Raise a glass to these watering holes with excellent drinks and great views.
Nick's Cove: Overlooking Tomales Bay in Marin County, Nick’s Cove has long been a popular destination for locals and tourists looking for a coastal escape. Grab a seat on the waterfront deck to slurp fresh-from-the-bay oysters, or take your craft cocktail for a stroll down to the boat shack at the end of the pier. To keep the vacation vibes going, book a stay in one of the property’s upscale cottages. 23240 Highway 1, Marshall, 415-663-1033, nickscove.com (Kristen Loken)
Bedroom in Al's Cottage at Nick's Cove in Marshall. (Kristen Loken)
Drakes Fireside Lounge: The Fireside Lounge at the Lodge at Bodega Bay boasts scenic views of Bodega Head, Doran Beach and the Pacific Ocean at three outdoor fire pits outfitted with stylish lounge seating. The interior lounge is elegant and cozy, with wood beam ceilings, tasteful marine-inspired décor, and a bar crafted from a 300-year-old elm tree. 103 Coast Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3525, drakesbodegabay.com (Lodge at Bodega Bay)
Inside Drakes Fireside Lounge at The Lodge at Bodega Bay. (The Lodge at Bodega Bay)
Lucas Wharf: Gaze at Bodega Bay while sipping craft beer, local wine or seasonal craft cocktails (for a taste of fall, try the spiced Pumpkin Pie Martini). Casual and rustic, the bar features large picture windows that showcase waterfront views and even the occasional sea lion. If warm weather beckons, park yourself on the patio and devour a plate of Lucas Wharf’s celebrated fried calamari. 595 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3522, lucaswharfrestaurant.com (The Press Democrat)
Gourmet Au Bay: Set on Bodega Harbor, Gourmet Au Bay serves wine flights from Sonoma County and beyond on wooden trays crafted to look like mini surfboards. The harborside patio is the place to be as you sip your way through the day’s selections and drink in the relaxing view. Feeling snacky? Check out the café’s satisfying wood-fired flatbread pizzas. 1412 Bay Flat Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9875, gourmetaubay.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Smoked clam flatbread and mussels are worth tucking in to at Gourmet Au Bay in Bodega Bay. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Ocean Cove Bar & Grill: Take a seat at the vintage redwood bar and enjoy the laid-back vibes at this Jenner watering hole. Along with potent margaritas and ocean views both indoors and on the patio, Ocean Cove has a new casual menu featuring fish and chips, fish tacos, burgers and New England-style clam chowder. 23255 Coast Highway, Jenner, 707-847-3158, oceancovelodge.com (Ocean Cove Bar & Grill)
River’s End Redwood Bar: Sample artisanal cocktails and local wines at the wood-paneled Redwood Bar or head outside to the deck and admire the sunset while you sip. If you fancy something fancy, stay for dinner at the upscale River’s End restaurant (pictured). The property also hosts cozy waterfront cabins — each with its own private deck. 11048 CA-1 Jenner, 707-865-2484, ilovesunsets.com (River’s End)
One of the five cabins at the River's End Restaurant and Inn. The cabins all share a view of the mouth of the Russian River and the Sonoma Coast. (Sonoma Magazine)
Timber Cove Coast Kitchen: Just a few steps away from Coast Kitchen at the Timber Cove Resort in Jenner you’ll find a sunny bar and lounge area adorned with high, wood-beam ceilings, contemporary furnishings and impressive ocean vistas. Local wines are the specialty, especially on Wine Down Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m., when local producers stop by to offer special selections. 21780 North Coast Highway 1, Jenner, 707-847-3231, coastkitchensonoma.com (Timber Cove Resort)
A drink with an ocean view at Timber Cove Resort in Jenner. (Sarah Stierch/For Sonoma Magazine)
The Bar + Lounge at The Sea Ranch Lodge: The ‘60s-era main building at The Sea Ranch Lodge reopened in 2021 with new public spaces, including an expanded bar and lounge. Designed to align with the Modernist Sea Ranch aesthetic, The Bar features locally inspired drinks that taste even better paired with views of the ocean and windswept natural surroundings. Snack on an artisan cheese plate or fresh ceviche while you sip, or adjourn to The Lounge, with its comfy sofas, large picture windows and stone fireplace. 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch, 707-579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com (Carlos Chavarría/The Sea Ranch Lodge)
Burger at The Sea Ranch Lodge. (Stephanie Russo/The Sea Ranch Lodge)
Cocktails from The Sea Ranch Lodge. (The Sea Ranch Lodge)
Beacon Light by the Sea: Perched on a bluff with views of the ocean and rugged Mendocino Coast, Beacon Light by the Sea gets its name from legendary bartender-owner-storyteller Bobby Beacon. The bar in the tiny town of Elk is filled with funky, eclectic décor and friendly locals, and offers little in the way of frills. What it does have are solid cocktails and local canned beers—nothing on draft—at fair prices, and really, what more could you want from a coastal dive bar on the edge of nowhere? 7401 CA-1, Elk, 707-877-3311 (Photo by Alanna Zipp)
Ole's Whale Watch Bar: True to its name, Ole’s Whale Watch Bar at the Little River Inn isn’t only a great place to enjoy a drink; it’s also a prime spot for winter whale sightings. Locals and visitors line the L-shaped bar for sparkling ocean vistas, Anderson Valley wines and expertly made cocktails. Along with flash-fried calamari and real-deal chowder made with still-in-the-shell clams, the bar menu features the likes of local Dungeness crab ravioli and fig-prosciutto tart. 7901 N. Highway One, Little River, 707-937-5942, littleriverinn.com (Little River Inn)
Views from Ole's Whale Watch Bar at Little River Inn. (Little River Inn)
Billionaire's Bacon and the bar's signature saison at Ole's Whale Watch Bar in Little River. (Little River Inn)
There’s something about sipping a drink while gazing out at the ocean that makes us feel like we’re on vacation — even if we’re only a few miles from home. Summer may be over, but there are still plenty of mild autumn days ahead and miles of coastline to explore from the spectacular Sonoma Coast to Marin and Mendocino counties. Click through the gallery above to discover our favorite coastal dive bars, roadhouses and romantic bay view hideaways along Highway 1, from south to north.
