

When guests and travelers ask where is Sea Ranch, California locals will frequently respond, “Why it’s smack dab in the middle of Mendonoma!” That often leaves people geographically confused, wondering just what or where is Mendonoma?
Imagine if Carmen Sandiego ran away with Waldo to this marvelous no-where land! How in the hell would any child’s parent be able to uncover their whereabouts?
Yet…we all know where it is located!
Well, sorta…
We are Mendonoma!
In much of my blogging and even my Insiders Guide I speak of this mysterious… nay… even mythological location. It’s a place known as Mendonoma.
Show Me on the Map!
Try as you might you’ll never, ever, find this mythological place anywhere on any Google Map! Though others have tried.
Given the lure of great diving off the Mendonoma Coast there’s always the Diving the Mendonoma Coast map:

The USGS offers us the Map of study areas in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.

But this map is more interested in the key geographic features in Sonoma and Mendocino than definitively giving us the boundries for this mysterious region.
Where in the World is Mendonoma
As you travel north from San Francisco, you’ll encounter its southernmost border at Sonoma County’s north coast. To find the northernmost tip of Mendonoma you’ll travel north to Mendocino County along the two-lane sinuous Coastal Highway 1. The trip takes you along a path with steep cliffs dropping to the Pacific on your left, hairpin curves in the middle, and the coastal mountains on your right covered with the world’s tallest trees-the redwoods at its conclusion.
Hence the name adopted for this craggy coastal area: “Mendo” taken from Mendocino and “Noma” from Sonoma – Mendonoma

Jenner-by-the-Sea at the mouth of the Russian River
Many suggest Mendonoma begins at Jenner by the Sea.

However, others may argue it is right after the town as the Coastal Highway begins to lift you up the side of the mountains to Fort Ross.
Either way, this trek is a frequent cause for drivers to stop, stretch their legs, and photograph its beauty while waiting for the blood to return to their white knuckles.

Everyone agrees, however, that Mendonoma’s midpoint is at the Gualala River that divides the communities of Gualala and The Sea Ranch.

Kleklekle – Own work, Elk Beach, Mendocino, California
Its northern border is also debated. Some will suggest Manchester at Irish Beach, while others contend it is at the town of Elk, pictured here, 20 minutes further north.
Why You Should Care about Mendonoma?
Well, first and foremost, in our humble opinion, for its mid-point – the incredibly wonderful Sea Ranch, the location of our vacation rental, Abalone Bay!
But there are two other reasons as well. And we have the data to prove it!
You’ll Find Happiness Here

Everyone is happy living in the Mendonoma area, most especially in The Sea Ranch, ranked the happiest place in the USA based on census data!
Of course- how could it not be with our unique culture of living lightly on the land. And how could we not be happy with our unique architecture, stupendous views, and a general population that’s well off. It is also a population who enjoys sharing their homes with you as we do with Abalone Bay.
You’ll Find the Best Climate and Scenery Here
Based on a ranking of 3,111 counties in the contiguous U.S. for climate and scenery, Sonoma county took spot number 20, while Mendocino took 4th place!
Just take a live look from Sea Ranch’s weather cam located in our own neighborhood to know our weather is tops! Of course we suggest you wait until daylight to take that peek as The Sea Ranch is a Dark Skies Community.
The Views!
For scenery nothing beats the ocean views.


Flora and Fauna Galore!
The flora and fauna – not to mention the marine animals- including whales migrating past are fantastic.

Whales at Point Arena Stornetta Unit

Blue heron at Sea Ranch

Pink Naked Ladies surround the historic Sea Ranch School House

Yellow lupine line The Sea Ranch Trails that runs in front of Sea Ranch Abalone Bay.
An Unusual and Curious Area Found in Mendonoma

Then there’s Bowling Ball Beach, which really does fit the curious nature of Mendonoma. This most unusual beach in the Mendocino County side of Mendonoma is located just about three miles south of Point Arena on Highway One and about 16 miles north of The Sea Ranch.
Before you go, check for low tide because it’s only then that you’ll see the so-called bowling balls, lined up like rows of Terracotta Warriors. The “balls” are actually concretions, which are far more resilient than the mudstone that once surrounded them. Over millions of years, this has eroded away under the constant onslaught of the Pacific Ocean, forming the cliffs that line the shore behind the beach and leaving the tougher “bowling balls” behind. A small parking area with two trailheads is on the west side of the highway.

But accessing this beach is best left for those with nibble knees! It requires steady footing on a roughly made dirt staircase that opens to whatever the rising tides as thrown against it. There is better passage further up the coast. But that also requires some trekking down the coastal bluff.
So now that you have a better idea of where Sea Ranch is in relation to Mendonoma…
[…] Our Mendonoma region has many family friendly venues that provide music. We suggest you give them a call or check their venue calendar to see if there’s a rainy day party going on at one of them. […]