Caitlin’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Views, driving destinations, and beautiful photo worthy spots along the coast
This beautiful state park is about a 5 minute walk from the house. The main park area with viewing platforms, camping, and beaches can be accessed via the haul road (1.5 mile walk) or by driving north about 5 minutes on Highway 1. Wild life including whales and seals can be seen year round. There is a viewing deck to see seal pups in their natural habitat in the spring months. As it is a state park, dogs on leash are welcome, but are not allowed on the beaches due to flocks of endangered migratory birds year round.
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MacKerricher State Park
24100 Mackerricher Park RdThis beautiful state park is about a 5 minute walk from the house. The main park area with viewing platforms, camping, and beaches can be accessed via the haul road (1.5 mile walk) or by driving north about 5 minutes on Highway 1. Wild life including whales and seals can be seen year round. There is a viewing deck to see seal pups in their natural habitat in the spring months. As it is a state park, dogs on leash are welcome, but are not allowed on the beaches due to flocks of endangered migratory birds year round.
Jug Handle State Park is a beautiful way to take in all the natural flora and fauna of the coast in one hike. The ecological staircase trail has 5 tiers and gives a peek into the different ecosystems found in Northern California. There are stairs that start the hike and a gentle incline takes you all the way up to the pygmy forest. The board walk for the pygmy forest can be hard to find, but look out for green arrows and small signs to lead you in the right direction.
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Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
California 1Jug Handle State Park is a beautiful way to take in all the natural flora and fauna of the coast in one hike. The ecological staircase trail has 5 tiers and gives a peek into the different ecosystems found in Northern California. There are stairs that start the hike and a gentle incline takes you all the way up to the pygmy forest. The board walk for the pygmy forest can be hard to find, but look out for green arrows and small signs to lead you in the right direction.
The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is perched on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. Park up at the ranger station off of Point Cabrillo Dr. and walk approx. 1/2 a mile down hill to the light station and surrounding buildings. There is something for everyone once you are down by the lighthouse with a small historical museum, a Natural history exhibit, and a beautiful expanse of trails to hike. There are lens tours several times a year that allow folks to walk all the way up to the top to take a peek at the Victorian age crystal lens that still warns ships through the dark and fog. To find information about the lens tours, go to their website and put it on your calendar. https://pointcabrillo.org/
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Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
13800 Point Cabrillo DrThe Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is perched on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. Park up at the ranger station off of Point Cabrillo Dr. and walk approx. 1/2 a mile down hill to the light station and surrounding buildings. There is something for everyone once you are down by the lighthouse with a small historical museum, a Natural history exhibit, and a beautiful expanse of trails to hike. There are lens tours several times a year that allow folks to walk all the way up to the top to take a peek at the Victorian age crystal lens that still warns ships through the dark and fog. To find information about the lens tours, go to their website and put it on your calendar. https://pointcabrillo.org/
This beautiful state park is one of the coastal parks along highway 1. It is accessible from a few different vantage points, but can be for all levels of hikers. The drive in and pay entrance leads to a few different trail heads and beach access. The first trail is along the headlands where you can see for miles along the pacific coast. This trail also has a huge blow hole where the ocean has eroded a large opening in the cliff face to let in ocean water and debris. The second trail, and our favorite, is the waterfall trail. This 7 mile round trip is a long hike but a rewarding one as it meets up with a beautiful year round waterfall. The trail is host to all sorts of flora and fauna with several different types of ecosystems along the way. It can be muddy so bring all weather shoes in case of mud.
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Russian Gulch State Park
California 1This beautiful state park is one of the coastal parks along highway 1. It is accessible from a few different vantage points, but can be for all levels of hikers. The drive in and pay entrance leads to a few different trail heads and beach access. The first trail is along the headlands where you can see for miles along the pacific coast. This trail also has a huge blow hole where the ocean has eroded a large opening in the cliff face to let in ocean water and debris. The second trail, and our favorite, is the waterfall trail. This 7 mile round trip is a long hike but a rewarding one as it meets up with a beautiful year round waterfall. The trail is host to all sorts of flora and fauna with several different types of ecosystems along the way. It can be muddy so bring all weather shoes in case of mud.
Food scene
We travel through food most of the time. If you are the same, please take a look for recommendations.
This is a beautiful local farm that grows delicious produce year round. They can be found by driving North about 3 minutes from the rental. They sell produce at the Fort Bragg and Mendocino Farmers Markets year round. Over the spring and summer and fall months, they have a farm stand open Saturdays 10am-3pm filled with organic produce and fresh cut flowers. Any season is a delicious season with Nye Ranch as neighbors.
Nye Ranch / Farm
23300 CA-1This is a beautiful local farm that grows delicious produce year round. They can be found by driving North about 3 minutes from the rental. They sell produce at the Fort Bragg and Mendocino Farmers Markets year round. Over the spring and summer and fall months, they have a farm stand open Saturdays 10am-3pm filled with organic produce and fresh cut flowers. Any season is a delicious season with Nye Ranch as neighbors.
If you love pastries, this is the place to be. Brittney and her crew serve up delicious restaurant quality cakes, tarts, macrons, cookies, desserts and more all day long Wednesday through Saturday. If you are celebrating a special occasion, call ahead and book her for your event. She baked the cake for our wedding and it was perfect in every way.
A Sweet Affair
131 E Laurel StIf you love pastries, this is the place to be. Brittney and her crew serve up delicious restaurant quality cakes, tarts, macrons, cookies, desserts and more all day long Wednesday through Saturday. If you are celebrating a special occasion, call ahead and book her for your event. She baked the cake for our wedding and it was perfect in every way.
This is a great Thai restaurant and is true to the flavors of Thailand and Laos. The food is great, the flavors are on point, the service is fast, and the owners are part of the community. Our favorite dishes are the Roti with curry sauce, Kao Soy (a curry noodle dish from the mountain regions of Thailand), and the Pad See ew. Be sure to try the house made garlic sauce, which you can buy by the container.
Asian Fusion Sea Valley
301 N Main StThis is a great Thai restaurant and is true to the flavors of Thailand and Laos. The food is great, the flavors are on point, the service is fast, and the owners are part of the community. Our favorite dishes are the Roti with curry sauce, Kao Soy (a curry noodle dish from the mountain regions of Thailand), and the Pad See ew. Be sure to try the house made garlic sauce, which you can buy by the container.
This place is full of charm. It is the bar/ pizza place where the locals come to unwind, visit, and eat a good slice. The food is made with locally sourced ingredients and the pizza is thin crust style. The bar serves beers and wine from the surrounding areas and offers seasonal options. The place is small so don't be surprised if there is a wait, bring cash as they don't take card, and experience pizza Fort Bragg style. We love The Farmers with house made sausage, and the Gustoso with seasonal pears and goat cheese.
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Piaci | Pub & Pizzeria
120 W Redwood AveThis place is full of charm. It is the bar/ pizza place where the locals come to unwind, visit, and eat a good slice. The food is made with locally sourced ingredients and the pizza is thin crust style. The bar serves beers and wine from the surrounding areas and offers seasonal options. The place is small so don't be surprised if there is a wait, bring cash as they don't take card, and experience pizza Fort Bragg style. We love The Farmers with house made sausage, and the Gustoso with seasonal pears and goat cheese.
Fresh fish from Fort Bragg. The Princess gals will show you how it is done. Captain Heather and her all female crew throw down some delicious lunch and evening food as well as work on the boat to catch seasonal seafood sold in the market. There is outdoor seating with heaters and a great tent in the winter to keep folks as warm as possible. Our favorite dish is the crab roll with lump crab, lemon, garlic butter, and tomato on a soft roll. Look them up on Facebook to see their schedule for live music and hear some local tunes.
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Princess Seafood Market & Deli
32410 N Harbor DrFresh fish from Fort Bragg. The Princess gals will show you how it is done. Captain Heather and her all female crew throw down some delicious lunch and evening food as well as work on the boat to catch seasonal seafood sold in the market. There is outdoor seating with heaters and a great tent in the winter to keep folks as warm as possible. Our favorite dish is the crab roll with lump crab, lemon, garlic butter, and tomato on a soft roll. Look them up on Facebook to see their schedule for live music and hear some local tunes.
Who doesn't love ice cream!? All the ice creams and sorbets are made in house and are absolutely worth the visit. There are seasonal flavors like Egg Nog, Chi Tea, Candycap Mushroom, Blackberry pie, and many more. Its a great treat that you should not miss.
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Cowlick's Ice Cream
250 N Main StWho doesn't love ice cream!? All the ice creams and sorbets are made in house and are absolutely worth the visit. There are seasonal flavors like Egg Nog, Chi Tea, Candycap Mushroom, Blackberry pie, and many more. Its a great treat that you should not miss.
When you need a good burger or a basket of fish and chips, this is the place to be. The no frills atmosphere just fits the bill and if you are there in the evening, the bonfire out back will keep you warm. The sea lions are regulars and you can watch them follow the boats as they come into harbor with a hull full of fish.
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Sea Pal Cove
32390 N Harbor DrWhen you need a good burger or a basket of fish and chips, this is the place to be. The no frills atmosphere just fits the bill and if you are there in the evening, the bonfire out back will keep you warm. The sea lions are regulars and you can watch them follow the boats as they come into harbor with a hull full of fish.
What a gem in the Noyo harbor. If you want a more up-class and intimate setting for a meal, look no further. The food and beverage selection is wonderful and the craftsman style architecture makes for a very pleasing experience. The cocktails are wonderful, and if Johnathon is tending bar you are in for a treat. Take meals, cocktails, small plates, or all 3 out on the deck which overlooks the harbor and the river. You may even hear from sea lions barking at each other while you dine.
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Noyo Harbor Inn
500 Casa Del NoyoWhat a gem in the Noyo harbor. If you want a more up-class and intimate setting for a meal, look no further. The food and beverage selection is wonderful and the craftsman style architecture makes for a very pleasing experience. The cocktails are wonderful, and if Johnathon is tending bar you are in for a treat. Take meals, cocktails, small plates, or all 3 out on the deck which overlooks the harbor and the river. You may even hear from sea lions barking at each other while you dine.
Wonderful Italian meals with even better ambiance. The homemade pasta is (I think) the best on the menu, and you can even watch it being made through the window as you approach the restaurant. We knew this place would be good when we heard the kitchen staff and the owners yelling at each other in Italian. The food speaks for itself and the selection of wines pairs well with each meal. They do not take reservations for parties under 8 so come early or be ready to wait patiently for your table. We had our rehearsal dinner here for our wedding a few years ago and had a blast.
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Luna Trattoria
955 Ukiah StWonderful Italian meals with even better ambiance. The homemade pasta is (I think) the best on the menu, and you can even watch it being made through the window as you approach the restaurant. We knew this place would be good when we heard the kitchen staff and the owners yelling at each other in Italian. The food speaks for itself and the selection of wines pairs well with each meal. They do not take reservations for parties under 8 so come early or be ready to wait patiently for your table. We had our rehearsal dinner here for our wedding a few years ago and had a blast.
This restaurant has delicious vegetarian and vegan selections all year round. They women chef/ owners are excellent a turning plant based food into unctuous, flavorful, and filling meals. The interior of the restaurant is intimate and fun. Highly recommended in our book.
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Fog Eater Cafe
45104 Main StThis restaurant has delicious vegetarian and vegan selections all year round. They women chef/ owners are excellent a turning plant based food into unctuous, flavorful, and filling meals. The interior of the restaurant is intimate and fun. Highly recommended in our book.
Winery
Pacific Star is a winery located about 20 minutes north of the rental. The delicious wines are served out of the wine cellar overlooking the ocean. Whites, Reds, and varietals are made on site and it is even said that the rhythm of the waves helps agitate the barrels as the wine ages. Taste the wines and purchase local charcuterie and have a picnic outside, it can be breezy so wear a jacket.
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Pacific Star Winery
33000 CA-1Pacific Star is a winery located about 20 minutes north of the rental. The delicious wines are served out of the wine cellar overlooking the ocean. Whites, Reds, and varietals are made on site and it is even said that the rhythm of the waves helps agitate the barrels as the wine ages. Taste the wines and purchase local charcuterie and have a picnic outside, it can be breezy so wear a jacket.
Beaches
This little beach is charming and comfortable. The cove mostly protects it from the wind, and the sandy expanse of the beach allows for enjoyment at low and high tides. The sunsets are incredible, and in the summer it is a great place for sunbathing. It is dog friendly so being your pooch with you.
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Jug Handle Beach
16224 CA-1This little beach is charming and comfortable. The cove mostly protects it from the wind, and the sandy expanse of the beach allows for enjoyment at low and high tides. The sunsets are incredible, and in the summer it is a great place for sunbathing. It is dog friendly so being your pooch with you.
This is one of the most well known places here in Fort Bragg, CA. The sea glass is plentiful and takes the place of sand in most areas. There are a few little cove beaches that you can go to if the main location is too crowded. If you go, take pictures of the sea glass, but leave the majority there for others to enjoy for years to come
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Glass Beach
Glass Beach DriveThis is one of the most well known places here in Fort Bragg, CA. The sea glass is plentiful and takes the place of sand in most areas. There are a few little cove beaches that you can go to if the main location is too crowded. If you go, take pictures of the sea glass, but leave the majority there for others to enjoy for years to come
We love this little beach. It is a little local spot where you can sit and watch the waves roll in. It is beautiful all year round, but the summers are especially wonderful. Surfers of all levels can come to catch some small waves and you will see kiddos in wet suits getting their sea legs. You can rent kayaks from the general store at the campground across the street. Bring your dog and let them run around and enjoy the fun too. Parking can be minimal, but there is truly room for those who want to be there.
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Caspar Beach station
We love this little beach. It is a little local spot where you can sit and watch the waves roll in. It is beautiful all year round, but the summers are especially wonderful. Surfers of all levels can come to catch some small waves and you will see kiddos in wet suits getting their sea legs. You can rent kayaks from the general store at the campground across the street. Bring your dog and let them run around and enjoy the fun too. Parking can be minimal, but there is truly room for those who want to be there.