Fifty miles north of San Francisco, the Sonoma Coast is far removed from city life. Nearly two-thirds of its coastline is state and county parks, the southern half featuring sandy beaches, coastal terraces, and the fishing port of Bodega Bay. North of the Russian River are wooded cliffs and rugged coves that are ideal for hiking and diving. The Sonoma Coast is home to people who treasure their small, independent communities and who work hard to provide both a livelihood and a unique cultural landscape, from arts festivals to farmers markets.