The windswept Mendocino Coast is pure California. Highway 1 twists, turns, winds, and steeply climbs, then sharply descends. At every switchback, the road opens to vistas of waves crashing onto jagged rocks. Driving the Mendocino coast is half the fun. Here are some ideas for passing the time:

Stroll through the postcard-perfect Victorian village of Mendocino. Stop to sample sweet lemon buttery jam, praline pecan sauce, or honey mustard at Mendo Jams (www.mendojams.com) on Main Street.

Paddle along Big River or pedal along the old riverfront logging trail. Rent kayaks, canoes, and bikes at Catch-A-Canoe & Bicycles Too (www.catchacanoe.com).

Spot migrating whales. At 115 feet, the historic Point Arena Lighthouse (below, www.pointarenalighthouse.com) offers an ideal vantage point.

Visit Bowling Ball Beach, named for hundreds of perfectly round boulders that line the sand like a bizarre collection of dinosaur eggs.

Stay at Mar Vista Cottages (www.marvistamendocino.com) in Anchor Bay, and find everything you need to vacation like it's 1949: Adirondack chairs, woodstoves, and percolator coffee. Innkeepers former Army CWO Tom Dorn and his wife, Renata, offer guests just-laid eggs and fresh veggies from their garden.

Sup at Ravens' (www.ravensrestaurant.com) an award-winning and romantic fine-dining restaurant famous for its innovative vegetarian cuisine.

Toast a perfect day with a cold beer at Pier Chowder House & Tap Room (www.thepierchowderhouse.com) on the Point Arena wharf. Its outdoor patio is a picturesque location to watch the sunset.