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North Coast & Redwoods

This is not the legendary California of the Beach Boys' song – there are no palm-flanked beaches and very few surfboards. The jagged edge of the continent is wild, scenic and even slightly foreboding, where spectral fog and an outsider spirit have fostered the world’s tallest trees, most potent weed and a string of idiosyncratic two-stoplight towns. Explore hidden coves with a blanket and a bottle of local wine, scan the horizon for migrating whales and retreat at night to fire-warmed Victorians. As you travel further north, find valleys of redwood, wide rivers and mossy, overgrown forests. Expect cooler, damper weather too. Befitting this dramatic clash of land and water are its unlikely mélange of residents: timber barons and tree huggers, pot farmers and radicals of every political persuasion.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout North Coast & Redwoods.

  • See

    Point Arena Lighthouse

    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 with nearby Pigeon Point) at 115ft. Check in at the museum and have a look at the Fresnel lens, then climb 145 steps to the top for the jaw-dropping view. You can stay nearby in keeper's homes and apartments. The turnoff is 2 miles northwest of town off Hwy 1.

  • See

    Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

    This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is harvested by volunteers to feed area residents in need. The serpentine paths wander along 47 seafront acres south of town. Primary trails are wheelchair accessible.

  • See

    Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House

    One block east of State St, the collection’s mainstays are paintings by Grace Hudson (1865–1937). Her sensitive depictions of Pomo people and other indigenous groups complement the ethnological work and Native American baskets collected by her husband, John Hudson. The lovely 1911 Sun House, adjacent to the museum, was the former Hudson home and is typical of the arts-and-crafts style of that era; docent-led tours are available at noon.

  • See

    Parducci Wine Cellars

    Sustainably grown, harvested and produced, ‘America’s Greenest Winery’ offers affordable, bold, earthy reds. The tasting room, lined in brick with low ceilings and soft lights, is a perfect little cave-like environment to get out of the summer heat, sip wine and chat about sustainability practices. Or head for the terrace overlooking the vineyards and organic gardens, complete with contented chickens.

  • See

    Olof Cellars

    If you visit one boutique winery in Lake County make it Olof Cellars. The wines are excellent – most are reds aged for a minimum of three years – and the informative winemaker-led tastings take place in the old chicken coup. Olof produces just 500 cases annually; the bottles of Nebbiolo, Barbera, Malbec and Petit Verdot are both unique and a steal.

  • See

    Graziano Family of Wines

    The Italian Graziano family is one of the oldest grape-growing families in Mendocino County and specializes in ‘Cal-Ital’ wines – including Primitivo, Dolcetto, Barbera and Sangiovese – at some fantastic prices. Wine tasting is complimentary.

  • See

    Toulouse Vineyards

    Sample standout (and organic!) Pinot Gris, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir from a stunning hilltop tasting room tucked into the forest.

  • See

    Kaz Winery

    A cult favorite, supercool Kaz is about blends: whatever is in the organic vineyards goes into the wine – and they’re blended at crush, not during fermentation. Expect lesser-known varietals like Tannat and Lenoir, and worthwhile cabernet-merlot blends. Bottles cost $26 to $45.

  • See

    Mendocino County Museum

    Among the best community museums in this half of the state. It puts the lives of early settlers in excellent historical context – much drawn from old letters – and there’s an entire 1930s soda fountain and historic dental clinic inside. You could spend an hour perusing Pomo basketry and artifacts, or reading about local scandals. Outside, the Roots of Motive Power (www.rootsofmotivepower.com) exhibit occasionally demonstrates steam logging and machinery.

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