Pacific coast Archives

Purple sea urchins gathered during a sea urchin uni foraging class with Fork in the Path tours Jan. 18, 2026 at the Sand Beach Cove at Fort Ross State Historic Park on the Sonoma Coast. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Bay Area Locals Are Helping To Save the Coast From Purple Sea Urchins

April 2026

The spiny creature has destroyed over 95% of the kelp forest along the North Coast. Locals are doing their part to help repair the delicate ocean ecosystem.

5/3/2014:A1: PASSING THROUGH: A pair of gray whales move north past Bodega Head on Thursday as they migrate to their summer feeding grounds off Alaska. The giant mammals have put on quite a show this week for visitors to the popular whale-watching spot that juts out into the ocean at the northern edge of Bodega Bay. PC: A pair of gray whales make their way north during their migration past Bodega Head on Thursday, May 1, 2014. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

Sonoma Coast Named Best Place in the US for Whale Watching

February 2026

A popular Sonoma County pastime for outdoor enthusiasts has now caught the attention of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Winemaker Vanessa Wong heads out to the vineyards to check on ripening, a daily chore at harvest. (Kim Carroll)

Spend a Perfect Wine Weekend on the Sonoma Coast

October 2025

The charm of this out-of-the-ordinary Wine Country escape is ideal for those who enjoy the journey as much as they do the destination.