Coastal Highway 1
This iconic lighthouse was constructed in 1870, destroyed in a 1906 earthquake and then rebuilt in 1908. It remains the tallest on the US West Coast (tied…
Must-see attractions in Coastal Highway 1
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Coastal Highway 1
This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is…
Salt Point State Park
Stunning 6000-acre Salt Point State Park has sandstone cliffs that drop dramatically into the kelp-strewn sea and hiking trails that crisscross windswept…
Coastal Highway 1
In a dramatic, rub-your-eyes-in-disbelief-beautiful location on a bluff over the sea, the wines here don't get pros excited but they are perfectly…
Coastal Highway 1
At the peninsula’s tip, Bodega Head rises 265ft above sea level. It’s great for whale-watching. Landlubbers enjoy hiking above the surf, where several…
Coastal Highway 1
A half-mile trail passes through a large grove of cypress trees leading to a staircase down to this pristine quarter-mile beach. Walkers can follow the…
Westport-Union Landing State Beach
Coastal Highway 1
Located 1.5 miles north of Westport, this ruggedly beautiful beach extends for three miles on coastal bluffs. A rough hiking trail leaves the primitive…
Coastal Highway 1
The renowned collection of modern Japanese prints and California works at this small gallery is a tranquil escape from the elements. Check out the…
Coastal Highway 1
Famous for its colony of harbor seals, lazing in the sun at the mouth of the Russian River. Noted for its mystical-looking rock archway, as well.
Coastal Highway 1
Just south of the small town of Jenner, a boardwalk and trail leads out to a stretch perfect for tide-pooling and beachcombing.
Coastal Highway 1
A very pleasant beach with parking (but no other facilities); can be prone to riptides so swimmers should take care.
Coastal Highway 1
Small boats unload near this rocky headland in the morning. A good place to spot wildflowers in the spring.
Coastal Highway 1
Situated around a lagoon, with 2 miles of hiking and good waves for surfing.
Fort Ross State Historic Park
A curious glimpse into Tsarist Russia’s exploration of the California coast, the salt-washed buildings of Fort Ross State Historic Park offer a…
Van Damme State Park
Three miles south of Mendocino, this sprawling 1831-acre park draws beachcombers, divers and kayakers to its easy-access beach, and hikers to its pygmy…
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
Jug Handle State Reserve
Between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Jug Handle preserves an ecological staircase that you can view on a 5-mile (round-trip) self-guided nature trail. The…
Coastal Highway 1
MacKerricher State Park preserves 9 miles of pristine rocky headlands, sandy beaches, dunes and tide pools. The visitor center sits next to the whale…
Coastal Highway 1
Built in 1909, this stout lighthouse stands on a 300-acre wildlife preserve north of town, between Russian Gulch and Caspar Beach. The grounds also…
Coastal Highway 1
Named for (what very little is left of) the sea-polished glass in the sand, remnants of its days as a city dump, this beach is now part of MacKerricher…
Coastal Highway 1
For fabulous bird-watching, hiking on terraced rock past sea caves and access to hidden coves, head 1 mile down Lighthouse Rd from Hwy 1 and look for the…
Coastal Highway 1
Behind a yard of twisting iron sculpture, the city’s art center takes up a whole tree-filled block. It hosts exhibitions, nationally renowned art classes…
Bodega Marine Laboratory & Reserve
Coastal Highway 1
Run by University of California (UC) Davis, this spectacularly diverse teaching and research reserve surrounds the research lab, which has studied Bodega…
Noyo Center for Marine Science
Coastal Highway 1
This small science center educates visitors about the climate-based threats facing the Mendocino coast, including the mass sea star die-off, explosion of…
Coastal Highway 1
A small, remote, yet utterly charming winery. This super-friendly, mom-and-pop place produces highly regarded small-batch wines. The Gewurztraminer, pinot…
Coastal Highway 1
An excellent local arts cooperative where 20 full-time members work in photography, glass, woodworking, jewelry, painting, sculpture, textiles and…
Coastal Highway 1
Inland along Old State Hwy, at the south end of town, and beautifully built entirely by volunteers, this center hosts changing exhibitions, organizes the…
Coastal Highway 1
A lovely beach comprising two sandy coves divided by a rocky headland. You can park just south of Whale Bone Reach Rd from where there is a mile-long…
Coastal Highway 1
Just south of town, this museum showcases the sea glass found on local beaches with beautiful displays, plus audiovisual explanations and additional…
Coastal Highway 1
Tucked into a tiny clapboard house looking across the road to the ocean, this gallery is run as a cooperative by 30 local artists and is a fascinating…
Coastal Highway 1
One of a handful of idyllic beaches on this stretch of coastline, Stengel has a large, free car park and a short access trail lined by cypress trees that…
Coastal Highway 1
This one-off museum has an excellent exhibition of international tattoo art and explains the history in various cultures. You can also get a tattoo done…
Coastal Highway 1
Check out the research library and changing exhibits on early California and Mendocino. The 1861 museum hosts seasonal, two-hour walking tours for $10;…
Coastal Highway 1
A majestic Victorian structure built in 1892 displays historical photos and relics of Fort Bragg’s history.
Coastal Highway 1
Peering in the window of this 1852 temple reveals an old altar dedicated to the Chinese god of war. Tours are available by appointment and provide a…
