What to See on the Mendocino Coast

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?

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Make Yourself at Home at Elk Cove Inn & Spa | Mendocino County, California

When you think of California, there’s a lot of different things that come to mind like Hollywood starlets, varying landscapes, and wine country. For this trip, we’re heading to Northern California - way north, actually, through Mendocino County to Elk, California.

Starting off the trip, you’ll want to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO). From there, you’ll need to rent a car and drive 3 hours North. Along the way, you’ll pass miles of wine country vineyards, towering redwood and sequoia trees, and stunning coastal cliffs.

Elk, California

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.

The Property

When you first pull onto the property, you’ll see the beautiful landscaping. And I don’t just mean a few flowers – I mean they have a full, colorful garden that you walk through and enjoy. There’s also a deck for you to sit, eat a picnic, play cards, or whatever you like while you enjoy the views.

The gazebo is also a great, romantic spot on property to watch the sunset while drinking a nice glass of wine from one of the many local wineries.

The Suites

After getting checked in and meeting Bella (one of the unofficial mascot dogs), I was shown my suite. Now, I will tell you – and the owners agree – that this is not 5 star accommodations. If you’re looking for the most modern of spaces to lay your head, this isn’t it.

But what you will find is a clean, eclectic space that’s made up of thrift store furniture and meaningful touches. For instance, the suites are each named after a local historical figure from Mendocino County. And on the wall, you’ll find a little information about that person and their contributions to the area.

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 unorthodoxed? 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.

One thing I loved about the restaurant is not only how fresh the ingredients are, but that they support other local small businesses. Like Pelican Bakery down the road, provides all of their bread and a farmer next-door provides the potatoes and carrots for their menu items. This is how a small community makes it work – people helping people. Isn’t this how it should be?

 This 10-table restaurant has huge glass windows to the west, so every meal is breath-taking. In fact, in talking with Melissa, she told me how blessed she feels because she never misses a sunset. Every evening when she’s serving the dinner guests, she gets to look out those windows and see a miraculous display of colors across the Pacific.

Everything I ate here was delicious. Absolutely everything. From the French onion soup to the apple galette, every bite was heavenly. And breakfast is included with your stay as well. The best part? Your hot breakfast is delivered straight to your room each morning.  You simply fill out a card the night before and when you wake up, your food will be on a tray outside your door ready for you to enjoy.

And this is no continental breakfast, oh no! You have choices like eggs benedict, huevos rancheros, fresh fruit parfaits, roasted potatoes, and so much more. If you’re like me, you’ll want to eat right out on your patio as you watch the waves hit the shore.

The Farm

One thing I love about this couple is how welcoming they are. They truly treat every single guest like family. They even offered me a tour of their “farm”. This included a look at their greenhouse, herb garden, and even getting to pet the animals.

The greenhouse is where they grow their garlic, leafy greens, peas, and all sorts of other things. The herb garden has tons of mint, dill, and other herbs ready to be put into one of Chef Victor’s dishes at any moment.

Just past the new bee boxes (and yes, I got some of that fresh honey in a couple of my dishes at the restaurant) are the animals. There’s chickens, rabbits, and goats – and every single one of them is loved beyond measure. Victor even has one baby goat – Penelope – that follows him around the property like a dog. It’s the funniest thing.

But the animals all have a purpose – the chickens lay eggs for those morning breakfast offerings, the goats provide milk for fresh cheeses and yogurts, and the rabbits…well, let’s just say they’re all named “stew” for a reason.

The Cove

Just past the gazebo are private stairs to access a quiet stretch of beach in the cove below. This is a must when you’re on property. Upon walking on the shore, I found all sorts of crabs, shells, and driftwood. And there is absolutely nothing better than the sound of the ocean waves slapping up against the shore. Its rhythmic sounds immediately calm any tension or anxiety you had in you.

The Owners

Melissa and Victor are the heart and soul of the Elk Cove Inn & Spa, and they were the best part of this stay for me. I so admire the way they lovingly care for their staff, animals, and the people they serve. Their commitment to the ingredients they use, the people they employ from the community, and their work ethic is unmatched. And they serve every single guest with a genuine smile and compassion. They truly want you to enjoy your stay – you’re not just another line item for them.

How to Make Your Reservation

So if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway on the California coast that’s away from it all – this is where you need to go. It’s absolutely beautiful and you’ll feel so at home. And who knows, you may even get to hear Victor singing in the kitchen as he cooks.

Click here to check out the property and book it for your next vacation!

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