I visit Mendocino every five years or so, and each time, I make a point to stop by Jug Handle…read moreNatural Reserve. On this trip, I made it down to the beach and was rewarded with a few sea glass finds, moody coastal views and a new perspective of the park. After looping along the coastal bluff trail, there's an obvious path down to the beach that's not too steep. If you're up for a longer hike, there's the Ecological Staircase trail. I've not done that hike, yet, but seems like it could be an interesting adventure. Since my last visit, I've noticed improvements on the trail and better signage. It's free to park and a great stop to stretch your legs along the Mendocino coast. Spring brings lots of wildflowers, so it's a great walk, even on rainy moody days. Always a must stop when I'm in the area.

This is a great place to access a beautiful , clean beach. It's a short hike along a trail then…read moredown some stairs. It's a perfect and not crowded beach. Since I was here last, they've created some raised decomposed granite trails. These raised, packed trails look like they would be conducive for use by strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. It's a beautiful addition to these grounds. There is a decent sized parking lot, portable toilets, clear signage. The grounds and trails are clean, the beach was prestige. Kudos for the new trails.

There are endless breathtaking views along this stretch of Highway 1 in the Fort Bragg and…read moreMendocino areas, but not all of them offer you a place to take it in outside of the car....safely that is. This turned out to be such a one, and a convenient one at that, with just enough parking for us to squeeze into a space and go play in the sand. It turned out to be one of many cool spots we found last weekend on our extended weekend trip. What a cool beach this is! We were lucky to arrive in late afternoon, with overcast skies that made for a dramatic backdrop. I could have stayed here all day! This side of the road beach was a first time visit for me and I would definitely return. The bf climbed the boulder on the beach and thus was named King of the Rock. And there's nothing you girls can do about it. He wondered about climbing the boulder out in the ocean sometime and I said can you not? He is brave. I swoon. I noticed there were plenty of seashells among the seafoam and enjoyed looking at them while watching for incoming surf. If you are a dog there are an assortment of sticks for you to choose from. Two lorge logs were positioned on the beach for sitting, and we did have chairs we brought but didn't end up using them because we fancied some fresh beyond fresh seafood and didn't stay long enough for a heckin relax. Beware that the way you park determines if you'll be able to see who is coming around the corner when you're leaving. If you come in too fast and don't think about it, you won't be able to see crap when it's time to leave. Not that I did this or anything hahaha. There's not but a few feet between the parking spaces and the road. Don't worry, I was able to maneuver around another vehicle to exit safely, but had it been in a busy day in non rona times, that could have been ugly.

This is one of our favorite beaches when visiting the North Coast. It's a little harder to get to,…read morea little further way from where most people stay and very limited on parking, but it's a spacious, sandy getaway with plenty of glorious natural features. The beach is long and spacious, with majestic cliffs surrounding and "Whale Rock" at one end. The name is self-evident once you see it. My wife and I have taken long strolls with our son along the soft sand with the cold water lapping at our feet. It's an especially great spot for a picnic when the weather is right. During our last visit, we came on a weekday and virtually had the entire place to ourselves! There are some downsides, but I won't discount stars because the beach in itself is worth it. The biggest being the parking - a narrow strip of about ten spaces along a busy curvy road. If you can't find a spot here, which is usually the case if you don't come early, you'll be forced to find a spot further up the road in a culvert and hike back. Not the best situation, but again, the beach is wonderful!

My vertigo was running pretty strong this morning as I looked out over the bluffs here. That said,…read morethere was plenty of opportunity to enjoy some absolute peace. There wasn't a single sound this morning except the blowing wind and my heart beating in my ears. Great spot with a walkway and marked path. As long as you stick to that path, you're fine. If you're feeling adventurous, you can do some climbing. Just be sure someone knows your next of kin. [Review 17626 overall - 416 in California - 1145 of 2022.]

Pomo Bluffs has a beautiful scenery. There are many trails , and weather in early July is cool,…read moresunny but breeze, too. Just perfect! We've travel up and down CA coastal several times, and I still can't get enough! From the Monterey Peninsula to the bluffs, it is just breathtaking. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes, great walking shoes, light sweater, plenty of water, snacks and of course sun screen. the scenic, trails, pathways, are breathtaking . Even thought Carmel, Cambrian and sand dollar are my favorite places in Northern Ca. It doesn't matter if you like trails or 60 degree weather these are the places to visit. Big Sur, DelMonte,Morro Bay , half moon bay, anything by the northern peninsula or above the peninsula, I totally recommend. I will assure you that you'll enjoy the scenes, the trails, the resting benches, the weather, and sunsets. Be adventurous and travel one of the most beautiful highways in California "highway 1."

Absolutely love this place!…read more I just wish that there were reviews on how to actually get to the trails/paved walking areas. So for all of you out there that are wanting a nice, serene hike/more of a walk and listen up! First, you're going to want to locate the Beachcomber motel (the green one). The , you're going to want to go one parking lot north of that. On your left side as you're heading north you will see a small parking lot. This is where you want to park. On another note, there is access to that pedestrian bridge through a residential area that is south of the motel. You'll have to map it because we did not come this way and I cannot advise you on how to get here. Lol. There are so many opportunities to walk along the ridge as well as paved areas that share space with all of the coastline motels. Your options are vast and you could easily get a 3 to 4 mile walk/run in this area. I'm actually not sure how much further down it goes because the pup and I got tired. Lol . If you're walking along the ridge, consider wearing pants. I don't recommend tights because there are a lot of branches and bushes that stick out on the dirt trails. Wearing some windbreakers or sweatpants is likely your better option. There are breathtaking views from anywhere you go along the coastline. Either from the paved road or from the dirt paths. I do recommend clothed toed shoes if you are going off the paved path. There are some parts where the sand is loose and other parts where is completely rock. This is where I wish I would've had my hiking boots on, but my running shoes held up just fine. As you get further from what we'll call motel row, it gets quieter and more serene. More importantly, there's less foot traffic and bike traffic. It is very congested by the bridge itself, both on the bridge and below on the beach. This seems to be one of the longest areas in Fort Bragg to walk or ride your bike. There are some cooler places south of Fort Bragg in Mendocino that are also worth exploring. ***PSA*** This is a special announcement for all you doggy owners. Please don't be that person that does not bring poop bags. Your dog is almost guaranteed to shit on that bridge and we witnessed it TWICE. Once from a very large dog, whose poop was kicked around. As well as a smaller dog, who had the case of the runs. Neither of those situations are flattering. If anything, they are embarrassing... for YOU. Forgot to add that parking is free and there is a restroom (use at your own risk).

This spot is nice. You can either walk the Trestle along the long path and have the view of the…read morePacific Ocean, or you can go down to the beach area and explore. There's not a bad phot spot around the whole area. Would love to go there again next time I visit.

This beach is a bit more about the journey than the destination. For a day in the sand and waves,…read moreyou probably want to go to the nearby Pudding Creek beach area, or a bit farther to the very large Ten Mile Beach. The road to the lot takes you through a marina with tiny, cozy restaurants as well as a well-kept trailer park that features a couple of cute permanent single-wides. Adjacent to the trailer park is an authentic art gallery with even more authentic questionable opening hours. The river is perhaps best viewed from a lovely staircase trail that's lined with blackberries and tons of other wildflowers. Come here to watch the boats pass and explore the cozy harbor area. Walk over to Sea Pal Cove for some excellent fish and chips. Then perhaps make your way to one of the more popular beaches.

This beach is absolutely AMAZING I got to have so much fun with my family my dog was able to have a…read morelot of fun the shore is the best part the water will come up and soak your feet with nice cold or warm water i recommend sitting on a rock that's clean and let the water come up to your feet and maybe throw rocks in the water this place is absolutely amazing I recommend for older and younger people amazing and completely dog friendly many spots to relax this place is amazing.

Beautiful park in the center of town. Great place for a picnic, swings for kids, dog friendly,…read moregrass, flowers, shade tree, walking paths, and more. There is street parking all around the park as well as in adjacent area. I try to visit this spot whenever I am in town.

A small Mendocino city park, located a short walk from the main area, has picnic tables for a…read morequick bite and room for the kids to relax and run around, burning off some of that shopping malaise. Some tall mature trees and a small playground mark this park. New trees have been planted as the park looks toward a better future. However, it could use a little TLC, as it is kind of scruffy, with threadbare grass. The main pathway through the park, with an attractive border of names of donators, was sullied by dirt and mud. A new grassy area and regular maintenance would go a long way to an improved appearance. It's located in the southeast part of downtown, bordered on the south by Main Street, between Lansing and Howard Streets.

I think they have a new owner. The pool is broken. No more smoothie bar and the front desk person…read moreis extremely rude. People go here to relax not get stressed out and the front desk is a key part to that. Not sure if management knows what they are doing but they should have a nice front desk person.

Here is a location that has been on the Coast for years as it has changed names and owners numerous…read moretimes. You can get everything you want at this location for your health kick, when I say everything I mean EVERYTHING. The location has a swimming pool, racquetball courts plus all your weight lifting and cardio machines The parking is easy here as they have their parking lot which makes it easy to get in and out.

Figure of Beach This…read moreis the Beach portion of the similarly-named state park that's attached to the east. The Good: *It's nature! *It's the beach! *Free parking! *The sandy portion of the beach is HUGE, and could accommodate hundreds of beachgoers, if need be. But, I suspect, it's probably mostly empty due to the area and the small parking lot. *Gorgeous cliffs surround the beach, with some nice big rocks off the coast. *Short (±500') walk from the parking lot to the beach The Meh: *As I mentioned earlier, the parking lot is awful small and only holds 30 regular parking spots + 2 handicapable spots which are to be shared btwn the beach and park. The Ugly: *The stairs getting from the p-lot to the beach are pretty steep, which I didn't mind, but if "Somebody" has bad knees then they will def be a challenge. *Water is def *NOT* swimmable unless one has a death wish. TLDR: Great beach to chillax at and pretty much have to oneself. Make sure to check out the park, as well, for a well-rounded day of nature therapy.