Fort Ross State Historic Park

Cynthia E

2023-12

Wonderful visitor center. Fascinating history. Beautiful views.Pay for parking via envelope with cash or inside Visitor Center with credit card.62 and over senior discount on parking.Good accessibility. Visitor Center is easy access.If you have accessibility placard, you can park close to Fort.Book purchases at Visitor Center benefit the parks educational program.Restrooms: Good clean restrooms. Inside building.

Mary Panzer

2023-10

A very beautiful place on the roaring coast of Northern California. The drive to get there is really challenging. We met a bunch of Corvette drivers who had the best time getting there. I have a completely different view of the Russians since visiting this place. Very artistically built. They treated everyone equally. They did not demand converting to their religion. I was so impressed. Well worth the effort to visit.

Jeff Downs

2023-08

Nice place, this is my second visit. It is really interesting to learn about the Russians presence in California dating back to 1812. Makes sense now that there is a river called the Russian river. Great recreation of the original fort. We took the tour and it was well worth it.

Sacramento Honey

2023-09

Fort Ross State Park is a piece of history on the Pacific coast that was saved by a Russian billionaire. The 3,400 acre Park offers beautiful landscapes and historic structures. Plan to spend the day; touring the historic compound, visit the Fort Ross cemetery, hike the historic orchard, walk the San Andreas fault, stroll the bluffs and look for seals and whales. Also, if you are a certified scuba diver, explore 100-year-old shipwreck. A whole day's worth of activities will only cost you, $10 per vehicle to park. The Historic landmark is only open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., so arrive early. I would recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a picnic lunch with drinks to enjoy between activities. IG: SACRAMENTOHONEY

Kyle Hoffman

2023-08

It was lovely and well maintained state park. I opted to not take the tour however, it does seem like an excellent bargain. This state park is a lovely place to stop and spend an afternoon. They have lovely views and ample picnic benches to eat lunch at.Restrooms: Modern clean AND flushing toilets. No pit toilets here!

Michael Bruce

2023-10

I have been here twice before with school trips. This was a way to come as a tourist. It's a beautiful place, with the buildings having been rebuilt and preserved here at the site. Having lived as part of the living history of the place, I'll always have a special connection here

Sponge Bob

2023-07

We visited Fort Ross in June 2023. It was cold and slightly rainy, so we decided not to walk all the way down to the fort itself. But we did spend time in the visitors center.It has some nice exhibits to check out. And of course that's where you purchase tickets and enter the actual fort. But it's a long walk down to the fort. And a lot more if you want to walk the whole property. But as I said, we decided against it today. I was disappointed. But it made sense not to walk long distances in the cold and rain.The visitors center also had restrooms at its entrance for folks to use. And of course there is a small gift shop for souvenirs. There is an area for picnics and such out near the parking area. So Fort Ross is a nice place to visit even if you do not visit the actual fort.

Jeanne Tai

2023-05

Great place to learn about the history of the Russian presence in North California. There is a small museum and some preserved / replica buildings of the Russian fort back in its heyday during the early 1800s. What I especially liked was the access to Sandy Cove beach, and the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. History and scenic ocean vistas in one place - yay! We had a state park pass which we borrowed from the Berkeley public library so we got in for free.

Len Conrad

2023-12

Fascinating history of Russians in America in the 19th centuryThe Ford and the displays are in good shape

Yonkers Channel

2023-05

Took the family to this historic fort which has great views of the coast. There is a 15 minute introductory video at the visitor souvenir center which I recommend watching first. From there a short scenic walk to the fort. It is very well maintained and the kids got a real feel of what it might have been like to have lived back then without all the electronic media and modern conveniences of this generation. A couple hours is probably all one needs to take on all this place has to offer though just hanging around and relaxing enjoying the views is worth the trip.

Mattee G. Hastings

2022-05

Stunning site of a former Russian fort on the Sonoma Coast. There are lots of places for picnics if you want to pack a lunch, and plenty of winding trails to hike and explore the beautiful coastline. The fort itself is very interesting. The little chapel really stands out, and is quite beautiful for a simple little church. There is also a sandy beach near the fort, which is a great place to relax and take in the sounds of the Pacific. The fort itself closes to visitors at 4:30, but the park is open until sundown. If you have time to stick around, the sunsets are spectacular from here, as well! I really enjoyed my visit!

Alysa Oleynik

2023-05

A little history on the coast!The fort is well maintained and the visitor center/museum provides lots of interesting details into the history of the area, Russian settlers and their relationships with the local popukation. I thought it was fascinating!The views around the area are also amazing and you can get in a 2 mile hike while learning and enjoying the views!It is very windy on the coast here.

Kelly Carlson

2024-04

What an amazing story! Russia used to actually have a foothold in the good old USA! Very interesting and so beautiful!

Loralyn Hansen

2023-12

Beautiful hidden historical spot on the coast! We will surly come back to spend more time there!

Red Herzog

2022-05

An incredibly maintained park. Very clean and well maintained with friendly staff. The Fort itself is in absolutely beautiful condition which compliments the breathtaking views of the Northern California coast. There are some really neat artifacts to look at in the museum and a lot of great information in the early settlements here. We are so glad we took the drive up the coast to see this gem from the past.

bartellj

2023-06

So much to see! Don’t pass this place up. Learn about California’s Russian history and the Native Americans that were turned into slaves. This is an important story to be learned and it happened before the gold rush.

Ashley Fortin

2023-08

Really amazing area. Beautiful view of the coast, and plenty of history. Seeing the cannons, the wood work, and the tools were the best part.

jamila Maandi

2023-12

Amazing site yo visit..a lots of history.awsome views

BuckWild

2024-01

Beautiful fort and gorgeous cliffs overlooking the Pacific ocean

Stanislav K.

2023-11

The only 19th century Russian Fort in the world. It is worth visiting.

Bernadette Ferea

2021-05

Got in free with our camping tag, otherwise parking would have been $8. Fantasic place to spend a couple hours. Kids had a great time exploring the fort, the museum and the nature trails. Cute little gift shop too. Definitely recommend!

Jennifer Corning

2023-05

This place is one of my favorites on the north coast. Stunning location, interesting history, and great hiking trails. Good place to stop and have a little picnic as well.

Nathalie Heitz

2023-05

Definitely worth a visit! It’s dog friendly although dogs aren’t allowed in some places like the beach. Really cool old Russian settlement with recreations inside the fort. Beautiful view of the coast.

C. Small

2023-08

Great trip up the coast on highway 1. Great weather, lots of room to explore for the family. History buffs will be blown away!

Alex Vinogradov

2022-05

This is undoubtedly one of the most underrated State Parks in California and one worth visiting. For anyone, who loves California's State history, this is the place to be. And, of course, a beautiful ocean view in front of the Fort Ross will be in your memory the rest of your life. Donate, if you can.

Bobby Newkirk

2023-06

This place was awesome, really neat to see the history of this old Russian Settlement. Cool to see all that they built and planned out for, and cool to think about those who used to walk the grounds so many years ago and what the area may have looked like to them back then. Definitely worth a trip if you happen to be passing through and you enjoy History. Plenty of Picnic tables and restrooms at the Visitor Center.

Christian Heppinstall

2023-05

A beautiful setting for viewing an important part of CA history. Dogs only on leash along paved paths. Nice bookstore and toilets, ample parking.

Andie Leos-Voyek

2023-08

It was beautiful, very interesting history. I would definitely recommend visiting if you're in the area.

Diane Jarvi

2020-05

Hadn't been to Fort Ross in 20 years and stopped by last weekend to beat the valley heat. We're pleasantly surprised to see they were having a Russian festival going on. Very enjoyable day with food, music, crafts, military drills etc.

Alisa Tsenko

2023-05

It's better to go earlier if you go on weekend. It's not overcrowded but more people come in the noon.There are no restaurants or gas station nearby. There are picnic tables for having lunch.Restrooms: There is no soap in the restrooms.