The Revamped Sea Ranch Lodge Is a Must-See Destination in This Historic Northern California Coastal Community

As you travel along California’s Highway 1, approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco, the striking white ram’s head graphic will signal your arrival at the iconic Sea Ranch. Established in the mid-1960s, this coastal haven has evolved into a collection of 2,200 homes seamlessly integrated into the rugged cliffs, lush meadows, and wooded hills of northern Sonoma County.

The original vision for Sea Ranch focused on shared values and exquisitely designed modernist homes, all crafted with natural cedar and redwood exteriors that harmonize with their surroundings. The philosophy of Sea Ranch emphasized living in harmony with nature and treading lightly on the land.

Preserving an Architectural Landmark

After a comprehensive three-year renovation, the Sea Ranch Lodge reopened its doors in 2021, providing a communal space for both Sea Ranch residents and visitors once more. By July 2023, the final phase of restoration was completed, allowing bookings for 17 guest rooms, each exquisitely restored in accordance with the community’s architectural principles. The main lodge, perched on stunning coastal bluffs, features a restaurant, café, bar, lounge, general store, and post office, all housed within the original 10,000 square-foot rustic structure, thoughtfully updated to maintain its modern vernacular design style.

The restoration of the Sea Ranch Lodge, one of the Ranch’s oldest buildings, purposefully respects the vision of the original Sea Ranch creators, including developer Al Boeke, landscape visionary Lawrence Halprin, and design firm Moore Lyndon Turnbull Whitaker, as noted by Kristina Jetton, the lodge’s general manager, who recently guided me through the reopened facility.

A friendly, central hub for gathering

During a recent visit, I realized just how welcoming and informative the Sea Ranch Lodge is for everyone who visits or stays overnight. One morning, my family and I indulged in cappuccinos and cold brews, paired with a breakfast sandwich, frittata, and the much-loved strawberry shortcake from the café, while taking in the expansive ocean views in the solarium before heading to one of the community pools. We also made several trips to the general store for drinks and snacks for the beach, as well as some tasteful Sea Ranch souvenirs for ourselves and friends. Additionally, we explored the history of Sea Ranch through the Sea Ranch Beginnings exhibit currently showcased on the lodge’s “great wall” near the café.

In the evening, we returned to savor expertly crafted cocktails from the lodge bar, which we enjoyed in the cozy fireside lounge. As the sun set, the nearby patio became a favored spot for guests to sip their drinks outdoors.

The Dining Room offers dinner from Thursdays to Mondays, featuring a menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients (imagine chicken with pommes frites and wild salmon with greens). We enjoyed our meal there with our young children, and while the food and service were exceptional, the atmosphere was relaxed enough that we felt comfortable dining with a toddler.

Guests at the lodge can check the event calendar for activities taking place at the lodge and the northern end of the Sea Ranch at the Links, a golf course that includes a casual dining spot and store. The lodge also hosts various events, including live music, Saturday morning yoga, guided hikes, writing workshops, knitting classes, and wine tastings.

Sea Ranch accommodations and vacation rentals

With the reopening of lodge rooms, visitors wishing to stay overnight at Sea Ranch can now choose between one of the 17 newly redesigned rooms at the Sea Ranch Lodge or a vacation rental home. Popular choices among Dinogo staff include Siren Song, the Esherick Mini-Mod, and Moore Condo #9. As for the lodge, you can't go wrong with any of its rooms—all offer ocean views, king beds, and a kitchenette.

“If you prefer a kitchen to prepare your own meals or are traveling with a large group, I still believe a house rental is the best option,” says Jessie Beck, associate director of SEO and video at Dinogo, who recently enjoyed the new Sea Ranch Lodge rooms. “However, I love having the lodge as an option when it’s just my husband and me. The rooms are peaceful, spacious, and cozy. My favorite features were the fireplace and the expansive window seats, perfect for spending the day admiring the view. Both are quintessentially Sea Ranch elements that enhance the feeling of being immersed in nature rather than isolated from it.”

The lodge also offers a glamping program in collaboration with Shelter Co., allowing groups to reserve luxury tent accommodations equipped with beds and portable restrooms, set up on the lodge’s oceanfront grounds for weddings, reunions, and retreats.

Embracing harmony with nature

While Sea Ranch emphasizes tranquility and connection with nature, the newly opened lodge provides a cozy and inviting space to break the solitude with delightful food, social gatherings, music, and art.

Regarding the prominent ram’s head graphic on the lodge sign, this iconic Sea Ranch logo was created by Barbara Stauffacher Solomon and represents, in her own words, “two simplified seashells, back-to-back and fused into a ram’s head, honoring the sheep that once roamed this land.” Over the past decade, sheep have returned to naturally graze the ranch. A highly recommended activity is a picturesque walk from the lodge, across the meadow and past the sheep, to visit the property’s historic barn and along the Bluff Trail—a vivid reminder of how this remarkable vision began.

This article was initially published in 2022 and most recently updated on February 2, 2024, with the latest information.