Highway 1 Road Trip Tips: Where to Go When You Gotta Go

Rest Areas for your Road Trip to Sea Ranch

Rest areas along the long and winding Shoreline Highway (CA-1) from Jenner to The Sea Ranch undeniably are far and few in-between. Knowing where the rest areas are on your road trip becomes even more critical when the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) is working on the sections of road damaged by winter storms. In some cases, delays can be as long as 40-45 minutes while waiting for your turn to move forward in the temporary one-way traffic flow.

Currently traffic near Ocean Cove has been stopped in both directions at times for as long as 30 minutes.

Where to Go When You Gotta Go

Before you leave for your trip to The Sea Ranch we strongly recommend you check the road reports for the latest updates on Sonoma County road conditions, especially if there is a chance you’ll have to sit in your car for longer than usual periods with your legs tightly squeezed. Other road resources include:

• Check Current Highway Conditions: Enter Highway Number to find the current reported traffic restrictions.
• Lane Closures: Emergency closures can be searched under District or Statewide.

Surviving the Wait

But how will you survive that long drive up the Shoreline Highway 1 when you are traveling with extended delays and tiny bladders shout loud and clear it’s now or never?

No worries! You’ll find here locations and tips for where to go when you gotta go on your way to Sea Ranch.

Nature’s Rest Areas

When nature calls and there are no rest areas with bathroom facilities available you may just have to leave your mark on nature. Just be aware that public urination and defecation are illegal in every state. According to the California “Pee-nal” code it’s actually considered unlawful dumping of waste (374.3(a) P.C. California Penal Code) with fines for urinating in public usually set at $270.

However, if you feel the need to do your “illegal dumping,” just be sure not to impede traffic or do it in such a way that you’re not exposing yourselves.  Also, ensure your vehicle is parked as far from the edge of the highway as possible.

Road Construction Work Site as Rest Areas

As you prepare for this leg of your trip to The Sea Ranch you are certainly assured of coming across a road construction site, or two, or even three. 

Here’s a little-known fact for when you face a time of urinary need. Should you be stuck behind a flagman and find you must relieve yourself, pull your car off to the shoulder of the road if possible, and park. Explain to the flagman your plight and ask if you can use their facilities. OSHA requirements dictate that toilet facilities must be made available to the crews working on the road construction and repair sites.

Now I can’t guarantee the quality of the facility, but at least you won’t be charged with illegal dumping!

Rest Areas in Jenner By The Sea

Even before you begin the drive up the coastal foothills, we recommend you take a moment to stretch and relieve yourselves at Jenner by the Sea. This quaint and tiny hamlet has been one of our favorite rest areas for decades. Located at the mouth of the Russian River as it flows into the Pacific Ocean, Jenner offers plenty for everyone from adventure seeker,  Plein-air painter, hiker, biker, kayaker, naturalist, photographer, or beach-comer.

The Jenner Headlands and Goat Rock State Park are great places to stretch your legs and do a little whale watching before you continue on your road trip to The Sea Ranch.  Located at the northern terminus of Goat Rock Beach is the mouth of the Russian River with its iconic crescent shaped out cropping called Goat Rock barely attached to the mainland by a narrow isthmus.  It here along the the sandy spit that blocks the Russian River you’ll find a rookery of harbor seal pups under their mothers’ care.

Visitor Center 

The Sonoma Coast Visitor Center in Jenner (JVC) is situated on the Russian River estuary in the heart of Jenner. You’ll be happy to find well cared for, clean public bathrooms. While they are ADA accessible, they are nontheless just a fine outhouse.

The Visitor Center is operated by State Parks docents and open most days of the week year round. The center contains a wonderful Nature Store with an excellent assortment of educational sales items. There are interesting, interpretive displays showcasing local history, flora and fauna. In addition, you will find information about local lodging, restaurants and things to do in the area.

Please call (707) 865-9757 to confirm hours of operation.

Jenner C Store and Gas Station

10444 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450. (707) 865-2906

Located on the east side of Highway 1, the public portable potties located in the back of the Jenner Sea Store and Gas Station provide a convenient location to go and run. I can attest that the porta potties are generally well kept and open 24/7. There is a nice area beyond for walking your dogs as well. Just remember to bring your poop bags with you.

That being said,  you may be more comfortable visiting one of Jenner’s restaurants or cafes. As most restaurants’ rest areas are available for patrons only, we recommend ordering a short drink or snack before you use their facilities.

Cafe Aquatica

10439 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450. (707) 865-2251

This cash-only coffee shop is a wonderful gathering spot for both travelers and locals. They do have an ATM available if needed.

Eatery by the Sea: Jenner Inn

10400 Coast Route 1 Jenner, CA 95450. (707) 865-2377

This has had a spotty record for being open especially when you’re in real need of a stop. While it may be open for the summer crowds it is frequently closed during the winter months.

Fort Ross Rest Areas

The 12 miles from Jenner to Fort Ross State Historic Park usually takes one-half hour or more to accomplish given the switchbacks and cautious drivers new to this climb through the coastal foothills.  Just before you reach the top of the hills is a wonderfully wide pull-out perfect for photos and stretching. I recommend crossing the road cautiously for a spectacular view/photo of the Bodega Headlands.

However, there are no actual rest area facilities until you arrive at the Fort Ross State Historic Park. Just be sure you arrive before they close.

Be Prepared to Stop and Wait

The stretch of the road between Jenner and Fort Ross has seen its fill of road work over the years, some of it was quite major. We can’t stress enough the importance of checking the roadways either using Google Maps (look for the yellow icon of a man digging), District 4 CalTrans projects in the Bay Area Counties, and/or Jenner Traffic and Road Conditions before you leave.

Because the roads are not wide, when one side washes out it requires converting the roadways into a one-way passage. This requires the use of either work crews or the temporary installation of a stoplight in the middle of nowhere.

Fort Ross Visitor Center for Bathroom and History

Fort Ross State Park provides many rest areas including indoor bathroom facilities at the visitor center, as well as porta-johns along their many trails, picnic areas, and historic locations. Entrance fees to Fort Ross are $8.00 per vehicle.  If you are 62 years or older the entrance fee is $7.00.  Your register receipt at Fort Ross is good for any STATE park for the remainder of the day. The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Fort Ross Compound & Visitor Center is opened daily 10 am – 4:30 pm.  Then after November 1st, the park will be open Friday through Monday.

Hours

The park facilities (parking lot, Fort compound, Visitor Center, restroom, etc.) are open every day 10:00 AM-4: 30 PM.

The park grounds are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, pedestrian traffic is welcome during these hours if the entrance gates are closed.

Call House Museum tours are on the first weekend of each month 1 pm-4 pm.

Please call (707) 847-3286 for further information.

About Fort Ross

If time allows after your potty stop, we recommend visiting the Russian Fort at Ross. Fort Ross was originally a thriving Russian-American Company settlement from 1812 to 1841. Today, the Fort itself consists of several buildings surrounded by stockade walls. The structure of most historical interest is the Rotchev house, an existing building renovated about 1836 for Alexander Rotchev, the last manager of Ross.  This is thought to be one of the only remaining original buildings from the Russian period.

Following the Russian period, the area was a working ranch with diverse interests in agriculture, livestock, and shipping.  Butter and apples were primary exports during the ranching era, and there are tangible relics of this period to be seen at the park today such as the Call House, built in 1878.

Fort Ross Store and Lodge

Only five minutes north of Fort Ross State Park is the Fort Ross Store and Lodge. This little general store sits directly across the Coast Highway from the Fort Ross Lodge.

The lodge desk is open 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Sunday. The store however may close earlier. We have found the store is often closed during the winter months.

Timber Cove Inn Resort

21780 Highway 1, Jenner, CA 95450. (707) 205-3517

Just a quick hop up the road from Fort Ross Lodge and Store is Timber Cove Inn and Resort. Of all the possible bathroom rest areas, Timber Cove is another favorite of ours! Renovated in 2016 they now feature a beautiful lobby with an updated restaurant and bar. In fact, when we stay in The Sea Ranch we frequently drive south to Timber Cove for a romantic night out dining at the Coast Kitchen, bathroom included.

Stillwater and Ocean Cove

Note currently (June 2024) there is significant road work happening above Ocean Cove. Wait times have been as long as 30 minutes with the road closed in both directions on occassion.

23125 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450 (707) 847-3422

Stillwater Cove Regional Park

Stillwater Cove used to be a favorite dive spot for abalone divers, dive clubs, and dive classes, as well as a great spot for RV vacationers on their getaway trips. We frequently camped there in our younger years.  Stillwater Cove Regional Park campground is located in an open meadow dotted with coastal forest trees on the east side of the highway. Therefore, it does not have great views of the ocean. While there are bathrooms and coin-operated showers available, they are one-seaters with hot water and a utility sink. So when the campground gets busy there can be lines to use the facilities. But reports are they never run out of toilet paper!

 Stillwater Cove Regional Park has a small beach and is a popular place for launching small boats and scuba diving.

Ocean Cove Store and Campground

Another handy pit stop for when the ride to Sea Ranch is getting a bit too long is Ocean Cove just is 17 miles north of Jenner. However given the winding roads, by this time you may feel tired. Worse, you may find yourself wiggling in your seat wondering how much longer before you’re at Sea Ranch!

You will know when you’ve arrived at Ocean Cove when you make the hairpin turn to arrive nearly right on top of the porch of the Ocean Cove Store.

Across the street is the Ocean Cove Campgrounds and Boat Ramp.  Camping and day-use available:
April 1 through November 30. Fees for day use are as follows:
$7.00 per vehicle per day.
Day Use with Ramp:
$18.00 per vehicle per day.
Dogs – $2.00 (Sonoma County Leash Law in effect)

Ocean Cove Bar and Grill

23255 Coast Hwy 1, Jenner, CA 95450. (707) 847-3158

 

Just a few feet farther north is Ocean Cove Bar and Grill. The bar is open until 8 PM. Don’t let its appearances fool you. The bar and grill have been around for a long time and the location it is full of character and charm. It’s homey and welcoming inside with super friendly staff and yummy food paired with a nice view of the ocean, all at very reasonable prices. They also have a few items that are gluten-free.

 

Salt Point State Park

Just 8 miles north of Fort Ross is Salt Point State Park. This 6,000-acre park includes a marine reserve that is popular with divers and great oceanfront trails for hikers. Hikers and mushroom pickers frequently visit the park. There are two campgrounds and more than 20 miles of hiking trails in the park.

There are no bathroom facilities at Kruse Rhododendron Day-use park. Gerstle Cove Campground and all Day Use Areas have restrooms.

When you go into the park be sure to stay on the trails to avoid contact with ticks and poison oak. Fisk Mill Cove is a day-use area that provides picnickers with paved parking, picnic tables, small upright barbeques, restrooms, and drinking water.

Stump Beach is another picnic area that offers one of the few sandy beaches north of Jenner. There are a few picnic tables near the parking lot and a primitive toilet with no running water. A 1/4 mile trail leads down to the beach.

South Gerstle Cove also has picnic tables, a primitive toilet, and a beautiful, exposed view of the ocean.

The park is opened sunrise to sunset April through October; Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM-3: 00 PM. Day use is $8.00 per vehicle.

 

Stewarts Point Store

32000 Coast Highway CA- 1, Stewarts Point, 95480. (707) 785-2011

Stewarts Point, 6 miles north of Salt Point is a tiny ham­let perched that sits at the crossroads of Highway 1 and Skaggs Springs Road. Without any delays or crowds on the roads, it is a 45-minute drive north of Jenner on Highway 1. The renovated Stewarts Point Store owned and operated by Twofish Baking Company serves as the hamlet’s focal point. They offer sundries, artisan treasures, sandwiches made from their own freshly baked bread, beer and wine, gas, and most importantly bathrooms. 

Their bathroom is located opposite the building and is fully equipped!

Oh, and remember Friday nights during the summer is Pizza Night! But we recommend you call ahead to order your pizza. It can be busy. 

 

Update: Sea Ranch Lodge and Dining Room

Once you pass the Stewarts Point Store you are just a few miles away from The Sea Ranch.  You’ve nearly arrived at your vacation rental destination, Abalone Bay!

For years after the long drive on the Shoreline Highway and finally, The Sea Ranch Lodge’s iconic rams horn signaled the promise of a row full of bathrooms ready and waiting for your arrival.

The Sea Ranch Lodge

A Fast If Not Panicked Pitstop at the Lodge:

If you drive like me, you’ve managed to make it all the way to The Sea Ranch but another mile forward and it may become a disaster.

As I weave my way into the parking lot, I throw the gears into park, snatch the keys, and run as carefully as I can to the doors of the lodge. Flinging the doors open I speed walk in my best nonchalant manner straight ahead for the stairs. I’m flanked by the post office on my left and the snack bar on my right with the gift shop ahead of me. I make a mental note of what goodies are offered in the snack case as I quickly swerve to the right. I make my way up the stairs to the first landing, celebrating that my new total knee replacements (on both knees) are serving me well and that I’m a woman and won’t need to hike up the next flight of stairs for the men’s restroom.

Accessible Bathroom on the First Floor

With the remodel a new, accessible bathroom is now located on the first floor beyond the first landing’s setting area to the right, next to the Lodge’s business offices. If the stairs are too daunting, the knees too creaky, or the need too great, give it a go instead.

A Quick Bite or A Full Meal

With your bladder anxiety relieved I recommend a visit to dining room at The Sea Ranch Lodge. Their seasonal menu features internationally-inspired California cuisine. Its full bar also showcases local wineries and breweries. Later peruse the gift store, perhaps to purchase a sweatshirt for the incoming fog.

If time is short and you want to maximize your time at Abalone Bay, I recommend picking out one of the cakes or cookies in the snack bar case. They also serve sandwiches at the snack bar.

However, if there are many in the dining room or a line at the snack bar, you may find the wait for a sandwich a bit long. That being the case, by all means take a stroll through the renovated Lodge to admire it’s exceptional architecture, refreshed fireplace with cozy seating, cabinetry and art work on display. Feel free to spin a few records on the player as well.

Refreshed, revived, and ready, exit the lodge and sally forth, onward to Sea Ranch Abalone Bay!

Sea Ranch Abalone Bay

Just shy of 3 miles is your final destination, Sea Ranch Abalone Bay vacation rental!

You’ve made it!

We know that while the road is spectacular with its ocean views weaving in between the cypress, eucalyptus, and redwood trees, it’s so very nice to finally arrive home to Abalone Bay.  With no more traveling, you can finally sit back, a glass of wine in hand, and exhale as your fingers extend leaving the weariness of the road behind you.

And just in case you are in need one last time, you have your choice of two freshly prepared bathrooms:

The guest bathroom…or…

The en suite bathroom!

And If All Else Fails…

BYOT~ Bring your own toilet!

Someone help me out here

— Joe Little (@LittleJoeTV) May 28, 2019

Of Course, There’s an App for That!

There’s now a wonderful app I also recommend you download: iPee Address. The iPee Address restroom locator app provides directions to the nearest bathroom when you’re out and about in any city or town. Navigate easily to the nearest restaurant, cafe, coffee shop, or any other place that will allow you to do what you have to do whenever you have to do it!

But one word of caution when traveling to Sea Ranch, there is generally little to no internet reception so this app may not be the bladder savior you’ve prayed for on your trip to Sea Ranch.

Wondering what the rest of the house looks like?

See more about our bathrooms here. Now take a peek at the rest of our home by clicking here. We’re also excited about Abalone Bay’s renovation with new decor, the addition of new windows, a new game room, and a garage!

Are you ready for your trip to Sea Ranch Abalone Bay? We’re happy to have you!

Book now