Travelogue

Sea Ranch ChapelAfter leaving Salt Point State Park, we continued on California 1 towards St. Orres, where we would spend the night.

But first, a stop at a hidden gem that we found in Atlas Obscura, which is a great source for unusual, quirky, mysterious, etc., places all around the world. With all the big world out there, Atlas Obscura chose to include the Sea Ranch Chapel, a tiny non-denominational sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal.

It’s easy to miss, so keep your eye out for the small parking lot on the east side of the road as you approach mile marker 55.5.

It’s open to the public from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, except during private events.

Doors of the Sea Ranch ChapelThe chapel, which was completed in 1985, as well as the beautiful grounds surrounding it were the gifts of Sea Ranch residents, Robert and Betty Buffum, in memory of Kirk Ditzler, a navy aviator and artist.

In fact, it was Ditzler’s drawings that inspired architect James T. Hubbell’s design of this amazing structure. Hubbell also designed and crafted the windows, chandelier, doors, fountain, mosaics, and other elements in the chapel.

Interior of Sea Ranch ChapelHubbel is known for his ability to blend art, architecture, and nature in his work, and he has certainly succeeded here. The chapel was modeled on the form of a murex shell, but to me it looked more like a conquistador’s helmet or a fairy tale cottage.

The chapel was constructed by local carpenters using local materials - redwood, cedar, and local stone.

We entered the chapel through beautiful teak doors with stained glass cutouts. The interior was so peaceful and serene, with hand-carved redwood benches to sit down on and pray, contemplate, or simply just enjoy the beauty that surrounded us.

There were bright-colored stained glass windows, a white plaster sculptured ceiling embedded with sea shells and sea urchins, a chandelier, and many other artistic accents.

Thank you Atlas Obscura for leading us to this amazing hidden gem.