up the river and take care of everything when you’re done.
• Basic Training & Safety from an experienced river guide.
• Life Jacket -Boating gear to keep you warm, comfortable, and safe during your trip.
• Free parking at the shuttle pickup location.
• Dry-Bags for Food & Belongings to picnic along the riverbanks and enjoy the wildlife 
• Return Shuttle

Know before you go

We suggest you visit their River and Wildlife page to learn more about the beauty and wonder of our lovely river.

Trails Galore!

Below is a list things to remember when you’re exploring The Sea Ranch Trails

• Bring your guest pass and your mask when on Sea Ranch property
• All trails are marked and numbered
• Follow the arrows on the trails

Be aware of what is not allowed at Sea Ranch including:

• Drones are not allowed in Sea Ranch- as indicated by the trail posts
• Smoking is not allowed on the trails

Some trails with historical significance will also include a short description of historical interest that expands when you connect your phone to the QR Code posted.

Public Access Trails

There are 6 public trails. Each begins at the parking lots made available to visitors along Highway 1. Trail signs along with posted signs inform public visitors where their access ends.

• 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. 
• 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.

Where to Eat

After all that adventure and excitement you’ll of course be hungry. Naturally, you’l also want to give the cook a holiday too. Below are just a few of our recommendations for where to eat when at Sea Ranch.  We’ve listed more on our Restaurants Page. And of course when you download our Sea Ranch Vacation and Travel Guidebook you’ll discover even more.

The Sea Ranch Lodge Restaurant

Hours
5 pm-9 pm Thursday-Monday

Reservations made via OpenTable: The Sea Ranch Lodge

See updated health protocol on their website.

Walk-in guests without reservations report they have been seated promptly in the outdoor seating area. It is actually quiet and nice on the porch.

The Sea Ranch Lodge Restaurant provides in-season, locally sourced with quality ingredients, and impeccably prepared – for lunch and dinner. Their goal is to be a gathering place for the community and guests in a fresh and new space that honors the legacy of the Lodge while tantalizing the palate with flavors that celebrate the bounty that the area has to offer – from lush produce to the freshest catch. We aim to offer fair and approachable pricing – inviting locals regularly and inspiring visitors to make the trip – and to serve meals with the warmth and care of being in someone’s home.

Executive Chef, Eric Piacentine, was most recently the Executive Chef at the Big Sur Bakery. Before that, he spent almost 10 years at Bernardus Lodge. 

• 60 Sea Walk Dr, Sea Ranch, CA 95497
•  (707) 579-9777

Is That All There Is?

As P. T. Barnum once said, “Always leave them wanting more!”  So,  yes of course there’s lots more great Sea Ranch Vacation Tips to be had. But to have them all you’ll need to download our Vacation and Travel Guide!

And for those of you who already have….

Welcome to our Inner Circle❤️!

To all of you who have joined our Inner Circle you now have access to your own personal copy of our Vacation and Travel Guide ❤️⁠.  

Plus you’ll be first to know of newly released dates, events, and promotions through our newsletters.

Don’t forget ~use our special membership code at booking time and you’ll receive your next booking’s discount❤️.⁠

Questions?

If you have further questions on how to make your next family road trip to Sea Ranch special, post them below in the comments.

What next?

Just relax, unwind, have fun, and enjoy your next stay a Sea Ranch Abalone Bay.