DISCOVER
LITTLE RIVER CALIFORNIA

Mendocino Village sits atop the Mendocino Headlands, overlooking the mouth of Big River. Where there's a Big River (or Big Creek, or Big whatever), there's likely to be a Little one as well - thus we have Little River!

While you're planning your trip to Mendocino, be sure to check HotelsCombined for the best hotel pricing:

View from behind the Little River Deli;
(CC) Angela Sevin

Plus it's pretty central to all the other great attractions along the Mendocino Coast, whether they be south (Albion, Anderson Valley) or north (Van Damme, Mendocino, Fort Bragg).

Christmas at Little River Inn
More pictures

• 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 the Post Office complex that's known as Little River, it sits up on a hillside, and it has unbelievable views 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 down the California coast! It was one of the most extraordinary sights I've ever experienced!

  
  

  There are other inns 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.



• While you're in the area, spend some time at Van Damme State Park on Little River - you'll see from whence comes its name. The river is more of a creek! But it's home to the Fern Canyon Trail, Mendocino County's own Pygmy Forest, and the bog or Cabbage Patch - where Skunk Cabbage is abundant!

  You'll find a small beach at the river's mouth which is a great starting point for scuba and abalone divers. And you'll find there are kayak tours of the Mendocino coast that begin here.

• Don't miss the chance to dine at one of the exquisite
  restaurants in and around Little River California. For such a small place, there are a lot of choices!

  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!/p>

  For a special treat, try La Petite Rive - a new little gourmet restaurant that has local history. It's hidden in the Little River Post Office building.

  We basically stumbled on this tiny tucked-away restaurant and
  couldn't have been more pleased with our discovery! Husband and wife chefs, Troy and Melanie Barrett, are gracious hosts, the prices are extremely reasonable for the five 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 and Bar, and Harbor House Seaside Dining (in the hamlet of Elk).

• Take the short drive up to Mendocino Village or Fort Bragg for a bit of exploring, sight-seeing, and shopping.
• Hike along the ocean, the headlands, or in the forests - you'll discover scenery as diverse as sandy beaches and old-growth redwood trees.

See photos of Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

• 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. If you're 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 (for Whale Watching Tips). Also keep a lookout for sea otters, porpoises, sea lions, and sea birds - both migratory and resident!
• Or simply relax, have a nice glass of wine, and read a book the beach or on your private deck or balcony!

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!

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