Navarro River Redwoods State Park was one of the last places I explored in California before moving…read moreback to Washington State in October 2019. I was on one of my driving adventures north of the San Francisco Bay Area and noticed the sign for this park as I was driving on the road I was on. Not sure where a central hub was, I decided to explore by utilizing the pull-offs along the road. From different pull-off areas, I spotted a number of trails heading off into the redwood trees, however I opted to stay closer to my vehicle. Some of the remains of fallen redwoods were closer to where I parked and I had fun checking that out. I had recently gotten a buzzcut hairstyle and more than usual appreciated the sun protection the trees provided for my scalp/noggin.

Until today, I'd never seen a redwood tree in person. I've missed out. And if you've never seen one…read moreeither, then you're missing out. California Route 128 goes through this beautiful state park on both sides of the road with a few narrow pullouts on both sides and the occasional lane that leads back to an organized campsite. I wasn't interested in camping here but I did park and take pictures and walk through these amazing trees for a little bit, hoping that I wasn't about to get eaten by a bear. No bears spotted. The main body of the park is eleven miles long and between 20 and 500 yards wide. There is also a beach section near the Navarro River bridge with campsites available on a first-come, first-served. That wasn't today's itinerary either. Absolutely magical and I'm so glad to have experienced this park. [Review 17615 overall - 406 in California - 1134 of 2022.]

Van Damme is a perfect place to camp. The combination of so many natural features such as…read moreocean/beach, Forrest, mountains, river, and proximity to Mendocino proper makes it a fantastic destination. The scenic hiking trails are awesome.

Returned to Van Damm State Park for a second time and already looking forward to future visits…read more I've yet camped at the upper campsites. Only experienced the two lower loops closest to the entrance as well as the beach across the highway. It's an overall great campground. The only concern would be your neighbors and the mosquitos at sites that are along the creek. Most if not all sites are RV friendly. Anything larger than a mid-sized travel trailer, you might want to be selective. For trailers that are low profiled, stick to the lower loops to avoid scraping. Opted to never pull a trailer here because I'm not a fan of towing on highway 1. Typically, the host would drive around the campground delivering firewood at 12 dollars a bundle. Otherwise, they are available at the host's designated site.

Big River State Park in Mendocino is absolutely stunning, one of those places where you're reminded…read morehow much nature is showing off along this coast. With the river winding through redwoods and opening out toward the ocean, the scenery feels almost unreal in its scale and beauty. There are trails everywhere, great spots for kayaking, hiking, or just sitting quietly and taking it all in. The whole Mendocino area is packed with parks, and this one is a standout for its grandeur and sense of peace. It really feels like a place to slow down and appreciate how incredible the natural world is.

I've visited Mendocino many times and somehow have never spent time at this wonderful (and free)…read morestate park. The entrance is off Highway 1, just outside Mendocino's shopping district and headlands. There are big wide beaches where the river meets the ocean which are visible right away. However, if you make a left at the bottom of the hill and drive a short ways to the end of the lot, there's a wonderful trail that meanders alongside the river. This former logging road is wide and gently graded (at least for the first 2.5 miles I walked on it.) It's great for bikes and more casual "hikes." It goes, I believe, about 7 miles inland so you can go as far as you'd like and turn around. It's a mellow journey and one more about the sites and sounds along the trail and the general peacefullness of the area, rather than a specific destination. You weave along the river and eventually in to the redwoods, where the water views become filtered through the trees. Along the way, we saw a few banana slugs and enjoyed a mostly shaded trail. I would love to come back with my bike and do the whole trail, end to end. The start of the trail had more people, which then tapered to just a few bikers and runners after the first mile or so. Seems to be a local's spot and they're very lucky to have it!

Beautiful and peaceful spot on the picturesque Mendocino coast. It is one of the least traveled…read morespots outside of locals. Great for shells, surfing and just getting some sun. Has an RV park close with a store. Probably my favorite spot to get away.

If these views could talk, they'd literally be screaming. That's what I was doing deep down inside…read moreas I walked along this scenic coastal trail. Those views are simply breathtaking. You can easily spend your entire day here and never get bored. This trail goes on for miles on end right alongside the beautiful Mendocino coastline. The official parking lot is the one right across from Glass Beach, but there are actually several different access points to this trail. I started my hike from Mackerricher State Park and continued down until I reached Glass Beach. There's a paved pathway (also known as Haul Road) which runs along the coast and is great for a nice leisurely stroll. People with strollers and wheel chairs can easily navigate this paved path. And then, there's the actual coastal dirt path that literally hugs the coastline. This is the path I spent the most time on. You'll pass by tons of secluded pocket beaches and the most gorgeous tide pools along the dirt path. There's also a few up and downs, making this path a bit more adventurous than the flat paved one next to it. Access to the beaches down below are super easy from the trail minus the little bit of scrambling needed to actually get down there. You'll be hit with beautiful coastal views from every angle. It's pretty addictive actually. And the best part is that there are so many amazing little stop-offs along the way, many of them being super secluded. I was able to enjoy a few spots where I practically had the beach and the tide pools all to myself. Many people were wearing masks but a lot of people weren't. The good thing is, both paths are really easy to social distance on. If you're looking for a a beautiful place to hike or to take a leisurely stroll along the coastline, the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail is the one.

This is an easy coastal trail with several off-rout options. Read up on the geology, and the trail…read morewill be even more interesting. Park at the Glass Beach parking lot, join the trail on the bike path or from the beach. I prefer

A hidden gem on the Mendocino coast. This beach was once a secluded beach, where only locals would…read morecome to abalone dive, fish and lay out. A few years ago the city of Fort Bragg made this nice beach known to the public. They made a nice trail that takes you down to the beach, next to some amazing houses. Located 1/4 of a mile from Ocean Dr. It's an easy walk or jog through a wooded area down to some steps that will lead you to the beach, or you can stay on the trail and it will take you to a breath taking view of the ocean,once there you will get a 330 degree view of the Pacific Ocean. Make your way to the rocky beach. Be careful walking down the stairs because they get slippery. Once on the beach you can enjoy a little fresh water waterfall, some fishing and ab diving or you can just sit and enjoy the view. Oh and be sure to wave at my Grandpa, who lives in one of those amazing house !!!

My fave hike in Fort Bragg. Best to go at dusk, it's magical... especially the Eucalyptus Grove…read more Not too long or difficult of a hike to the coast but the trail entrance is a little challenging to find.

If you are looking for something cool and unique to do while you're in Fort Bragg, the evening…read moretrain ride to Glen Blair Junction needs to be in your list. Get ready to hop on a train and roll through the woods--you can either sit inside the train or stand on an open car--that's what we did and it was lovely. Beautiful scenery (even in the dark) and fresh air. The destination itself is pretty cool. Fairy lights galore, lots of fire pits, tables, games, and really great live music. There's a little bar where you can order drinks (or mocktails) and you can even purchase a s'mores kit that comes with sticks so you can roast marshmallows on the fire. There's not a better way to spend an evening then sitting under the stars in the middle of the woods in front of a crackling fire (you're surrounded by fire wood piles so you get it as roaring as you'd like), great music and a beverage of your choice. Pro tips: The bathrooms are actual bathrooms and are nice, which is wonderful--I was expecting port-a-potties and was pleasantly surprised Of course one of the main draws is the bar and there's mostly adults there (at least when we were) but it's actually a very family friendly venue. I saw quite a few kids sitting with their families. The fire pits filled up fast. Head over on the first train of the night for your best chance to ensure you snag a seat there if that's what you're going for. Bring something to place on your chair if you get up to go to the bathroom or wander around. As the arrivals roll in, prime seating becomes a hot commodity. You can preorder a little cheese and cracker snack box. They also had chips and a few other grab and go snacks for sale at the bar (besides the s'mores) but that's about it. I believe you can bring your own food in if you like--I saw several people doing that. Or, just eat dinner at one of the amazing restaurants nearby before you come. The staff is super nice--from the folks in the gift shop, the conductors/train staff, the bartenders--they provide a really great experience! We had a blast here and can't wait to come back. Such a fun and unique experience!

Good food good company good drinks and good times! All in a beautiful place! The only downside is…read morethe train is always late but that's not too bad if you aren't in a rush

We were staying in town and wanted a place to let my dogs run around. This place is at the…read morecommunity center. It's a fairly large dog park. It's devided into a large and small dog side. It has water and poopie bags. Also has shade The people who I meet were friendly and so were their dogs. My only concern was it's tan bark for the surface. This stuff breaks down and may cause splinters or the dogs may breath in wood particles.

Great place to exercise my dogs, safe environment for them to meet and play with other dogs, with…read moretwo fenced in areas one for large dogs and snither for small/shy dog. Clean, water, secure, nice benches, covered shelter for rainy days on large dog side, lots of space to run play and throw the ball, plenty of parking. The dog park is one of the reasons I bring my dogs here when I'm in vacation, so they can have fun too. Lots of friendly people. Good friendly dogs. I love this place. Everyone is super friendly. Clean clean clean with a trash/poop receptacle along with tools to clean up after dogs.