How far is Jenner from San Francisco?

Jenner is about 75 miles north of San Francisco, roughly 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic. Take US-101 north to Petaluma, then Highway 1 north through Bodega Bay and Jenner. The coastal stretch from Bodega Bay to Jenner is scenic but slow — allow extra time.

Can you swim at Goat Rock Beach?

Swimming is not recommended at Goat Rock. The surf is powerful, the currents are strong, and the water is cold year-round. The beach is best for walking, watching the seals, and watching the river meet the sea. Bodega Bay's Doran Beach is a better option for calmer water.

When are the harbor seal pups at Jenner?

Harbor seal pups are born at the Goat Rock sandbar between March and June, with peak activity in April and May. The colony is present year-round, but the pupping season is the most dramatic time to visit. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from March through August to protect the pups.

Is there accommodation in Jenner?

Jenner Inn and Cottages has rooms and cottages right on the river and bluff. It's a small property with a loyal following. For more options, Guerneville (15 miles east) has the widest range of vacation rentals and hotels on the Russian River. Our team manages homes throughout the area.

What is the best time of year to visit Jenner?

Late spring (May and June) is ideal: the seal pups are on the beach, the wildflowers are out on the headlands, and the fog hasn't fully settled in yet. September and October are also excellent — warm, clear, and much less crowded than summer. Winter is dramatic for storm watching but the trails can be muddy.

Things to Do in Jenner, California

Jenner sits at the mouth of the Russian River, where the river pushes through a sandbar and meets the Pacific. It's a small town — a handful of buildings on a bluff, a harbor seal colony on the sandbars below, and Highway 1 curving north toward Fort Ross and south toward Bodega Bay. Most people pass through. The ones who stop tend to stay longer than they planned.

Goat Rock Beach and the Seal Colony

Goat Rock Beach is the main reason to stop in Jenner. The harbor seals haul out on the sandbars at the river mouth year-round, with pups born between March and June. You can walk the beach right up to the rope line and watch from a few feet away. The seals are completely unbothered. Parking is in the Goat Rock lot off Highway 1, and the beach is a short walk down. Dogs are not allowed on the beach during pupping season (March through August), but are welcome on the bluff trail above.

The Jenner Headlands

The Jenner Headlands Preserve covers 5,600 acres of coastal prairie and forest above the town. The main trailhead is on Highway 1 just north of the village. Trails climb steeply from the highway to open ridgelines with views of the river mouth, the coast, and on clear days the Point Reyes peninsula to the south. The preserve is managed by the Wildlands Conservancy and is open to hikers and equestrians. No dogs, no bikes. Bring water — there's none on the trail.

Kayaking the Russian River Estuary

The stretch of river between Duncans Mills and the sea is calm, wide, and almost entirely without motorized traffic. You can rent kayaks and canoes at Burke's Canoe Trips in Forestville and paddle the lower river, or bring your own and put in at the Jenner day-use area. The estuary is best in the morning before the afternoon wind picks up. Seals, egrets, and the occasional river otter are regular company.

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Fort Ross is 11 miles north of Jenner on Highway 1. The Russian-era fort was built in 1812 and is one of the best-preserved historic sites on the California coast. The reconstructed stockade, chapel, and commander's house are open to walk through. The visitor center has good exhibits on the Kashaya Pomo people who lived here before the Russians arrived. Allow two hours. The coastal trail from the fort parking lot is worth the extra thirty minutes.

Where to Eat in Jenner

Jenner Inn and Cottages has a small restaurant with river views that serves breakfast and lunch on weekends. The menu is simple and the deck is the point. For dinner, Duncans Mills (five miles east on Highway 116) has the Blue Heron Restaurant, a reliable spot for burgers and local fish. Guerneville is 15 miles east and has the full range of options including boon eat + drink and El Barrio.

Timber Cove

Timber Cove is four miles north of Jenner. The Timber Cove Resort sits on a dramatic rocky cove and has a bar and restaurant open to non-guests. The outdoor fire pits on the bluff are worth the drive on their own. The cove below has a small boat launch and is a good spot for watching the sunset over the rocks.

Tips from Our Team

The fog burns off by midday most summer days, but the mornings can be cold and grey. Bring a layer even in August. The seal colony is most active in the morning. Highway 1 north of Jenner is narrow and winding — allow extra time if you're driving to Fort Ross or Gualala. The Jenner day-use parking fills on summer weekends by 10am.