Northern California Coast, Point Arena
Northern California’s coastline is a destination in itself. The drive from San Francisco is just over three hours up the Pacific Coast Highway to Point Arena where you can stay at GEVC at Lighthouse Pointe (exchanges through RCI). Point Arena is home to a 115 foot tall historic lighthouse. After destruction by the 1906 earthquake of the original lighthouse, construction of the current lighthouse began in 1908. It’s worth it to pay the entrance fee to climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse.
Lighthouse Pointe is located at the fork in the road as you head toward the lighthouse off of Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway). There is a diner on site (hours usually breakfast and lunch-check when you arrive). Across the street from the property is a California state preserve, where visitors are allowed to wander through cow pasture to the majestic bluff overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. The experience is mesmerizing.. Usually, you will be the only ones out there. Take a picnic and spend some time taking in the unmatched site of this rugged coastline.
The property units are manufactured homes, the individual units have a living room with a gas fireplace, a kitchen and one bedroom. A porch with table and chairs provide an excellent place to relax after a day of exploring. BBQ equipment is available. A grocery store is four miles north up the road in Manchester. Manchester is also home to a state beach. Point Arena has several restaurants. There is a working wharf in Point Arena with a couple of restaurants available there.
About an hour north and a good day trip, Mendocino is a quaint town with many shops and restaurants. Along the drive, there are several hikes and state beaches, and are all good options for day exploring.
If you love the ocean, Point Arena is a great home base. Boonville (small town with lots of history) is over the hill in Anderson Valley, home to the county fair and vineyards in the surrounding area.
Fort Bragg, just north of Mendocino, home to the famous Glass Beach, the Skunk Train, and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
As usual, always ask the front desk personnel for recommendations for attractions. When you see a visitor’s center on your drive, stop and get information and free maps.
This vacation is about taking in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean on the rugged coastline of Northern California, which is a completely different experience than a visit to Southern California. Always bring a jacket when visiting the Northern California Coast, as the fog will roll in and the mist is beautiful, but chilly. And, take long deep breaths inhaling the clean air and positive spirit of the ocean!
Happy Travels!
Carol
