Stengel Beach access is currently closed for stairway repairs, but it’s worth knowing about for when it reopens. Sonoma County Regional Parks manages six public access trails throughout The Sea Ranch, a private gated community south of Gualala along Highway 1. These trails offer a different kind of coastal experience than you’ll find at more crowded beaches—they’re quieter and feel more remote, even though they’re easily accessible from Highway 1 parking areas.

The Stengel Beach Coastal Access Trail itself is just 0.12 miles one way, making it one of the shortest walks in the area. When it does reopen, you’ll walk through a line of cypress trees before descending a wooden staircase to reach the small beach below. During winter and spring, seasonal waterfalls cascade down the surrounding cliffs, adding another layer of interest to the walk. It’s the kind of quick walk that works well if you have an older dog or limited time but still want to hit the coast.

Leashed dogs are welcome on all the public trails in The Sea Ranch. The important thing to remember here is that while the marked public access trails are open to visitors, everything else—the internal roads and other paths—is private property. The Sea Ranch residents are protective of their community, so sticking to the designated routes keeps everyone happy and ensures continued public access.

The trails work well whether you’re doing a quick walk or combining several of them for a longer outing. Parking is available at Highway 1 trailheads. Before heading out, check the Sonoma County Regional Parks website for current parking fees and seasonal hours, since these can change depending on the time of year and maintenance schedules. Once the stairway repairs wrap up, Stengel Beach will be accessible again.