The North Coast

We’ve compiled the best of the best in The North Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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  • 1. Alta Orsa Winery

    Lofty valley views and deftly crafted wines, the latter often sipped under a cork oak, are among this 160-acre boutique winery's lures. The vineyard team uses "regenerative" techniques such as no-till farming, which increases the soil's organic matter, to grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Winemaker Martin Bernal-Hafner taps Sonoma County sources for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Reservations are a must.

    1850 Duncan Springs Rd., California, 95449, USA
    707-540–4311

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings free, Closed weekends
  • 2. Avenue of the Giants

    Some of Earth's tallest trees tower over this magnificent 32-mile stretch of two-lane blacktop, also known as Highway 254, that follows the south fork of the Eel River through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The highway runs more or less parallel to U.S. 101 from Phillipsville in the south to the town of Pepperwood in the north. A brochure available at either end of the highway or the visitor center, 2 miles south of Weott, contains a self-guided tour, with short and long hikes through various groves. A trail at Founders Grove passes by several impressive trees, among them the fallen 362-foot-long Dyerville Giant, whose root base points skyward 35 feet. The tree can be reached via a short trail that begins 4 miles north of the visitor center. About 6 miles north of the center lies the 10,000-acre Rockefeller Forest, containing the world's largest concentration of old-growth coastal redwoods.

    17119 Ave. of the Giants, Weott, California, 95571, USA
    707-946–2263

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free; $8 day-use fee for Williams Grove
  • 3. B Bryan Preserve

    Guides helming vintage Land Rovers conduct spellbinding tours of this sanctuary for zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and other endangered African hoof stock. The self-guided tour in your own car costs less, but the guided one, slightly more expensive, is recommended for the personal touch and closer-up access and timing to giraffe-feeding time.  Reservations are a must for visits to the preserve, which maintains three cottages for overnight stays.

    130 Riverside Dr., Point Arena, California, 95468, USA
    707-882–2297

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tours from $25 (self-guided)
  • 4. Blue Ox Millworks

    Its lead artisan's star turn on the cable-TV series The Craftsman has brought welcome attention to this woodshop specializing in Victorian-era architecture. The craftspeople here use antique tools—printing presses and lathes among them—to create gingerbread trim, fence pickets, and other Victorian embellishments. Visitors on guided and self-guided tours can watch the workers in action.

    1 X St., Eureka, California, 95501, USA
    707-444–3437

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Guided tours $30, self-guided $15, Closed weekends (but check for Sat. openings), guided tours limited in winter
  • 5. Campovida

    Gently made wines from Italian and Rhône varietals grown in Mendocino County organic, biodynamic, and sustainable vineyards are Campovida's focus. The historic 56-acre estate—previous owners include a local railroad magnate and the Fetzer wine-making clan—opens to the public on weekends, with the downtown tasting room ( Stock Farm, 13441 S. U.S. 101) an option four days a week.

    13601 Old River Rd., California, 95449, USA
    707-744–8797

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings from $20, Both locations closed Mon.--Wed.
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  • 6. Foursight Wines

    Four generations of the Charles family have farmed the land that produces this winery's vegan-friendly, all-estate lineup of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir (aka rosé), and Pinot Noir. With the Pinots, winemaker Joe Webb employs various techniques to produce four very different wines, from the light Zero, aged solely in used oak barrels, to the "richer, riper" Paraboll, its flavors heightened by new French oak. After a tasting, you can picnic outside the casual wood-frame tasting room, enjoying a glass or bottle.

    14475 Hwy. 128, California, 95415, USA
    707-895–2889

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings $20, Closed Tues. and some days in Jan. and June
  • 7. Lichen Estate

    Vintner Douglas Stewart takes pride in his contrarian views about farming and winemaking. Bucking accepted California wisdom, he planted his vines tightly together, mimicking French practices, and with his sparkling wine—of Pinot Gris rather than Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir—he selects only the high-quality middle portion of the initial press. Stewart earned raves from influential critics and a loyal following for his initial Pinot Gris and later for two sparklers, a rosé, and several Pinot Noirs.

    11001 County Rd. 151, California, 95415, USA
    707-895–7949

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings from $25
  • 8. Lula Cellars

    Fun, relaxing, and pet-friendly Lula is among the Anderson Valley wineries closest to the coast. Lula produces Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, rosé of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and a red blend, but the several Pinot Noirs, each flavorful and with its own personality, are the highlights.

    2800 Guntly Rd., California, 95466, USA
    707-895–3737

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings from $15, Closed Tues. and Wed.
  • 9. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

    Something beautiful is always abloom in these marvelous gardens. Along 4 miles of trails, including pathways with ocean views and observation points for whale-watching, lie a profusion of flowers. The rhododendrons are at their peak from April through June; the dahlias begin their spectacular show in July and last through September. In winter, the heather and camellias add more than a splash of color. The main trails are wheelchair accessible.

    18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg, California, 95437, USA
    707-964–4352

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $20
  • 10. Mendocino Headlands State Park

    A 3-mile, easy-to-walk trail leads across the spectacular seaside cliffs bordering Mendocino. The restored Ford House, built in 1854, serves as the visitor center for the park and the town. The house has a scale model of Mendocino as it looked in 1890, when it had 34 water towers and a 12-seat public outhouse.

    45035 Main St., Mendocino, California, 95460, USA
    707-937–5397

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 11. Pennyroyal Farm

    At this ranch with a contemporary-barn tasting room and vineyard-view patio, you can sample Sauvignon Blanc, velvety Pinot Noirs, and other wines paired with award-winning artisanal cheeses made on the premises from goat and sheep milk. Engaging farmstead tours pass through the barn and by the creamery; the adorable animals win most guests' hearts. Reservations are required for the tour and suggested for tastings, though walk-ins for the latter are accepted when possible.

    14930 Hwy. 128, California, 94515, USA
    707-895–2410

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings from $25, Closed Tues. and Wed.
  • 12. Point Arena Lighthouse

    For an outstanding view of the ocean and, in winter, migrating whales, take the marked road off Highway 1 to this 115-foot lighthouse completed in 1908. On tours (last one at 3 pm), the 145-step climb rewards participants with a 360-degree panorama. The ground-level museum displays the original Fresnel lens and other maritime artifacts. Six cottages with full kitchens can be booked for overnight stays.

    45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena, California, 95468, USA
    707-882–2809

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $5 site, $10 tour and site
  • 13. Redwood Sky Walk at Sequoia Park Zoo

    Stroll 100 feet above the forest floor on California's oldest zoo's aerial walkway through old-growth and newer redwoods. Favorite wildlife viewing areas back on the ground include a walk-in aviary. A bear and coyote exhibit was set to open during 2023.

    3414 W St., Eureka, California, 95503, USA
    707-441–4263

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $25, Closed Mon.
  • 14. Saracina Vineyards

    Guests at this boutique winery's contemporary, stone-and-glass hospitality center enjoy views of landscaped outdoor picnic and tasting areas and the olive grove and vineyards beyond. The excellent Lolonis Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc's organic grapes come from California's oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines, planted in 1942. Standout reds include Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and the Soul of Mendocino blend. Hosts conduct combination cave and vineyard tours on Friday and weekends. 

    11684 U.S. 101, California, 95449, USA
    707-670–0199

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings from $20
  • 15. Sonoma Coast State Park

    The park's gorgeous sandy coves stretch for 17 miles from Bodega Head to 4 miles north of Jenner. Bodega Head is a popular whale-watching perch in winter and spring, and Rock Point, Duncan's Landing, and Wright's Beach, at about the halfway mark, have good picnic areas. Rogue waves have swept people off the rocks at Duncan's Landing Overlook, so don't stray past signs warning you away. About 2 miles north, calmer Shell Beach is known for beachcombing, tide-pooling, and fishing. Walk part of the bluff-top Kortum Trail or drive about 2½ miles north of Shell Beach to Blind Beach. Near the mouth of the Russian River just north of here at Goat Rock Beach, you'll find harbor seals; pupping season is from March through August. Bring binoculars and walk north from the parking lot to view the seals. Lifeguards are on duty at some beaches during summer, but strong rip currents and heavy surf keep most visitors onshore. Amenities: parking (fee); toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.

    3095 Hwy. 1, California, USA
    707-875–3483

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $8 per vehicle
  • 16. Anderson Valley Brewing Company

    Brewery tours, tastings, and cornhole, boccie, and disc golf provide an entertaining, diversified, and mainly outdoor experience at the home of Boont Amber Ale, double and triple Belgian-style ales, and other brews. Local winemakers clear their palates with the Bourbon Barrel Stout, aged in Tennessee whiskey barrels.

    17700 Hwy. 253, California, 95415, USA
    707-895–2337

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings from $14
  • 17. Barra of Mendocino

    Curved support beams swoop upward to a central peak at this winery, whose tasting space is as dramatic as the hospitality is down-home. The room sits amid a vineyard containing organically grown Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and several other grapes. The founding family's deep Mendocino roots and early adoption of sustainable practices are among the topics discussed at indoor and outdoor tastings.

    7051 N. State St., California, 95470, USA
    707-485–0322

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings from $10
  • 18. Bee Hunter Wine

    Winemaker Andy DuVigneaud of Bee Hunter prefers vineyards close to the ocean because the cool climate requires grapes to stay longer on the vine, preventing them from ripening before their flavors fully develop. His delicious output, poured with enthusiasm in a former car repair shop, includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, dry Riesling, rosé of Pinot Noir, several Pinot Noirs, and a few other reds.

    14251 Hwy. 128, California, 95415, USA
    707-895–3995

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings from $30
  • 19. Briceland Vineyards

    Lean yet flavorful Humboldt County Pinot Noirs are the specialty of this winery set amid the trees. In good weather, the low-key tastings take place in front of the weathered original winery building. Guests sip Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or other whites before sampling Pinots and perhaps Syrah or Zinfandel. Briceland hosts tastings on summer weekend afternoons and by appointment at other times.

    5959 Briceland Rd., California, USA
    707-923–2429

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings $20
  • 20. Brutocao Cellars

    Family-owned Brutocao produces Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon along with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Some of these wines, plus ones from Italian varietals like Sangiovese and Primitivo, are poured in Hopland's 1925 former high school building, whose outdoor areas have picnic tables and regulation boccie courts.

    13500 S. U.S. 101, California, 95449, USA
    800-433–3689

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Tastings $10, Closed Mon. and Tues.

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