A California coastal drive is one of the best ways to experience rugged cliffs, sparkling ocean views, and charming small towns all in one day. From Mendocino south to Jenner, this route delivers scenery, wildlife, and hidden gems that make it a must for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation alike.
Scenic Stops Along the Coast
From Mendo, head down the coast and grab a sandwich at the Elk Store. Take it to the cliffside picnic benches for lunch with a view that can’t be beat. Then head down the meandering path to the beach, where you can get your steps in and some sand between your toes. After Elk, you can keep driving south for more discoveries along the majestic Pacific, or head back towards Mendocino and cruise into Navarro Beach to see seals and sea lions frolicking where the ocean meets the river.
Point Arena: Wildlife, History, and Local Flavor
If you’re keen for the full-day trip, Point Arena is the perfect oceanside drive from Mendocino. Soak in that coastal view, snack & sip in style, and add in your pick of nature, animals, history, or maybe some of all of the above. An hour’s cruise along the scenic Pacific Coast lands you right in downtown Point Arena. Stop at the Point Arena Lighthouse along the way for some history and a leg stretch. After, you might grab a sweet treat at Franny’s Cup & Saucer just down the block. From here, venture onward to the Point Arena Pier to scope the local surfers or head just above town to B. Bryant Preserve and kiss a giraffe.
Beyond Point Arena
Hungry for more? The windy Pacific Coast Highway has endless views to share, so skip a bit further south – hey, you’re already this far, and it’s just so gorgeous. Just south of Point Arena, you can take your shoes off at the unique and remarkable Bowling Ball Beach and then head for a cliffside hike in Salt Point or check out historic Fort Ross for a little local lore on some of The Coast’s early Russian settlers.
Dining Along the California Coast
By the time you circle back north, it might just be dinner time. Lucky you! Izakaya Gama in Point Arena offers inspired farm-to-table Japanese fare, and Harbor House in Elk serves an exquisite Michelin-starred multi-course tasting menu. Of course, you can always head back to Mendo for a wonderful meal, too. Wherever the day takes you, we wish you a fantastic adventure!
