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The North Coast

TRAVEL GUIDE

The North Coast

TRAVEL GUIDE

The spectacular coastline of Sonoma, Mendocino, and Humboldt counties defies expectations. The Pacific Ocean defines the landscape, but instead of boardwalks and bikinis there are ragged cliffs and pounding waves—and the sunbathers are mostly sea lions.

Two-lane Highway 1 follows the fickle shoreline. Although coastal towns vary from deluxe spa retreat to hippie hideaway, all are reliably sleepy—and that’s precisely why many Californians escape here to enjoy nature unspoiled. On a detour inland, you can explore redwoods and sip wines at tasting rooms rarely too crowded or pricey. When you travel the North Coast, turn off your phone; you won’t have much of a signal anyway, and this stretch of Highway 1 has numerous little worlds, each different from the last, waiting to be discove... Read More

The spectacular coastline of Sonoma, Mendocino, and Humboldt counties defies expectations. The Pacific Ocean defines the landscape, but instead of boardwalks and bikinis there are ragged cliffs and pounding waves—and the sunbathers are mostly sea lions.

Two-lane Highway 1 follows the fickle shoreline. Although coastal towns vary from deluxe spa retreat to hippie hideaway, all are reliably sleepy—and that’s precisely why many Californians escape here to enjoy nature unspoiled. On a detour inland, you can explore redwoods and sip wines at tasting rooms rarely too crowded or pricey. When you travel the North Coast, turn off your phone; you won’t have much of a signal anyway, and this stretch of Highway 1 has numerous little worlds, each different from the last, waiting to be discovered. Don't plan to drive too far in one day. Some drivers stop frequently to appreciate the views, and you can't safely drive faster than 30 or 40 mph on many stretches.

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Language

English

Nearby Airports

EKA

Electrical Outlets

120 V/60Hz; Type A plugs have two flat prongs. Type B plugs have the same two flat prongs with a third round prong; together the three form a triangular shape.

Currency

US Dollar

Language

English

Electrical Outlets

120 V/60Hz; Type A plugs have two flat prongs. Type B plugs have the same two flat prongs with a third round prong; together the three form a triangular shape.

Currency

US Dollar

Nearby Airports

EKA

The North Coast is a year-round destination, though when you go determines what you will see. The migration of the Pacific gray whales is a...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in The North Coast with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

The North Coast is a year-round destination, though when you go determines what you will see. The migration of the Pacific gray whales is a...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in The North Coast with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

The North Coast is a year-round destination, though when you go determines what you will see. The migration of the Pacific gray whales is a...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in The North Coast with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

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