Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA

Coastal Lighthouse

Increasing shipping traffic to "dog hole" ports, dangerous reefs and several tragic shipwrecks all combined in the mid - 19th century to prompt to construction of a series of lighthouses along the California Coast. Among several along the coast on spectacular headland settings are:

• Point Arena Light and Museum - Just five miles south of the campground, originally began operation in 1870 and was destroyed by the great 'quake of 1906. It was soon rebuilt, salvaging the iron spiral stairs and lens room from the original light and began operation for the second time in January of 1908. Docent led tours are available.
• Point Cabrillo Light & Preserve - Located about 33 miles north of the campground and 3 miles north of the town of Mendocino. The light itself is a wooden structure and the FRESNEL lens was first lit on June 10, 1909. Point Cabrillo is one of the few stations left where the original keeper's dwelling still remains.
• Point Reyes is further south in Sonoma county.

Whale watching lookouts

Any high spot along the coast line is great. Some particularly good places are the Point Arena Lighthouse, Schooner Gulch, Manchester Beach - Alder Creek Access Road, Scenic look-out just north of Irish Beach or the Mendocino Headlands.

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Fort Ross State Historical ParkOriginally settled in 1812 as a Russian Fur Trading Colony then sold to John Sutter (of Sutter's Mill) in 1841 after the colony was abandoned. The Park has numerous interpretive and historical exhibits and excellent reconstructed/replicas of the original 1825 Russian Chapel and Fort buildings. Some of the original Russian Orchard and the old Call Ranch House and garden dating from a lightly later period can also be toured. Guided tours are available. Take a little extra time to walk down the cove and beach. Must See!!

The Sea Ranch

This country home community is well known for its unique architecture, a contemporary version of the New England "Salt-Box" style. Homes of Sea Ranch have been the focus of articles in Architectural Digest and Sunset magazines. There is an Architectural Home Tour and Wine Tasting event in May, sponsored by the Soroptomist on Mothers Day weekend. There are four public beach accesses, Shell Beach, Walk on Beach, Pebble Beach and Black Point Beach. (There is no RV parking available at these beaches.) Also open to the public is the Sea Ranch Golf Links. On the east side of highway one is a tiny jewel of a chapel (mile marker 55.66) open daily for meditation for the weary traveler.

Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve

Be sure to take this side road tour in spring when the rhoddies are in bloom!

Gualala

Great local Art Galleries, including one featuring Ansel Adams photographs, Gualala Art Center, Adventure Rents for river and ocean fun, dining, shopping and markets.

Bowling Ball Beach and Schooner Gulch Beach

(mile marker 11.41)

Whiskey Shoals Beach

(mile marker 12.5)

Moat Creek Beach

(mile marker 12.88)

Point Arena Cove

(mile marker 14.85)
You will find a pier with lift type boat launch available. Also, there seems to be pretty good fishing from the pier with the added bonus of not needing a fishing license! The cove supports a lively sea urchin and fishing industry along with restaurants and shops. It is also a popular with surfers. Main Street in Point Arena boasts a fabulous completely renovated theater, showing first run movies and live performances. There is also a terrific bakery, get there early, they sell out quickly!

To the north

Fort Bragg/Noyo Harbor

Fort Bragg is the home of the Skunk Train, Glass Beach and the Botanical Gardens. Noyo Harbor is one of the most productive harbors on the North coast. There are several restaurants to enjoy lunch or dinner and watch the Harbor Seals at play or fish mongers to pick up dinner to make back at the KOA! The harbor is also the home of the "World's Largest Salmon Barbecue" and firework display on the Fourth of July. There are restaurant retail shops, antique stores and the Guest House Museum for you to browse.

The Skunk Train

We'll be happy to make reservations for your half day trip on our coasts famous Skunk Train. You will depart Fort Bragg on the ocean for a leisurely ride on a old fashioned motor car through majestic redwood groves along the Noyo River. You will have a short stop in the forest, then return to Fort Bragg.

Glass Beach

This beach is known for its interesting and varied shapes of glass, worn smooth by the surf. Formerly the site of the town dump, it is a fun place to gather beach glass and a unique adventure. Located at the north end of town, turn left at Denny's.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

There are 47 acres of incredible beauty and nature to discover. "A plant lover's jewel set among native coastal woodland and coastal bluffs" - Sunset Magazine. The gardens are truly a beautiful sight, especially in spring when the rhododendron are at their best. Visit us online Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Mendocino

The village of Mendocino is a very picturesque historical village on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Originally a fishing and logging village, it is now noted for its many art galleries and restaurants, shops and Victorian bed & breakfast inns. The village has appeared in many movies and television shows. The Headlands Trail, which surround town is incomparable! It is also the location of the Kelley House and the Ford House Museums. Visit us online Mendocino Arts.

Elk/Coffey's Cove/Greenwood

Location of two towns with three names! Unsurpassed views and quiet beach in this small village that at one time was a bustling "dog hole" port with two hotels, two stores, 14 saloons and up to 11 sailing vessels in port. Visit us online - Elk Coast and Elk California Community

Great hikes

Pygmy Forest, Jughandle Ecological Staircase, Fern Canyon Discovery Trail, Russian Gulch State Park and the Headlands State Park. We have an informative hiking book available for purchase in the KOA Store.

To the east

Anderson Valley

Redwood forest to explore, orchards and vineyards await you in the Anderson Valley. There are many excellent wineries for tasting and picnic sites along highway 128. There is the small town of Boonville with is famous language "Boontling", Gowans Orchards, a great place to stop for refreshing cider and homegrown produce, shops and restaurants, even a local brew pub! There are some great side roads to for you to discover. Visit us online - Anderson Valley Chamber

Spacious campsites

3/4 mile walk to the beach

Two great playgrounds

The kids have soooo much FUN!!!

Sparkling heated pool (seasonal)

Hot tub (year round, 18 and older)

Large interactive Dog Park

Fire Rings and BBQ Grills

Fire rings and BBQ Grills are located at each site

On-going or Seasonal

Summer Saturdays Art Fest, Gualala

January

Mendocino Crab and Wine Days (last weekend of January, first weekend of February)
Gray Whale migration south peaks in January; return journey north late February through April

February

Symphony of the Redwoods, Gualala

March

Annual Mendocino Whale Festival
Annual Fort Bragg Whale Festival
St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Elk

April

Abalone Season Opens April 1 - June 30
Coastal Wildflowers, Rhododendrons
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Spring Sale
Rhododendron and Azalea Garden Tour, Fort Bragg
Wildflower Walks, Mendocino Headlands

May

Architectural Home Tour and Wine Tasting, Sea Ranch/Gualala
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
Garcia Fire and Rescue Annual Pig Roast, Manchester Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Quilt Show, Fort Bragg

June

Mendocino Coast Garden Tour, Mendocino Art Center
Kite Festival, Habitat for Humanity, Fort Bragg

July

Fireworks on July 7th and the Parade in Point Arena on July 8th.
Annual Lions' Club BBQ, Manchester Point Arena 4th of July Fireworks Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and Parade, Mendocino Mendocino Music Festival, The Headlands, Mendocino World's Largest Salmon BBQ, Noyo Harbor, Fort Bragg Summer Art &Craft Fair, Mendocino Art Center California Wine Tasting Championships, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards, Philo

July 2nd Saturday

Gualala Arts Auto Show Check out the website for some great photos of beautiful old cars and lots of fun.

August

Ab Season Re-opens August 1 - November 30
Summer Art Fair, Mendocino
Art In The Gardens, Mendocino Botanical Gardens
Annual Great Day in Elk, Elk
Art in the Redwood Festival, Gualala
Music Festival, Mendocino Headlands

September

Paul Bunyan Days Calibration, fort Bragg
Winesong!, Botanical Gardens
Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show, Boonville
Fall Plant Sale, Botanical Gardens

October

Abalone Festival Cook-off, Columbus Day weekend, Van Damme State Park

November

Country Christmas Sale, Crown Hall, Mendocino
Thanksgiving Art Fair & Holiday Wreath Sale, Mendocino Art Center
Mushroom Festival, Mendocino

December

White Tundra Swans Annual Winter Visit, Garcia Flats Manchester
Fort Bragg Hometown Christmas & Lighted Truck Parade
Mendocino Coast Christmas Festival, Fort Bragg