Explore the Charms of the Mendonoma Coast
Locals affectionately refer to this stretch of coast which spans both Mendocino and Sonoma as the Mendonoma Coast. Below starts with the border of Mendocino and Sonoma.
Quick Links
Heading North
Gualala
How do you even say the name of this place?? The name of the town that first greets you as you enter Mendocino County from Highway 1 is pronounced “wa-LA-la” and was derived after the name given by the local Pomo Indian tribes "Ah-kah-wa-la-li", meaning water coming down place. Here is where you’ll find restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and gas stations. Also home to a favorite local event “Pay ‘n’ Take” and the weekly Farmers’ Market during summer. Enjoy the short but lovely bluff hike that gives you the best view of the Gualala River and the ocean beyond it, or get up close and personal by hiking down through Gualala Point Regional Park and build yourself a driftwood fort. Watch for whales, seals, otters, dolphins, bald eagles, and pelicans!
How do you even say the name of this place?? The name of the town that first greets you as you enter Mendocino County from Highway 1 is pronounced “wa-LA-la” and was derived after the name given by the local Pomo Indian tribes "Ah-kah-wa-la-li", meaning water coming down place. Here is where you’ll find restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and gas stations. Also home to a favorite local event “Pay ‘n’ Take” and the weekly Farmers’ Market during summer. Enjoy the short but lovely bluff hike that gives you the best view of the Gualala River and the ocean beyond it, or get up close and personal by hiking down through Gualala Point Regional Park and build yourself a driftwood fort. Watch for whales, seals, otters, dolphins, bald eagles, and pelicans!
Anchor Bay
Yes, we consider Anchor Bay our home base. Don’t blink or you might miss the one block long business district! The Anchor Bay General Store offers basic sundries, souvenirs, and freshly baked donuts. White Cap café is also a great place to see local artwork and homemade chai (the recipe is a secret!) This is also where you’ll find the only Thai food until Fort Bragg. The Anchor Bay Campground is a great place if you’d like to picnic on the beach, or read a book while you look out at the ocean.
Yes, we consider Anchor Bay our home base. Don’t blink or you might miss the one block long business district! The Anchor Bay General Store offers basic sundries, souvenirs, and freshly baked donuts. White Cap café is also a great place to see local artwork and homemade chai (the recipe is a secret!) This is also where you’ll find the only Thai food until Fort Bragg. The Anchor Bay Campground is a great place if you’d like to picnic on the beach, or read a book while you look out at the ocean.
Point Arena
This tiny city (yes, it’s a city!) of less than 500 people has absolutely stolen our hearts. Main Street is short but oh-so-charming! Small eateries, shops, and art galleries bookend our beloved Arena Theater—a lovingly restored historic theater complete with stage and balcony. Movies, concerts, and telecast operas keep us country folk cultured! If you’re driving through you might disbelieve your eyes when instead of cows, you see zebras grazing in a pasture—it’s true that Point Arena is home to the B. Bryan African Animal Preserve which offers daily tours. Don’t forget to visit the Point Arena Cove where you can get coffee, wood-fired pizza, beers, and amazing sunset views! Also the favorite local spot for surfing.
This tiny city (yes, it’s a city!) of less than 500 people has absolutely stolen our hearts. Main Street is short but oh-so-charming! Small eateries, shops, and art galleries bookend our beloved Arena Theater—a lovingly restored historic theater complete with stage and balcony. Movies, concerts, and telecast operas keep us country folk cultured! If you’re driving through you might disbelieve your eyes when instead of cows, you see zebras grazing in a pasture—it’s true that Point Arena is home to the B. Bryan African Animal Preserve which offers daily tours. Don’t forget to visit the Point Arena Cove where you can get coffee, wood-fired pizza, beers, and amazing sunset views! Also the favorite local spot for surfing.
Manchester
Driving through Manchester is an idyllic pastoral scene. Tucked away along the banks of the Garcia River are organic farmlands and along the road you’ll see some very contented dairy cows enjoying a lovely view of the ocean. If old cemeteries are your thing, there’s several that are worth wandering as you imagine the hardy souls that came before us. It’s also home to the Manchester State Park—a completely unique part of the northern coastline, it boasts 18,000 feet of protected beach with large rolling sand dunes and coastal grasslands. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive land beaver—the ghost of the coast.
Driving through Manchester is an idyllic pastoral scene. Tucked away along the banks of the Garcia River are organic farmlands and along the road you’ll see some very contented dairy cows enjoying a lovely view of the ocean. If old cemeteries are your thing, there’s several that are worth wandering as you imagine the hardy souls that came before us. It’s also home to the Manchester State Park—a completely unique part of the northern coastline, it boasts 18,000 feet of protected beach with large rolling sand dunes and coastal grasslands. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive land beaver—the ghost of the coast.
Elk
This place is so nice, they named it twice! Don’t be confused as you drive through the three block long main street and you see competing signage of “Elk” and “Greenwood.” Originally named Greenwood in 1852, they hit a snag in 1887 when they finally got their first post office. The USPS said that “Greenwood” was already taken, so the local herd of elk that meandered through town became the inspiration for their new name. But it’s still Greenwood in their hearts. Find out more at the quaint and charming local museum. What will really shock you is that Elk (pop. 208) is home to a two-star Michelin Restaurant, Harbor House, for the rural elites.
This place is so nice, they named it twice! Don’t be confused as you drive through the three block long main street and you see competing signage of “Elk” and “Greenwood.” Originally named Greenwood in 1852, they hit a snag in 1887 when they finally got their first post office. The USPS said that “Greenwood” was already taken, so the local herd of elk that meandered through town became the inspiration for their new name. But it’s still Greenwood in their hearts. Find out more at the quaint and charming local museum. What will really shock you is that Elk (pop. 208) is home to a two-star Michelin Restaurant, Harbor House, for the rural elites.
Albion
Crossing over the sultry mouth of the Navarro River, turn north and you’ll find Albion. Once a bustling logging “dog hole” (small protected coves where ships could be loaded with timber), its now a sleepy little town of less than 200 people. At low tide, look for eerie remnants of a 1,200 foot railroad that stretches into the bay. What we really love about Albion, though, is the Ledford House Restaurant. French cooking, stellar service, and a jaw-dropping view of the rocks and waves below.
Crossing over the sultry mouth of the Navarro River, turn north and you’ll find Albion. Once a bustling logging “dog hole” (small protected coves where ships could be loaded with timber), its now a sleepy little town of less than 200 people. At low tide, look for eerie remnants of a 1,200 foot railroad that stretches into the bay. What we really love about Albion, though, is the Ledford House Restaurant. French cooking, stellar service, and a jaw-dropping view of the rocks and waves below.
Little River
Rounding the curve of the highway you’ll be in and out of Little River before you even knew you were there. Yet it’s home of the Van Damme State Park with 10 miles of hiking trails that take you from the beach, through the lush Fern Canyon, and discover the natural oddity of the Pygmy Forrest. The sheltered cove at Little River is a nice sandy beach for relaxing on sunny days, also a terrific spot for kayaking. We recommend taking a kayak tour through the sea caves!
Rounding the curve of the highway you’ll be in and out of Little River before you even knew you were there. Yet it’s home of the Van Damme State Park with 10 miles of hiking trails that take you from the beach, through the lush Fern Canyon, and discover the natural oddity of the Pygmy Forrest. The sheltered cove at Little River is a nice sandy beach for relaxing on sunny days, also a terrific spot for kayaking. We recommend taking a kayak tour through the sea caves!
Mendocino
The sweetheart of the coast, this town is made for leisurely strolls, shopping the unique stores and local businesses, admiring gardens that surround charming cottages and water towers, grabbing a delicious bite at one of the eateries, and of course exploring the Mendocino Headlands State Park with dramatic views of the Pacific. It’s also home to many artists, a local theater company, and the annual Mendocino Film Festival. Not far is also the Russian Gulch State Park where you’ll find the historic Frederick W. Panhorst bridge, a blowhole created by a collapsed sea cave, and a 35-foot waterfall.
The sweetheart of the coast, this town is made for leisurely strolls, shopping the unique stores and local businesses, admiring gardens that surround charming cottages and water towers, grabbing a delicious bite at one of the eateries, and of course exploring the Mendocino Headlands State Park with dramatic views of the Pacific. It’s also home to many artists, a local theater company, and the annual Mendocino Film Festival. Not far is also the Russian Gulch State Park where you’ll find the historic Frederick W. Panhorst bridge, a blowhole created by a collapsed sea cave, and a 35-foot waterfall.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg has a plethora of riches to offer its visitors. As you approach, you’ll see the Mendocino Botanical Gardens—an absolute must! Acres and acres of gorgeously cultivated gardens that fade into the natural grasslands and ocean views. Beautiful in every season, and even showcases a fun display of after-hours Christmas lights in December. We also love it because its pet-friendly, and even has plenty of paved trails and motorized carts for guests that would like assistance.
Pass the Botanical Gardens and you’ll cross a big bridge that spans the Noyo Harbor. Below you a very busy fishing port has a number of seafood restaurants scattered between crab traps and fishing rigs. We recommend The Princess for lovely riverside views and delicious food.
You haven’t truly experienced Fort Bragg until you take a ride on the Skunk Train. Take the train, or rent a rail bike, and take a journey back in time through the magnificent Redwoods.
While there are a number of terrific places to eat in Fort Bragg, we can’t fail to mention Eggheads, a Wizard of Oz themed breakfast/lunch café complete with a yellow brick road that leads you to the Wizard (aka restroom). Follow up your meal with a beer from the North Coast Brewery up the street.
Fort Bragg has a plethora of riches to offer its visitors. As you approach, you’ll see the Mendocino Botanical Gardens—an absolute must! Acres and acres of gorgeously cultivated gardens that fade into the natural grasslands and ocean views. Beautiful in every season, and even showcases a fun display of after-hours Christmas lights in December. We also love it because its pet-friendly, and even has plenty of paved trails and motorized carts for guests that would like assistance.
Pass the Botanical Gardens and you’ll cross a big bridge that spans the Noyo Harbor. Below you a very busy fishing port has a number of seafood restaurants scattered between crab traps and fishing rigs. We recommend The Princess for lovely riverside views and delicious food.
You haven’t truly experienced Fort Bragg until you take a ride on the Skunk Train. Take the train, or rent a rail bike, and take a journey back in time through the magnificent Redwoods.
While there are a number of terrific places to eat in Fort Bragg, we can’t fail to mention Eggheads, a Wizard of Oz themed breakfast/lunch café complete with a yellow brick road that leads you to the Wizard (aka restroom). Follow up your meal with a beer from the North Coast Brewery up the street.
Heading South
The Sea Ranch
A 10-mile-long HOA on design steroids, marvel at the modern timber houses that melt into the landscape around them. Founded in the 1960’s, this community dedicated itself to living within the natural habitat. You’ll notice there are no fenced yards, no cultivated gardens—the point is to make a minimal footprint and preserve the natural beauty. The Sea Ranchers take themselves quite seriously—don’t piss off the locals by saying “Sea Ranch.” It’s THE Sea Ranch. Also make sure to only park in lots for the public as they will 100% ticket any car on their private roads. Park at the Gualala Point Regional Park and follow the bluff trail through one of the neighborhoods and enjoy both the stunning ocean views and the gorgeous architecture. Drive to the southerly point of The Sea Ranch and treat yourself to lunch or dinner at The Sea Ranch Lodge. Beautiful fine dining with a view that features local cuisine.
A 10-mile-long HOA on design steroids, marvel at the modern timber houses that melt into the landscape around them. Founded in the 1960’s, this community dedicated itself to living within the natural habitat. You’ll notice there are no fenced yards, no cultivated gardens—the point is to make a minimal footprint and preserve the natural beauty. The Sea Ranchers take themselves quite seriously—don’t piss off the locals by saying “Sea Ranch.” It’s THE Sea Ranch. Also make sure to only park in lots for the public as they will 100% ticket any car on their private roads. Park at the Gualala Point Regional Park and follow the bluff trail through one of the neighborhoods and enjoy both the stunning ocean views and the gorgeous architecture. Drive to the southerly point of The Sea Ranch and treat yourself to lunch or dinner at The Sea Ranch Lodge. Beautiful fine dining with a view that features local cuisine.
Stewart’s Point
Not much to see here other than the sweet little bakery called Two Fish. Excellent pastries in the morning and calzones and other options for lunch, it’s a great place to stop and pick up some treats before heading down to Salt Point.
Not much to see here other than the sweet little bakery called Two Fish. Excellent pastries in the morning and calzones and other options for lunch, it’s a great place to stop and pick up some treats before heading down to Salt Point.
Heading East
Anderson Valley
If you are a wine lover, you must check out our local wine region of Anderson Valley. Within the Valley you will find the small towns of Philo, which has a few small eateries (we recommend dining on the patio at Wickson). There are
If you are a wine lover, you must check out our local wine region of Anderson Valley. Within the Valley you will find the small towns of Philo, which has a few small eateries (we recommend dining on the patio at Wickson). There are
