Scenes from Little River, California

Little River is a mystical, magical place on the Northern California coast in Mendocino County.  Overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, there's something incredibly special about this often fog-shrouded region of California. With weather that seldom tops 80 degrees on the hottest of days, the climate is not for everyone. Locals sometimes joke about tourists who come to sunbathe at the beaches and are back in their jackets within 10 minutes.  What you can enjoy at Little River are fabulous forests, rivers, kayaking, canoeing and outdoor activities enhanced by nature's forested green landscape, rocky coves and soothing shade. 

Living in a region that's more remote, residents tend to hold a greater sense of community while maintaining the pioneering spirit on which California was built. Artisans, sports enthusiasts and entrepreneurs love the romantic setting enjoyed on this portion of the coast. Stereotypes miss the mark in describing the people who inhabit Mendocino's Little River, though the area attracts its fair share of talent. Great chefs come to prepare meals at bed & breakfast inns, artists and writers gain inspiration from the peaceful silence in which only the sound of the ocean is heard and tourists delight in discovery of a paradise so different from the massive freeways and theme parks of major cities.

Where to roost? If you are wondering where to stay in Little River, be sure to check out the Heritage House.  It includes stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, three restaurants on site and a lovely gazebo to enhance the romance.

If you like nature, you're on course for a fantastic vacation in Northern California. Golf, tennis and kayak rentals are available in the area as well as horse back riding. Canoes and bicycles may be rented 5 miles north on the Big River, the longest unspoiled estuary in Northern California.

Located approximately 3 1/2 hours north of San Francisco or Oakland, four hours from Sacramento, three hours from Eureka and two hours from Santa Rosa, it takes a bit of driving to reach this remote coastal treasure. But the adventure will bring you closer to nature and scenic beauty than you knew existed in the Golden State of California.

From Eureka take Highway 101 south to Willits. In Willits turn west on Highway 20 and proceed to the coast just south of Fort Bragg where you will join Highway One. Turn south on Highway One and proceed to Little River. From San Francisco take Highway 101 north to Cloverdale. The third Cloverdale Exit will give you access to Highway 128 West. Take this highway along the Navarro River through the Anderson Valley wine country and a beautiful redwood forest to the mouth of the river where you will find Highway One. Turn north and proceed to Heritage House in Little River.