Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
ANNAPOLIS WINERY
Just south of Sea Ranch on Hwy 1, you'll see signs for
Annapolis Winery
(
707-886-5460;
www.annapoliswinery.com
; 26055 Soda Springs Rd; tasting fee $5; 12-5pm daily).
Swing a right onto Annapolis Rd and drive a winding, scenic 7½ miles to this small, re-
mote, yet utterly charming winery. This super-friendly, mom-and-pop place produces
highly regarded small-batch wines. The Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel Port
get the most raves but all the varieties are worth sampling. A few picnic supplies are avail-
able or bring your own to enjoy the views over the vines and coastal mountains.
Sea Ranch
Though not without its fans, the exclusive community of Sea Ranch is a sort of weather-
beaten Stepford-by-the-Sea. The ritzy subdivision that sprawls 10 miles along the coast is
connected with a well-watched network of private roads. Approved for construction prior
to the existence of the watchdog Coastal Commission, the community was a precursor to
the concept of 'slow growth,' with strict zoning laws requiring that houses be constructed
of weathered wood only. According to
The Sea Ranch Design Manual:
'This is not a place
for the grand architectural statement; it's a place to explore the subtle nuances of fitting
in…' Indeed. Though there are some lovely and recommended short-term rentals here,
don't break any community rules - like throwing wild parties - or security will come
knockin'. For supplies and gasoline, go to Gualala.
After years of litigation, public throughways onto private beaches have been legally
mandated and are now well marked. Hiking trails lead from roadside parking lots to the
sea and along the bluffs, but don't dare trespass on adjacent lands.
Stengel Beach
(Hwy 1,
Mile 53.96)
has a beach-access staircase,
Walk-On Beach
(Hwy 1, Mile 56.53)
provides
wheelchair access and
Shell Beach
(Hwy 1, Mile 55.24)
also has beach-access stairs; parking
at all three areas costs $6. For hiking details, including maps, contact the
Sea Ranch Asso-
ciation
(
www.tsra.org
).
Sea Ranch Lodge
( 707-785-2371;
www.searanchlodge.com
;
60 Sea Walk Dr; r incl breakfast
$199-369; )
, a marvel of '60s-modern California architecture, has spacious, luxurious,
minimalist rooms, many with dramatic views to the ocean; some have hot tubs and fire-
