Located just north of Bodega Bay lies the enclave of Jenner. Population, 163. In visiting Jenner, it is easy to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the rugged Sonoma Coastline with all its wildlife, craggy beaches, driftwood, and crashing waves. Take in the serenity of the calm waters of the Russian River maybe?
The Town of Jenner
Jenner, California is where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. This is where you can choose your adventure. You can hike to the bluffs above with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, challenging yourself with some steep ascents, or you can take a leisurely paddle with your kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the Russian River. Maybe a stroll on Goat Rock beach sifting through the pebbles and unique driftwood is more your motive.
Located in Jenner is one of our favorite stays anywhere along Highway 1, that being the Jenner Inn. The Jenner Inn is a collection of historic buildings, recently refurbished, where you can spend some quality, private time with your significant other, enjoying this spectacular coastline.
History of the Jenner Inn
In 1867, Charles Jenner, a writer, built a home on the land. The spot where Jenner built, became "Jenner Gulch," which currently is the hub of Jenner.
Jenner then built a lumber mill. The Mill was a major source of lumber used in the rebuilding of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. The Jenner office once was a hotel office, a tavern, store, and even a fish house.
Staying at the Jenner Inn
There are 21 guest rooms at the Jenner Inn that offer river or ocean views, kitchenettes, fireplaces, complimentary continental breakfast, and most have a patio or balcony.
We have stayed twice at the Jenner Inn and both times we got units right on the Russian River. Our first stay was the Heron Room, which was quite tiny, but more importantly to us, it had an expansive patio with spectacular views where we enjoyed the sunshine and some cocktails. The Heron Room is part of a house, with an adjoining room next door (a separate stay), and a loft above which is another stay, so, three "rooms" or stays within the building.
Our follow-up stay was at the Rosewater Cottage. We really enjoy renting cottages when given the opportunity, because they are more private. With cottages, you typically do not have neighbors. That is what we seek. The Rosewater cottage was roomier and had a kitchenette where we were able to cook our own dinner complete with all the utensils. The cottage has its own private balcony as well to take in the views.
Dining in Jenner
The Jenner Inn has a restaurant, but it has been closed during the entirety of the pandemic. What we have done before, is take a short walk up Highway 1 to the Rivers End Restaurant. It is uphill, and be careful on the walk, as there is just a bit of room to walk on the highway. The Rivers End has spectacular views of the ocean and hosts some spectacular, if not romantic, sunsets. How about some Applewood Smoked Filet Mignon, or some Prawns and Pasta, or maybe some Lamb Lollipops?
For breakfast, just a short walk is the eclectic Cafe Aquatica. Cafe Aquatica is a casual place, with organic offerings. Grab a pastry, or maybe a breakfast burrito before walking next door and renting a kayak at WaterTreks EcoTours. You can take a guided kayak tour as well along the calm waters of the Russian River. Paddle to the estuary just across the way and keep your eye out for harbor seals, otters, and many species of birds.
Unplug
The Jenner Inn provides the ability to just "shut down." Wifi is sporadic, and most rooms do have satellite televisions, but we prefer to keep the television off and just sit outside on the patio and enjoy our music and cocktails because that is what we do with SippyCupAdventures. In the evening, if it is a clear night, we stargaze. There is zero light pollution, so you can see stars forever!
The Jenner Inn is a wonderful, romantic stay and each room is different making each time you stay, a unique experience. If you get chance, go get unplugged and enjoy the serenity of this wondeful stay, and as we always say, get outdoors!
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