"WHAT AND WHERE," YOU MIGHT ASK, "IS LITTLE RIVER CALIFORNIA?"
Mendocino Village sits atop the Mendocino Headlands, overlooking the mouth of Big River. Where there's Big River (or Big Creek, or Big "whatever"), there's likely to be a "Little" - thus we have Little River!
WHERE LITTLE RIVER MEETS THE PACIFIC OCEAN
Little River California (3 miles south of Mendocino Village) isn't much more than a hamlet or a whistle-stop - there's a Post Office, a little store, and a wonderful little restaurant (more about that later), all sharing the same wood-frame building.
So why go there? Well, it's surrounded by State Parks, beaches, dramatic scenery, forests, 4 and 5 star inns and restaurants - and it's pretty central to all the other attractions along the Mendocino Coast, whether they be south or north.
Treat yourself to a pampered few days at one of the lovely inns around Little River. My favorite is the family-owned Little River Inn. It's right across Highway 1 from "downtown" Little River with an unbelievable view of the Pacific Ocean! The first time we ever stayed there, I woke up the next morning and - still in bed - looked out to sea to discover a small pod of Gray Whale breaching for air as they made their way south!!
There are others to choose from, though: Brewery Gulch Inn, Auberge (formerly Rachel's Inn), Glendeven, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, Albion River Inn - just to name a few.
Spend some time at Van Damme State Park on Little River - home to the Fern Canyon Trail, Mendocino County's own Pygmy Forest, and the Cabbage Patch! You'll find a small beach at the river's mouth which is a great starting point for scuba & abalone divers and offers kayak tours of the Mendocino coast.
Dine at one of the exquisite restaurants in and around Little River California. My favorites are the Little River Inn Garden Dining Room (we've never been disappointed here, and it's great fun to spend some time in Ole's Whale Watch Bar with the locals before dinner!); and La Petite Rive - a new little gourmet restaurant (but one with a history) hidden in the Little River Post Office building.
We just discovered this tiny tucked-away restaurant and couldn't have been more pleased with our experience! Husband and wife chefs, Troy & Melanie Barrett, are gracious hosts, the prices are extremely
reasonable for what you get (5 delicious courses), the ambiance is intimate, and the food is excellent! Don't miss an opportunity to dine here, but make your reservations in advance as the place is tiny and fills up fast!
Other excellent dining options nearby: Stevenswood Restaurant for California cuisine, Ravens' Restaurant for vegetarian dining, Albion River Inn Restaurant & Bar, and Harbor House Seaside Dining (in the hamlet of Elk).
Hike along the ocean, the headlands, or in the forests - from sandy beaches to old-growth redwood trees.
Tour the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse - it's in the process of being rennovated through volunteer work and you'll find an interesting history there!
Play golf or tennis at the Little River Inn.
Treat yourself to one of the spas near Little River California (looking forward to a manicure, pedicure, facial, or any number of massage techniques? - there's no better setting for pampering yourself)!
Watch for surfacing Gray Whales heading south between December and February, then back again north between February and March. Also keep a lookout for sea otters, porpoises, sea lions, and sea birds - both migratory and resident!
Or simply relax, read a book, have a nice glass of wine at the place of your choosing.
If you have time (and be sure to make time if you possibly can!) visit some of the other areas of Mendocino County as well - you won't be sorry you did!
Mendocino Village Mendocino Village is breathtakingly picturesque with tons to see and do!
Fort Bragg Fort Bragg has a glass beach, the Skunk Train, a fishing harbor, and much more!
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