We’re excited to share the ultimate summer guide to exploring California’s Secret Coast, with Mar Vista Farm + Cottages as your cozy home base. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking trails, tide pooling at low tide, savoring fresh local food, or simply unplugging and slowing down, we’ve gathered all the details you need.
Where to Stay: Choosing the perfect home base to make the most of your trip
Mar Vista Farm + Cottages is perfectly situated along the southern stretch of the Mendocino Coast just across Highway 1 from the Pacific Ocean. The eleven vintage style cottages offer charming living spaces, fully equipped kitchens, and expansive outdoor gathering areas. Included in you stay is access to the harvest gardens to compliment your meals, fresh laid eggs delivery nightly for your morning breakfast, daily animal activities, a creek trail on property and private access to Fish Rock Cove. A perfect home base to curl up on a hammock after a fun-filled day of exploration. Evenings can be spent gathering around the fire, or just stargazing under the night sky.
Where to Explore: Our favorite beaches, hikes, and excursions on the Secret Coast of Mendocino
Fish Rock Cove (only accessed directly by staying at Mar Vista) offers up spectacular tide pooling and due to the secluded nature, feels like your own private beach. In addition to the amazing sea life, you’re sure to spot sea lions, pelicans, and a variety of other local birds, seals or even dolphins, depending on the season. When the tide is low enough you can continue past the flowing tidefall for another 1/2 mile walk of secluded beach. Pro-Tip– This beach is also dog friendly and a great spot to throw the ball with your favorite pooch. after a fun-filled day of exploration. Evenings can be spent gathering around the fire, or just stargazing under the night sky.
Just a short drive north of Mar Vista, you can find Moat Creek Beach + Trail. The beach is just steps from the parking lot with plenty of opportunities for beach combing. Alternatively, take the walking trail up the stairs for a cliff hike offering up dramatic views of the Pacific, and coastal flora. Walking the trail, one mile south and you end up at the small secluded Ross Beach. Another opportunity for beach combing or making a driftwood fort. If you time it right, you can continue walking south from Ross Beach another mile to Bowling Ball Beach – A true natural wonder of sphere shaped rocks naturally formed from the surrounding cliffs, over millions of years. A favorite Mendocino coastal site to behold, but only visible when the tide is 1.5’ or lower. Pro-Tip – don’t try to access Bowling Ball Beach from this direction unless you have several hours of low tide. There is a northern entrance by Schooner Gulch that has quicker access from the south.
A few of our other favorite coastal trails include BlackPoint Beach to the south in the Sea Ranch, Gualala Point Regional Park, and to the north Pelican Bluff Trail and Manchester State Beach.
If River and Redwoods is of more interest, then the Mill Bend Preserve is the hike for you. This former mill site was acquired by the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy in 2021 and they have been lovingly restoring it ever since. With trails along the Gualala River, and the backside of the Gualala Arts Center, you will walk through lush fern covered trails and towering redwoods. On the other side of the highway and still part of the Mill Bend, is the Gualala estuary. If you’re lucky, you may even spot one of the Bald Eagles that have made the estuary their home. Pro-Tip -The preserve is still a restoration in progress, so there are no bathrooms on-site at this time.
From coastal hikes, to kayaking on the river, or horseback riding on the beach, there’s something for all adventurers.
Also home to the Mill Bend Preserve at the estuary is River Bend Kayaks. Rent a kayak or canoe and enjoy the serene waters among the majestic redwood forest and vibrant wildlife. Encouraging adventures of all ages, beginners welcome, and dog friendly too- A great activity for families, couples or solo travelers. During summer walk-ins are available, but reserving ahead is highly recommended to ensure availability.
Don’t Miss– Time your visit around the full moon, River Bend Kayaks offers the popular Moonlight Flotilla, a moonlit guided night tour on the Gualala River – dry bag and high quality telescope viewing opportunities included in your stay.
Further north, and about a 35 minute drive from Mar Vista, you can go horseback riding with Ross Ranch. Offering guided rides along the expansive coastline of Manchester Beach or a guided trail ride among the redwoods in the mountains of Elk. Tobi Ross, the owner and life long resident of the Mendocino Coast is your expert guide and matches each horse with your riding abilities. Reservations are required.
Shop the local Farmers Markets for hyper local produce, meat, fish, and other artisan products
The Gualala and Point Arena Farmers Markets kick off the season Memorial Day weekend. Stock up on fresh local meat, fish, and produce to cook up in your cottage and enjoy the best of the bounty straight from our closest farmers. Grab local seafood from Little Dory Seafood Co, delicious baked goods from Pelican Bread and Field Notes BakeShop and locally raised meats from Wild Heart farm. Find other farmers, artisan foods, soaps, and other specialty items too. The farmers markets are weekly on Friday afternoons in Point Arena, and Saturday mornings in Gualala.
Don’t miss –Wavelength Farm’s spicy salad greens and Nature’s Tune Farm’s organic strawberries – both farms offering up a variety of local produce grown right here on the South Mendocino Coast.
Be sure to check out Surf Market, offering an amazing selection of quality products featuring locally made artisan foods, sustainable seafood, local and organic produce, gourmet cheeses and other specialty products.
Where to Eat: Dining destinations for those nights you’d like someone else to do the cooking for you
In downtown Gualala, the Gualala Seafood Shack offers up the tastiest fish tacos, burgers, crab salads, and a kid friendly menu too. Trinks Cafe serves up sandwiches and salads with outdoor seating and an ocean view. The Black Door serves fresh Mexican dishes, with options for outdoor picnic table seating. The Sea Ranch Lodge serves up lunch and dinner daily, along with breakfast to-go items. Pro-Tip– If you visit during Spring, take the trail from the backside of the property for an enchanting display of coastal flowers, bursting with vibrant neon colors.
Further north in Point Arena, head to the pier for the best brick oven pizza and fresh, locally made salads at Point Arena Pizza. Sit outside and enjoy a slice while watching the surfers ride the waves. On main street you’ll find the best Japanese style pub Izakaya Gama, serving up fresh, local small plates (reservations required). Pro-Tip– If you like sake, be sure and hit up co-owner and sake sommelier Elise for her best recommendations to match your flavor interests. Just recently opened, The Record is a pub style eatery offering up local craft beers, and live music on Thursday nights. Maritime Cafe offers a limited but delightful menu of locally sourced ingredients in a casual intimate setting, with some outdoor seating available. To satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Franny’s Cup and Saucer, known for her variety of cakes, cupcakes, scones, and macaroons.
Looking for an elevated experience head to Greenwood Restaurant in Elk for an approachable fine dining experience or the Two Michelin Star Restaurant Harbor House for a full tasting menu sourced as much from their own land and tide pools as possible. Lunch tastings also available.
Seasonal Tips: What to bring and how to pack for your summer coastal visit
Our coastal climate on the Secret Coast brings an average temp of high 60’s to low 70’s during the day, and lows can get down to the 50’s in the early mornings and evenings. Fog along the coast is not uncommon, especially in the latter part of summer, but when the fog burns off, the sun envelopes you like a warm blanket. We always recommend packing and wearing layers for these fluctuations. Bring hiking and/or river shoes, binoculars for seeking out whales or bird watching, and always a good SPF. Tide pooling is optimal at low tides under one foot, and you can always check the tide levels ahead of your trip to plan accordingly.
Pro-Tip– Hours of operation often change with the seasons, so always call ahead for any restaurants or activities to ensure availability during your stay and to reserve your space. Limited restaurants are open on Mondays, and most places tend to close earlier than you may be used to in more urban areas.
