A Weekend Visit to the Sea Ranch Chapel

We spent a weekend up the coast in mid-February. On the way, we passed through Gualala, stopping at a small shop called Sun & Cricket. Its carved wooden sign felt representative of the area's general vibe.

The main destination was the Sea Ranch Chapel. It's a strange and beautiful building. Tucked away off the highway, it looks almost like a seashell or a wing, with a swirling roof made of wood shingles. It sits on a foundation of rough stone, nestled among the trees. The sky was a flat, uniform gray, which made the vibrant blue flowers growing nearby stand out even more.

The interior is just as unique. It’s a small, dark space, dominated by the incredible stained-glass windows. The light outside may have been muted, but inside, the glass glowed with intense color. We spent most of our time just looking at the abstract designs, the curving lines of the leading, and how the light illuminated the wooden walls and the custom chandelier. It’s a quiet, thoughtful piece of architecture.