There are so many options out there for families in these warm, sunny days of summer. Things to do that make summer, well, summer. If you are not a camper and prefer to sleep in your own bed, or a bed made by a maid, there are still lots to do. I will attempt to list several of them for you to consider.

How about a day trip
The top of the list is Fort Ross. If you have not been to the new, old Fort Ross, you are going to love this. Modern historical restoration experts go for the here-and-now image.
As you walk through the barracks and workstations, it looks as if they had only just walked away from their rooms or work, perhaps to take a meal or attend to a newly arrived ship down at the cove. The storeroom is filled with authentic weapons, tallow candles, hides and other products used in the days when the fort was in full swing. You can eat lunch under the birch or down at the sandy beach where the ships pulls in. The costs are minimal to park and enter.
The ride is less than great for many. It is a twisty, winding ride along the high cliffs between Jenner and the fort.
But be sure to stop at the mouth of the river in one of the dirt pullouts. You will be looking down on a huge seal colony that likes to lie in the sand and snooze during the day. This time of year you will see the babies playing in the water and clambering over their dozing mothers.
The cliff is much too steep to safely climb down for a closer look. Most days, volunteer docents will be on hand to keep visitors a safe distance anyway. The ride from Rohnert Park is an hour and 30 minutes, not counting a seal stop or other adventures. One of my favorite stops on the way home is Mom’s Apple Pie on Hwy 116 about two miles south of Forestville. Betty makes some of the best pies I have ever tasted. You can buy a whole pie to take home or pick one from the list and eat it on the spot.

Camping
One of the campouts my children enjoyed and still talk about is MacKerricher.
There are a few first come sites, but most are by reservation. Sites have tables and fire pits and lots of critters running around in the shrubs. You can visit the seal rookery from the boardwalk over the sea.
Lake Cleone in the park is stocked with trout for your little anglers to try their luck. Most days there are ranger-guided events for kids with an evening fireside program for the whole family. There are stables nearby to rend a line horse for a ride on the beach, and bring along your bikes to ride the many trails there. Also, downtown Fort Bragg is just five minutes away in case you forgot something. We always had at least one meal of fresh fish purchased in town and cooked in foil over hot coals.
MacKerricher is a two-hour drive from RP. Drive to Willits and turn West on Hwy 20. If you cannot get into a campsite, there are numerous private campgrounds nearby. All the activities at the park are open to the public.

Close by
At the center of the Valley Visitors Center in Olema (30 minutes away) is the heart of the gigantic Point Reyes National Sea Shore Park.
The center has a display of the many historical periods including a short walking tour of a fence separated by the 1906 earthquake. The center also has docents who will answer questions about the plant and animal displays and show you the many trails and beaches in the park.
A short walk from the center takes you to a reconstructed Indian village. You can also park and hike up and over the mountains to the sea and Drakes Bay.
One great stop on the drive over is the Sonoma Marin Cheese Factory. They do tours and sell their handmade treasures to visitors. They also have picnic tables and ducks to feed.
The Drakes Bay Oyster company is a short drive from the visitors center. There you can buy oysters fresh from the bay to bring home or you can go hardcore and slurp them raw in the parking lot.

Bill Hanson is a Sonoma County native and a lifelong sportsman. He is past president of the Sonoma County Mycological Association.