California is known for its stunning coastline, from dramatic bluffs to long stretches of sandy beaches. Now, a part of the Sonoma Coast that had been privately owned is finally open to the public for the first time in 100 years. The Estero Americano Coast Preserve covers a stunning 547 acres, featuring a winding estuary, one of the few untouched by development in California.
The preserve was originally purchased by The Wildlands Conservancy in 2015 for almost $4 million. Since it was purchased, a series of surveys and permitting kept it closed to the public until it opened in December 2025. Now, for the first time in decades, the preserve is open to the public, complete with miles of trails and amenities like restrooms.
The preserve is free to visit daily, and you can see people exploring the trails, picnicking, birdwatching, and more. Dogs are even allowed if you want a hiking companion, although they have to stay on a leash.
The estuary is similar to a fjord and features tidal marshes, open water, and mudflats, creating a highly biologically diverse environment. The estuary is flanked by prairies, a rarity for the coast. In the spring, look for flowers blooming on the prairies, and expect to see a variety of birds throughout the year.
The preserve was originally a privately owned ranch for over a century before it was purchased by The Wildlands Conservancy, with financial support from several organizations and donors, including the California State Coastal Conservancy, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation, Sonoma Land Trust, and more.
Estero Americano Coast Preserve is near Bodega Bay and separates Sonoma County from Marin. The preserve is roughly a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from San Francisco, and the entrance is accessible through a gate off the Shorttail Gulch Coastal Access Trail.