California's Scenic, Once-Private Coastline Has Reopened To The Public After 100 Years

For more than a century, a spectacular stretch of Northern California coastline remained closed to the public. That changed in January 2026, when the Estero Americano Coast Preserve officially opened its gates, offering rare access to nearly 550 acres of untouched coastal wilderness near Bodega Bay.

Open daily from sunrise to sunset and free to enter, the preserve protects an exceptionally intact landscape. Tidal marshes, eelgrass beds, mudflats, and grassy coastal slopes provide essential habitat for diverse wildlife, including whales, birds of prey, and the California red-legged frog. With conservation as the top priority, development has been kept to a minimum — resulting in a more peaceful experience than many nearby coastal destinations. While it's beautiful year-round, spring is a particularly gorgeous time to visit, as irises bloom along the grassy hills.

Located in Sonoma County, about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco, the Estero Americano Coast Preserve is an easy day trip for outdoor adventure. However, we recommend tacking on an extra hour to drive the winding route along Highway 1 for stunning views of the California coast. The preserve was once a private ranch but was purchased by a coalition of conservation groups, including the Wildlands Conservancy, in 2015 and prepared for public access. If you're drawn to wild, untouched landscapes, this previously inaccessible area is absolutely worth the visit.

Lace up your favorite walking shoes, because exploring the Estero Americano Coast Preserve is done entirely on foot. There are three easy-to-moderate loop trails, each under 4 miles, that wind through the grassy hills and along coastal bluffs. Bikes are not permitted, but dogs are allowed on a leash — this is essential to respect the sensitive ecosystem and support conservation efforts. The commitment to keeping this natural landscape protected also means there are no major facilities. There are some simple restrooms but no drinking water taps or visitor center. Bring everything you need with you and prepare to pack it out again when you leave.

The Estero Americano Coast Preserve is one of many great birdwatching destinations in America, with some of Sonoma County's 300 local and migrating bird species passing through. Keep your eyes peeled during the late winter through spring to catch Pacific gray whales migrating between Baja and Alaska along this coast. Bodega Bay is a famously popular spot for whale sightings, but you may find the newly opened Estero Americano Coastal Preserve much quieter. For a better shot at a close-up view, you can also book a whale-watching boat trip in Bodega Bay, just a 10-minute drive away.

While there are no campsites in the preserve, there are several camping options just 10 minutes away in Bodega Bay, whether you've brought your tent or RV. It's also a great hub for stocking up on essentials, with several grocery stores and restaurants. Keep driving 20 minutes north of Bodega Bay, and you'll hit Goat Rock Beach — one of the best in Sonoma County.