Jenner Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, and food to try in Jenner, California. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide now!


Introduction to Jenner

Jenner is a scenic town located in Sonoma County, on the North Coast of California, USA. It sits at the mouth of the Russian River, where it flows into the Pacific Ocean. The town is surrounded by state parks and offers visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature while participating in various outdoor recreational activities.

List of Places to Visit in Jenner

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Ross State Historic Park: A historic Russian fortress, which dates back to the early 1800s. The park offers visitors the chance to learn about the lives of the Russian settlers who once lived in the area.
  • Sonoma Coast State Park: This park covers 17 miles of coastline and provides visitors with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Jenner Visitors Center: Here, visitors can learn about the town’s history, the local flora and fauna, and find information about nearby attractions.

Natural Attractions of Jenner: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Goat Rock State Beach: A popular spot for kayaking, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. The beach offers stunning views of the coastline.
  • Sonoma Coast Vineyards: A vineyard that offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can take a guided tour of the vineyard and sample the wines.
  • Jenner Headlands Preserve: A 5,630-acre open space reserve that provides visitors with hiking and biking trails and scenic views of the coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jenner

  • Kortum Trail: A 4.6-mile trail that hugs the coastline and offers stunning views of the ocean and the rugged terrain.
  • Pomo Canyon Trail: This trail is ideal for those who would like to explore a redwood forest, where hiking and camping are permitted.
  • Willow Creek Road: A scenic drive or bike ride that leads to the Jenner Headlands Preserve.

Best Things to Do in Jenner: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the Russian River.
  • Whale Watching: Enjoy watching the Gray Whales migrate along the Sonoma Coast.
  • Wine Tasting Tours: Visit some of the local wineries and sample their wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jenner

Day Activity
1 Explore Goat Rock State Beach and hike the Kortum Trail.
2 Take a guided tour of Fort Ross State Historic Park and visit the Visitors Center.
3 Go kayaking or canoeing on the Russian River and enjoy a picnic on the shore.
4 Take a wine tasting tour of the local vineyards.
5 Hike the Pomo Canyon Trail and camp overnight in the redwood forest.
6 Watch the Gray Whales migrate along the Sonoma Coast.
7 Drive or bike Willow Creek Road to the Jenner Headlands Preserve.

Food and Drink Scene of Jenner

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dungeness Crab: Freshly caught crab from the Pacific Ocean is a local delicacy and served in most restaurants.
  • Grilled Fish Tacos: A popular dish among locals made with freshly grilled fish, guacamole, and a variety of sauces.
  • Oysters: Sample some of the world’s best oysters, freshly harvested from the Tomales Bay.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Visit some of the local wineries and sample their wines, as Sonoma County is renowned for its wines.
  • Beer: Enjoy a cold pint of locally brewed beer from one of the many microbreweries in the area.

Where to Stay in Jenner: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Timber Cove Resort: A luxury hotel that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and forest.
  • Jenner Inn: A cozy inn located in the heart of the town.
  • River’s End: This romantic inn is located on a cliff overlooking the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean.

What to Buy in Jenner: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Pottery: There are several gift shops in Jenner that sell locally made pottery in a variety of styles and colors.
  • Local Honey: Purchase some of the delicious honey produced by local bees.
  • Sonoma County Wines: Bring home some of the delicious wines produced in Sonoma County.

Local Culture and Customs of Jenner

Jenner is a laid-back community that values the natural beauty of the area. Visitors are expected to respect the environment and practice responsible tourism by not littering and taking care not to disrupt local habitats.

Best Time to Visit Jenner

The best time to visit Jenner is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds. However, summer is also a popular time to visit due to the warmer weather and longer days.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jenner

Do:

  • Practice responsible tourism by not littering and respecting the local environment.
  • Take advantage of the various outdoor recreational activities available.

Don’t:

  • Ignore posted warning signs on beaches about potential hazards, such as rip tides.
  • Disturb the local wildlife or habitats.

Safety and Health

Safety in Jenner

Jenner is a relatively safe town. However, visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their property, such as locking their vehicles and keeping valuables out-of-sight.

Health in Jenner

Jenner does not have a hospital within its town limits. In case of an emergency, visitors should go to the nearest hospital, such as Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Getting to Jenner: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Jenner

The closest airport to Jenner is Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, located in Santa Rosa. Other nearby airports include San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Jenner

Sonoma County Transit provides bus services to the town of Jenner. Greyhound bus services are also available from nearby Santa Rosa.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or bike to explore the town and surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Jenner

Walking and biking are the best ways to get around Jenner. Rental cars and bikes are also available for those who want to explore further out of town.

Where to Go Next from Jenner: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bodega Bay: A charming town located a short drive south of Jenner, known for its fresh seafood and beaches.
  • Point Reyes National Seashore: A popular destination for bird watching, camping, and hiking.
  • Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: A forest of massive redwood trees located about an hour’s drive from Jenner.

Conclusion

Jenner is a beautiful and peaceful town that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Sonoma County while enjoying various outdoor activities and local culture. With this comprehensive guide, you can now plan your trip with ease and explore all the town has to offer.