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A peaceful, romantic coastal escape perfect for couples or friends craving ocean views, quiet luxury, and small-town adventure. This day-by-day guide blends restful indulgence with local gems no rushing, just soaking up Mendocino County Coast magic.
Photo Courtesy of @the.tastefultraveler
Afternoon: Sandwiches, Sand & Check-In
Arrive in Elk just in time for a lunch, swing by The Elk Store, a local gem known for its hearty sandwiches made with fresh ingredients and house-baked bread. Grab your food to go, then head down to Greenwood State Beach, just a few minutes away. Unpack your picnic with an ocean view, kick off your shoes, and let the sea breeze officially mark the start of your getaway.
After lunch, check into Elk Cove Inn & Spa, your oceanfront sanctuary perched above a private stretch of beach. Settle into your room or cottage, pour a welcome glass of sparkling wine, and let the coastal calm start to work its magic. Wander the garden paths, explore the blufftop gazebo, or walk the trail down to the driftwood-strewn sand below.
Evening: Spa Escape & Fireside Ease
Enjoy some well-deserved self-care with a massage, a steam shower, or a quiet moment in the dry sauna, which will ease you into full relaxation mode. Later, enjoy dinner at SIBO, the inn’s on-site fine dining restaurant offering French-inspired seasonal cuisine with ocean views to match. End your first evening by the fire pit or wrapped in a blanket under the stars, glass of wine in hand, with only the sound of the waves for company.
Morning: Breakfast with a View & Bluff Walks
Start your day with a gourmet breakfast delivered right to your room. Think pastries, eggs, bubbly, and hot coffee. Once fueled, head to Navarro Point Preserve for a scenic bluff-top stroll with sweeping views of the Pacific.
Afternoon: Lunch & Point Arena Adventures
Take the short drive south to Point Arena, a charming coastal town full of character. Enjoy a casual, satisfying lunch at The Record, where fresh sandwiches, local greens, and artisan coffee make for the perfect mid-day refuel. After lunch, visit the Point Arena Lighthouse, where you can climb to the top for 360° ocean views or wander the clifftop trails nearby. Then visit the fascinating Coast Highway Art Collective.
Evening: Dinner at The Pier Chowder House & Tap Room
Stay in Point Arena for dinner at The Pier Place, where the harbor views are just as comforting as the hearty chowders and seafood pasta. Toast the sunset with a local beer or glass of wine, then cruise the coastal road back to Elk under a sky full of stars.
Morning: Slow Start & Breakfast Rituals
Let your final morning stretch out gently with breakfast on your deck or in the garden beneath the inn’s olive tree. Linger over one more coffee, take a final walk around the bluff, and soak in the beauty of this windswept hideaway.
Afternoon: Check-Out & Anchor Bay Detour
After check-out at 11:00 AM, take the scenic route south and stop in the tiny town of Anchor Bay. Grab a final espresso or chai at WhiteCap Coffee and Tea, a laid-back coastal café perfect for a light bite, souvenir browse, or journaling session before the drive home.
Evening: On the Road, Still Dreaming
Head home feeling rested, restored, and reconnected with salt in your hair and the rhythm of the waves still echoing in your mind.
Photo Courtesy of @christinavalhouli
Best Time to Go
Spring through fall offers sun-drenched afternoons, dramatic sunsets, and ideal weather for beach walks and spa days. Winter is quieter and moodier perfect for travelers seeking solitude, storm watching, and fireside relaxation.
What to Pack
Bring layers for shifting coastal weather think sweaters, windbreakers, and scarves. Add comfy shoes for trail walks, a good book or journal, and a swimsuit for the spa. A reusable tote is great for coffee stops and local finds.
Bonus Stop
B. Bryan Preserve located in Point Arena, this conservation preserve offers guided tours and close encounters with giraffes, zebras, and antelope in a stunning coastal setting. Advance booking is highly recommended.
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