6/18/2023 0 Comments Wine maps california![]() After a safety briefing, you'll get situated in your kayak and head out along the Mendocino coast. Here, you'll meet your guide from Kayak Mendocino and get ready to paddle out to a number of picturesque sea caves (all equipment is provided). This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or B&B, and then make your way to Van Damme State Park in nearby Little River. This sandy beach where the Big River flows into the Pacific is usually relatively sheltered from the strong winds that regularly blast the coastline.įor dinner, Trillium Cafe is a good bet for locally-sourced Californian cuisine.ĭay 3: Sea Cave Kayaking and Glass Beach Sea cave exploration (courtesy of Kayak Mendocino) If you're looking to relax, head to Big River Beach. Take some time to wander the village's streets, and to explore the surrounding bluffs of Mendocino Headlands State Park. Located on a point sticking out into the Pacific, its quaint streets are full of shops, restaurants, and B&Bs. You can take a guided tour, and visit the small museum explaining the history and importance of the lighthouse on this rough stretch of coast.Ĭontinue onward to the charming hamlet of Mendocino (36 miles, approximately 55 minutes). You probably won't catch any tropical breezes here, but this is the closest point on the mainland to the Hawaiian Islands, located 2,353 miles away. The lighthouse is perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the Pacific. Heading north in the direction of Mendocino, the Point Arena Lighthouse is worth a quick detour (20 miles from Gualala Point, approximately 30 minutes). If you've already explored the coastal trails, we recommend packing a lunch and heading to the picnic area located on the Gualala River known as the "Hot Spot." Alternatively, see if you can spot harbor seals in Gualala Point Regional Park where the river meets the sea. There's no cell service here, and it feels a world away from the city. Alternatively, you can't go wrong with Upper Crust Pizzeria.ĭay 2: The Sea Ranch to Mendocino Point Arena Lighthouseĭon't rush to leave Sea Ranch. ![]() If you're in town on a Friday night, Trinks Cafe serves great, locally-sourced fare, followed by their fresh-baked desserts. Settle in and spend the remainder of the day exploring some of Sea Ranch's 50 miles of trails.įor dinner, although the Sea Ranch Lodge has the only restaurant in the community, we recommend heading just north to Gualala. This modernist planned community along a 10 mile stretch of coast was built in a manner to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Be sure to spend some time wandering the buildings within the walls of the fort, including its Russian Orthodox church.Īfter Fort Ross, you'll make your way further up the scenic coast before arriving at your eventual destination: Sea Ranch. This well-preserved fort was established by the Russian American Company in the early 19th century as a fur trading outpost, and was the southernmost Russian settlement in North America. A little further, don't miss Fort Ross State Historic Park for a little-known piece of California history (12 miles, approximately 25 minutes). The views from the top are spectacular, better perhaps than the more famous Big Sur stretch of Highway 1 a few hundred miles to the south. Not far beyond Jenner, Highway 1 begins to climb the Northern Coast Range mountains that rise sharply out of the sea. Grab a cup of coffee on the waterfront terrace of Cafe Aquatica, or a bite to eat if you didn't fill up on fish tacos in Bodega Bay. After crossing the Russian River, be sure to take a break and stretch your legs in tiny Jenner (population 136), clinging to the hillside where the river meets the Pacific (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes). ![]() ![]() We recommend the fish tacos at The Birds Cafe if you got a later start and you're craving a bite to eat.įrom here, twisting Highway 1 hugs the dramatic coastline of craggy rocks and crashing surf. You'll follow 101 to Petaluma, then cut across the rolling hills of Sonoma County to Bodega Bay (67 miles, approximately 1.5 hours). This morning, head across the Golden Gate Bridge to start your adventure along the Northern California coast. Day 1: San Francisco to The Sea Ranch Fort Ross
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