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W E L C O M E T O T H E M E N D O C I N O N O RT H C O A S T N O R T H C O A S T m e n d o c i n o c o u n t y 3 A L B I O N Located on the Northern California coast in Mendocino County, Albion is home to some of the prettiest beaches and coastal views in all of California. Retaining the charm of its early foundations, visitors are swept by the romance of this sometimes fog-shrouded destination. Don't be surprised to see some local characters, as well. Albion was a seasonal home to Native Americans who harvested the bounty of the ocean for mussels, abalone and seaweed. The town of Albion was named by Captain W.A. Richardson after the ancient name for Britain, as it reminded him of the coastal cliffs of England. Today, the wild lands of Albion extend from just north of the town all the way south to the Navarro River. The area around Albion is rich with sheltered coves that are excellent for tide pooling, hiking and exploring. E L K Also known to some as Greenwood, Elk is truly one of the most stunning stops along the northern California coast. The region around Elk was home to some of the first non-native settlers along the coast. The town was named for the animals that inhabit the area, often visible among the open expanses. Jack London enjoyed visiting Elk during the early 1900s. Today, Elk is an intimate and charming town, lined with shops, inns and restaurants. Those traveling through town will also want to make a stop at Greenwood State Beach. Besides beach access and a great view of the ocean, you'll find a museum that attests to the town's fascinating lumbering history. L I T T L E R I V E R Was founded by trappers in the mid-1800s. Soon afterward, a small lumber mill was established near the mouth of the river, becoming home to a sawmill, shipyard and railroad. Located just two miles south of the village of Mendocino, Little River sits on a bluff overlooking one of the most popular beaches on the North Coast. This is where you'll find Van Damme State Park, which boasts a wonderful scenic trail system. It's home to the Pygmy Forest, a wooded area where mature, cone-bearing cypress and pine trees stand six inches to eight feet tall. Little River is especially popular with bicyclists, joggers and kayakers. Little River has a public airstrip attracting enthusiasts who fly in for a vacation and sometimes make it their home. M E N D O C I N O Is one of the most beautiful places in the world. This historic town, which sits on rugged bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, features dozens of unique shops, art galleries, and bed-and-breakfast inns. Visitors to Mendocino will find a variety of cultural and educational activities, including the Ford and Kelley House Museums and the performing arts. The New England- style architecture is the influence of homesick pioneers who "came round the horn" in the mid-19th century to be a part of the town's lumber boom resulting from the Gold Rush. Hikers and bikers enjoy one-of-a-kind, bluff-top excursions to view the seabirds, the seasonal gray whale migration, and spring wildflowers. Nearby Big River Beach is ideal for family picnics, breezy wanderings, sand castles and getting your toes wet. Mendocino is a magical place; in fact, you may never want to leave! F O R T B R A G G Is becoming more and more popular as a travel destination. The town offers a unique blend of natural resources, leisure activities and spectacular scenery. Much of Fort Bragg's history can be viewed at the Guest House Museum. The Skunk Train and walks on the beach rate among visitors' favorite recreation. Noyo Harbor is a working port with commercial and charter fishing boats, and great fresh seafood restaurants. Fort Bragg is home to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the Winesong Festival and much more. Historic Downtown offers one-of-a-kind boutique shopping, fine art galleries, coffee houses, cafes, restaurants and an award-winning brewery and pub. C L E O N E Is the gateway to MacKerricher State Park, which is a favorite stop for visitors to Mendocino's North Coast region. This oceanfront park boasts incredible scenery for nature lovers who like hiking, horseback riding, and biking. The park contains a variety of habitats including beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest and wetland. During the winter and spring, the area is a favorite spot for avid whale watchers. W E S T P O R T Westport is the furthest town along the coast of Mendocino. 13 incredibly scenic miles north of Fort Bragg, it is a picturesque ocean front town with a great little store and the stunning Pacific Star Winery nearby. For the traveler looking to get away from it all, a trip to Westport is ideal. Highway 1 turns inland here and winds past the vanished town of Rockport to the jumping-off spot for the famed Lost Coast, then connects with Highway 101 towards Eureka.