Our small farm features organic garden beds full of well-tended produce and herbs, flowers for you to cut and take, an orchard, egg-laying hens, goats, and rabbits. Every evening, just hang the provided basket outside your door and we’ll deliver farm-fresh eggs to use as ingredients for your morning breakfast; you also are free to harvest veggies, herbs, and fruits at any time for cooking. The mild temperatures throughout the year allow for growing conditions year-round.
We are happy to stock your cottage with one of our grocery baskets before your arrival, including traditional staples as well as hand-crafted sweets, fresh-baked bread, and other provisions from our favorite local vendors.
For the perfect picnic, a wine-and-cheese escape, or a tantalizing dessert, just choose from our menu and we’ll do the rest. Your basket will include all the necessities, from bites to bevvies and blankets. The only thing left is to find that special spot among our nine acres (and we can help with that, too).
Our property includes a private path to a beautiful secluded beach directly across Highway 1, perfect for picnics, tide-pool fun with the kids, even spotting whales. The trail to the beach is about 125 steps down and 200 up, a mystical anomaly only kids can understand!
The east side of the property includes a redwood and pine-tree grove as well as the meandering Ferguson Creek, which runs through the property to the ocean.
Dogs are welcome at Mar Vista, and many beaches and trails in the area allow dogs as well. Our nine acres serve as the perfect playfield, and we offer a dog-wash station with warm water—no more freezing hose-downs after a fun day of play! Please see our policies page for details.
For those who like to grill, we have three stone barbecues throughout the property, and two additional barbecues in the main gathering area. We provide our own natural wood + kindling and paper to start and maintain BBQ’s and the fire pit. We prohibit any kind of lighter fluid. Please do not bring any of your own wood, charcoal or accelerants. No outside grills of any kind are permitted on property.
Ideal for congregating with loved ones and friends old or new, our main gathering spot offers views of the upper pond, a fire pit and ample seating, along with picnic tables, two barbecues with utensils, and an outdoor sink.
Our secluded redwood soaking tub is located in a gazebo at the edge of the upper pond. Filled with pure water from Mar Vista, and using no chemicals, it is a wonderful way to take in the coastal air—and the views of the Pacific. The soaking tub must be reserved and is limited to one cottage use per day per stay. Available for adults only.
Connection with others is paramount—but we also understand the need to stay connected in other ways, too. Wireless internet is available throughout our cottages and common areas. Because our current system relies on a satellite/microwave connection, weather or local interference can affect performance. We recommend downloading any media or large files ahead of time if you plan on streaming.
We have one Juice Box 40 EV car charging station for registered guests only. The Juice Box 40 is a Level 2 charging station that can power most electric vehicles on the market today, including Teslas via an adapter commonly used by Tesla drivers. It is available on a first come, first served basis. We just ask that you move your car as soon as it’s charged up in order to free it up for the next guest.* We allow one car per cottage. Any additional cars will be charged .50 per kilowatt. This amenity is available for registered guests staying at Mar Vista ONLY. *Please note – in order to conserve energy the charging station is powered off during peak energy hours 4pm – 9pm.
Here are some of our local grocers and eateries.
Please inquire directly to check hours and availability.
ANCHOR BAY STORE – VILLAGE MARKET
Just .5 miles south of Mar Vista, the Anchor Bay store carries all the basics including fresh meat (butchered themselves) and a nice bulk section of goods, homemade soups and sandwiches and more.
The Surf Market is located in downtown Gualala, just 4.5 miles south of Mar Vista. Offering an amazing selection of quality products featuring locally made artisan foods, sustainable seafood, local and organic produce, specialty cheeses, hot and cold deli offerings, a large hand picked selection of wine and spirits, and yummy baked goods.
Our local supermarket, right in downtown Gualala in the Sundstrom Mall. Just 4.5 miles south of Mar Vista, Gualala Supermarket carries everything you need from produce, to meat + fish, beer, wine + spirits.
Purveyors of local sustainable seafood.
Little Dory Seafood Co. was founded by two passionate and adventurous fisherwomen, Elissa and Emilie, with a deep-rooted connection to the sea and a shared vision of sustainable fishing practices. They have 2 sale locations – Fridays 3-4p outside Druids Hall in Point Arena and Saturdays 9:30-12:30p in Downtown Gualala across from the Community Center. Check their site for weekly availability and to Pre-order.
Authentic Thai cuisine with a good selection of wines and beers. Just 2 minutes south off Mar Vista on Hwy 1. Outdoor seating available.*
Local shop with pizzas, calzones, and other favorites, as well as wine and beer.
Serving breakfast and lunch Friday through Wednesday. Outdoor seating available.
Fine Dining Restaurant and Bar open, just 2 miles south of Mar Vista on Hwy 1.
Fish n Chips, Clam Chowder, Seafood Favorites, Cold Brews and Wine.*
American grill serving pasta, seafood and burgers. Outdoor seating available.
THE BLACK DOOR MEXICAN CUISINE
A small owned business serving classic authentic Mexican food from Jalisco, Mexico. Outdoors seating available
A great spot with fresh seafood and other local delicacies where the Gualala River meets the sea.
Serving in-season, locally sourced ingredients for lunch and dinner.
Dining Room open on limited nights for dinner, with a bar/lounge offering lite bites and drinks. The Cafe serves breakfast & lunch daily.
An izakaya is defined as a type of Japanese pub, where a variety of
small plates are served to accompany the alcoholic beverages. *
Sweet and savory daily pastries, cookies, and coffee. Special occasion desserts and cakes.*
Brick oven pizza, organic salads, beer & wine. Outdoor seating available.
A one-of-a-kind oceanfront restaurant and venue. Everyday offers amazing views, from the surfers braving the pounding waves to the fisherman hauling in their daily catch.
A culinary experience here on the ‘secret coast’ that has garnered them 2 Michelin Stars. Cultivating as much food from their own land and tidepools as possible, offering a hyper-local experience that is constantly evolving. Reservations MUST be made in advance. Approx 40min north of Mar Vista in the town of Elk.
*A Mar Vista Favorite
A new restaurant open for dinner as well as brunch/lunch on the weekends. Offering a limited but delightful menu. Approx 40min north of Mar Vista in the town of Elk.
GREENWOOD RESTAURANT AND ELK HOUSE
At Greenwood Restaurant, experience approachable fine dining in an intimate 22-seat setting, where locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and culinary artistry pay homage to coastal Mendocino’s sense of place.
For a more casual setting, Elk House is a vibrant eatery for families, friends, and wanderlust travelers to gather. Think “Uncle Ryan’s favorite food to eat” inspired dishes and a curated selection of craft beers and wines. Walk-ins only. Approx 40min north of Mar Vista in the town of Elk.