The Sonoma Coast begins at Bodega Bay, and extends north past Fort Ross, a remote Russian settlement in the 19th century. The wide Russian River (perfect for boating in summer) flows into the ocean around Jenner. All along the Sonoma Coast, whale watching in winter, and year round look for otters, sea lions and harbor seals.

Here's our own Travel for Kids hand-picked list of family hotels and house rentals, all styles and price ranges, convenient to fun things to do with kids in the Sonoma Coast: