10 Sea Ranch Packing List Must Haves

(Featured photo by  Deborah Coleman )

 By Donna Martinez

Must Have Things in Your Sea Ranch Packing List

Life at The Sea Ranch and surrounding towns along the Mendonoma Coast tend to be very laid back and casual. Unless you are attending a special event, such as a wedding, causal wear will be perfect.

To make sure you have all you need, here is our recommended Sea Ranch packing list for your vacation at Abalone Bay.

If you’re concerned about having enough space in your suitcase check out our previous post: 5 Things to Cross off Your Sea Ranch Abalone Bay Packing List .

Sea Ranch Packing List Includes:

1 – Layered clothing: Light shirts with jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt

Being on the coast it frequently is windy. During the summer months it is often cool and foggy in the early mornings and evenings while sunny in the afternoon. We suggest a polo or tee-shirt paired with sweatshirt or sweater.

September through October are our warmest months, often with little fog. But the evenings can still be cool. Winter months (when not enduring a drought) are rainy with foggy or over cast clouds for most of the day. 

A light jacket or heavier jacket with a removable and wearable lining is advisable. A wind breaker or sweatshirt will help when the coastal breezes kick up on the coast. It will also be helpful for when the fog is blown in or out. 

(Weather in Sea Ranch today)

 

2 – Comfortable shoes and socks

In your Sea Ranch packing list you’ll want shoes for hiking and/or jogging the ocean bluff trails. With the drought we haven’t had much rain to muddy up the trails.  However the trails can be wet with the dew or drizzle from the fog. So you’ll want shoes that are also waterproof and easily cleaned.

Sandals or other causal shoes will be perfect for going into town for shopping, or out to dinner at one of the restaurants. 

If you are attending a wedding at Sea Ranch it will most likely will be outside. You’ll want shoes whose heels won’t aerate the fields or get stuck in vole and gopher holes.

3 – 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. 

You’ll find your causal walking slacks or jeans will be perfect for in town wear as well. In the warmer months shorts are perfect if you stay on the paths.     
 

4 – Food Items for your special meals


If you are planning to cook your meals at Abalone Bay you’ll want to bring along your menus’ ingredients. Abalone Bay has a large refrigerator with freezer. We have cupboard storage in our hallway pantry for storage. 


There are two supermarkets located in in nearby Gualala.  

1. The Surf Market on the west side of Highway 1 offers many specialty items, local wines, and plenty of organic, locally grown items. During the summer and early fall vacation time they also serve up freshly made BBQ. It’s ambience is reminiscent of Trader Joe or Whole Foods.
2. The Gualala Super across the street also offers items grown locally. Its ambiance is more a locally focused grocery store.

If you are seeking a special item and cannot locate it in one store, we recommend you try the other. 


Please be aware that the prices tend to be higher than in the big city stores or big box stores. BUT when you shop local you are giving back to the community. And you will be enjoying the true taste of Mendonoma.


And don’t forget to bring along reusable shopping bags! Otherwise you’ll be charged for the use of plastic bags.

If you forget to it include yours in your Sea Ranch packing list, we have plenty for your use. AND you may take it home as a reminder of your stay at Abalone Bay!

5 – Swimsuit and suntan lotion


You’ll definitely not want to forget your swimsuit in your Sea Ranch packing list!  

Abalone Bay has a hot tub. Sea Ranch has three recreation centers, each with their 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!

While we provide spa towels for the hot tub, you may wish to pack your own pool tools.


 

6- Tennis and golf equipment

Do you play tennis or golf? Then by all means don’t forget to pack your sporting cloths, your racks and/or clubs. The recreation centers all have tennis courts. The Sea Ranch Golf Links is just a 5-minute drive away. 


 7 – Camera


Of course you’ll want to have a camera to capture all the memories of your stay. In fact you just might be lucky enough to snap a picture of a humpback whale leaping out of the ocean right in front of you!

For sure the sunsets will be marvelous.

 And of course you’ll want to remember the smiling faces of your friends and family, and even your dog, who joined you on your trip.


 

8 – Fishing Tackle and/or Diving Equipment- AND Fishing Licenses/Tags 


You’ll want to make sure you have current licenses and tags for fishing and abalone diving. You’ll also want to pack your fishing gear needed to catch that 18 pound ling cod off the rocks or that 10 inch abalone beneath them.  The diving and fishing sports enthusiast will appreciate Abalone Bay’s oceanfront access.  

Just make sure everything is current and legal. The game wardens do patrol the bluffs!

9 – Pack your curiosity

You and your family, including your dog, will love to explore The Sea Ranch’s natural setting. You may encounter deer along the way.

 

Watch the seals at the Marine Sanctuary just steps away.

 

Visit tide pools to discover hidden treasures at low tide. 

Binoculars are made available for your use at Abalone Bay. All you need to add to your Sea Ranch packing list is your inquisitive minds.

 

 

10- Great expectations for a wonderful stay

 

We certainly want your stay with us at Abalone Bay to be relaxing, rejuvenating and memorable. Our amenities offered is our way of helping you not to worry the little things. 


We can also offer you many suggestions for that perfect night out, that exciting excursion, or where the kids will really have a grand time. If there is anything we missed be sure to contact our property manager.

We are all here to help you have a wonderful vacation!