The beach in the rainy season? It may seem counter-intuitive, but there’s no place like the shore in fall and winter. The water churns and roils. Skies turn gunmetal grey. Waves thunder against the sand. And there’s practically nobody around—especially between Bodega Bay and Mendocino, that forgotten stretch of coastline where you can disappear off the grid. Best of all, it’s just two hours from the city.
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Most of the land here is preserved in a series of state parks, ranging from windswept prairies to forested hillsides. It’s got the solitude of Big Sur, but without the big drive—or big costs. The pounding surf, craggy headlands, and endless skies remind you that you’re at the very edge of the continent. You won’t spot a single fast-food joint; instead the night sky blazes with a zillion stars.
Note: This guide covers the coastal regions south of the village of Mendocino. For details on the village, check out our separate destination guide covering the town of Mendocino.
Why Go?
- Explore rocky coves and tide pools brimming with marine life.
- Play house at a retro-cozy hideaway cottage.
- Scout the San Andreas Fault as it rips out to sea.
- Climb to the top of a ten-story lighthouse.
How Far?
- 90 to 120 minutes north of the Golden Gate.
Drawbacks?
- Contending with car-sickness on twisting Hwy 1.
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