Amazing Sunsets in Sonoma County

Sunsets in Northern California are simply amazing. As dusk settles on a perfect evening, the Sonoma County skies turn into a portrait of orange, pink, gold, and shimmering blue with billowy clouds. This time of day, there’s nothing better than sitting back at a restaurant or winery with a glass of wine, a bite to eat, and Mother Nature’s masterpiece.

Here are some of the very best places to savor Sonoma Wine Country sunsets.

River’s End Restaurant & Inn, Jenner

Drive coastal Highway 1 to enjoy the ocean views. Then, sit back in this bluff-top restaurant along expansive windows overlooking the mouth of the Russian River as it enters the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes, you can spot a seal or a whale on the water and various sea birds, too.

The food here is as brilliant as the setting sun, with seasonal dishes like fresh-caught salmon grilled with asparagus, seafood chowders, wasabi tobiko oysters, or applewood smoked filet mignon.

Rocker Oysterfellers at Lucas Wharf, Bodega Bay

Enjoy delicious food with a stunning sunset view of the bay at this large waterfront restaurant and bar. The water reflects the setting sun while the chef prepares a full and changing menu of favorites, including fresh catch specialties like seared ahi with pesto crostini, fried oyster sandwich, crab cakes, and a stellar seafood stew served in a steaming pot. Sipping a glass of wine or cocktail and taking in the sky in front of the huge windows here is like a little slice of heaven.

The Boat House, Bodega Bay

This tiny place is almost always packed with lines spilling out the door, a handful of tables inside, and a little porch overlooking the water. Boathouse owner Captain Rick Powers catches his rock cod and crab in the Pacific Ocean right outside.

Order at the counter for mouth-watering food served in red-and-white checked paper-lined baskets. Favorites include fresh-shucked oysters, fish-n-chips, comforting clam chowder, local salmon burgers, and fried prawns and scallops. At sunset, the water glitters with firey colors.

Tides Wharf Restaurant, Bodega Bay

The setting sun streams in through the windows to bathe this restaurant in a romantic light. Located by the popular waterfront lodging, Inn at the Tides, this restaurant knows its way around superb seafood. Here, fishermen pull their boats right up to deliver the fresh catch. This casual dining destination has a well-rounded menu that includes tasty, locally sourced seafood like oysters Florentine, crab cakes, Louie salads, cracked whole-crab, linguine with clams, and zesty cioppino. For land lovers, there are plenty of delicious options, including premium burgers and just-right steaks.

Drakes Sonoma Coast, Bodega Bay

The views from this special occasion spot inside The Lodge at Bodega Bay are divine — they go on for miles, spanning across the water to the dipping sun. The high-end menu changes frequently, but stand-outs might include Dungeness crab cakes with tomato ginger and aioli, beet salad with watercress and hazelnuts, or ricotta gnocchi with mushrooms, snap peas, and tomatoes. And if you’re craving more casual, relax in the Drakes Fireside Lounge next door.

Bluewater Lounge, Bodega Bay

From the large windows in this cozy, inviting bar, you can catch a gorgeous sunset while staying toasty. Here, you’ll also find a spectacular ocean-kissed golf course. From this steller spot you also have a fun option to stroll a short, paved trail to Doran Beach for a front-row seat in the sand to Mother Nature’s nightly sunset show.

Quail Run Buffet at River Rock Casino, Geyserville

With amazing 180-degree views of the beautiful Alexander Valley countryside, you can choose to watch the sunset or the sunrise on the restaurant’s extensive outdoor patio. Located on the Dry Creek Rancheria of the Pomo tribe, the restaurant overlooks sweeping views of vineyards quilting their way to the river along the valley’s mountain edge. Depending on the day and time, Quail Ridge offers a tempting variety of full-course buffets.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville

Get a table outside at the Francis Ford Coppola winery’s restaurant Rustic, or grab a seat on the winery’s lovely swimming pool patio. Then sit back as the sun sets over the rolling hills of the Alexander Valley while you sip from a huge list of wines and enjoy an Italian-style meal or share appetizers. Often, live music accompanies the delicious food and excellent views.

Craving a spectacular Pacific Ocean sunset? Find Sonoma Coast beaches as well as hotels and restaurants along the Sonoma Coast.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet