Northern California is home to some seriously beautiful areas. Whether it’s the coastal cliffs, the soaring trees, or miles of vineyards, there really is a little something for everyone. If you find yourself in the Mendocino coast area, you’re going to want to check out some of the places listed here.
Point Arena Lighthouse
On the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Mendocino, California sits the tallest lighthouse on the West coast – the Point Arena Lighthouse. This once-working lighthouse has been featured in many movies like Forever Young over the years and has been a must-see tourist stop for thousands of out of towners every year.
The original Point Arena lighthouse was constructed in 1870. After a devastating earthquake along the San Andreas fault line in 1906, the lighthouse had to be completely rebuilt from the ground up. The lighthouse tower stands 115 feet tall and the lens (or sometimes referred to as the light) is 7 feet in diameter and weighs 4700 pounds. The lens is made up of 258 hand-ground glass prisms all focused toward three sets of double bullseyes.
It is these bullseyes that gave the Point Arena Lighthouse its unique “light signature” of two flashes every six seconds. This incredible optic, that holds an appraised value of over $3.5 million, is set in solid bronze framework and was built in France. In 1975 the fog signal at the station was silenced and replaced with a radio beacon with a 50 mile signal that originates from the Tower to assist mariners in navigating the Mendocino coast, but you can see this lens in the Light Station (gift shop).
Manchester Beach
If you like to walk on beaches that aren’t crowded, Manchester State Park is a good one. You’ll have to trudge through the piles of sand on the sand dunes, but that coastline is totally worth it! Bring a picnic and enjoy the day!
Matson Mercantile
This general store, also called “The Merc” by locals, is operated by a group of three sisters who are the fourth generation to do so. The locals love this place – so much so that while I was in the store filming, they were telling me all about the history of the shop and how important to the town it is. This store sells a little bit of everything and most importantly – it has a ton of items made by local artisans, so the available items are always changing. If you’re in the area, you’ll definitely want to check out what they have in the store while you’re there.
Greenwood State Beach
A short walk from town and down well-graded trail leads from the parking area down to the driftwood-laden beach where Greenwood Creek pools at the base of Bonee Gulch. This is a picturesque spot to say the least. Gunderson Rock is a rock island that stands tall just offshore from the beach. When conditions are calm, Greenwood Cove is a sea kayaking destination that is known for the sea stacks and rock arches with names such as Wharf Rock and Casket Rock.
The Elk Store
Across the street from Greenwood State Beach, you’ll find the Elk Store. If you’re looking to grab a few groceries or a quick bite to eat, this is the place to go. They have a great selection of cheese, wine, and craft beer as well as a sandwich counter where they serve freshly made tuna melts, paninis, and more. They’re open daily from 11 to 5, but they’re closed on Tuesdays, so make sure to plan accordingly. This ham and swiss really hit the spot!
Elk Cove Inn & Spa
Located roughly 150 miles north of San Francisco, this once-bustling, late 19th-century logging settlement is today one of the smallest enclaves along the Northern California coast, with just 250 residents.
Upon arriving in Elk, California, you’ll see a cute little downtown area with shops, cafes, and bed and breakfasts, but where you really want to stay is Elk Cove Inn & Spa. This hidden gem is a 16 suite boutique hotel in a beautiful craftsman-style mansion dating back to 1883.
A lot of thought has gone into making these suites your home away from home, but the best part by far is the view. Right outside your window, or stepping out on your balcony, you see the stunning cliffs of the Northern California coast as far as the eye can see of the Pacific Ocean. It’s breath-taking. And that sunset – oh man, it’s absolutely mesmerizing.
SIBO
Now both nights I was there, I had dinner reservations at SIBO – the on-site French-style restaurant. It was there that I finally got to meet the co-owners Chef Victor and Melissa. The couple has their private residence on property and they keep everything running. Chef Victor is the sole cook at SIBO and prepares everything fresh the day of.
Doesn’t that sound stressful? I guess it could be – but the kitchen has adopted a pre-ordering system. All orders must be placed by noon the day of your reservation. That’s right – so you pick out what you want to eat when you make your reservation. A little un-orthodoxed? Maybe. But they strive to be a zero waste kitchen, so Chef Victor only cooks what has been ordered and it actually works out really well. For this reason, it is hard for them to work with any dietary restrictions, so if you’re on a strict diet, you may need to eat elsewhere.
Ready to check out the Mendocino coast for yourself? Look at these properties that can accommodate you.
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