I stumbled on a blog that asks the question – What is fun to see and do along the Northern California Coast? The rest of the question provided more information…

“My girlfriend and I are planning a week long car trip around April up the California coast. We plan on leaving from the San Francisco area and heading north from there and are wondering what there is to do for three college students with a bit of money. This trip is going to be an escape/vacation for us and we are looking for things unusual and exciting.  Any suggestions from NorCal locals on what to do in the towns or anything that is must see?”

Where do I start? I’ll leave out the great places to stay, eat, and shop, and list just a few of the unusual or exciting places I take friends and family when they come to visit. Remember, this is a partial list – search this site to discover more fun stuff to do or find out more about this short list.

1. Glass Beach (free)

2. Fort Bragg Oddities Walking Tour (self-guided, free)

3. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (so worth the admission)

4. CV Starr Community Center – indoor water park / pool and gym (admission by the day)

5. Triangle Tattoo Museum (free)

6. Giant Redwoods – Hendy Woods or Redwood State Park (Old Growth stands, so worth the drive) or Otis Johnson – a city park with big redwoods right in town (free)

7. Liquid Fusion Kayaking – ‘rock gardening’ for extreme adventure, or paddle up the Noyo River for a lazy adventure (make reservations ahead of time)

8. Surf at Virgin Beach in MacKerricher State Park (free)

9. Listen to jazz at the Headlands Coffee House (no cover)

10. Check your email in the Company Store while enjoying a Mendocino Cookie Company treat, or something delicious and healthy from the Living Light raw food deli (free wi-fi)