Monday, May 30, 2011
Sonoma Coast State Beaches
The approximately 8 miles of coast from the Bodega Bay Head to a little past Jenner is all Sonoma Coast State Beach property. Beach accesses trails and parking lots are regularly maintained. Many include a combination of restrooms, trash cans, RV and camping sites.Sonoma County coast in Northern California. Bodega Bay is a small fishing village an hour and a half north of San Francisco. A short drive from either San Francisco, Oakland, and the Sacramento area.
Sonoma Coast State Beaches Arranged South to North
Bodega Head
South Salmon Creek Beach
North Salmon Creek Beach
Miwok Beach
Coleman Beach
Arched Rock Beach
Marshall Gulch
Carmet Beach
Schoolhouse Beach
Portuguese Beach
Gleason Beach
Rock Point
Duncan's Landing
Wright's Beach
Furlong Gulch
Shell Beach
Blind Beach
Goat Rock
Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.
The Beach, actually a series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands, extends 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail located 4 miles north of Jenner. Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access the beach from more than a dozen points along coast Highway 1.
While the north coast weather can be foggy in the summer, it usually burns off by midday and the cool ocean breezes make the Sonoma Coast a haven for visitors seeking to escape the inland heat.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Elk California, Mendocino County
The city of Elk, also known to some as Greenwood, is truly one of the most stunning stops along the Northern California coast. In this little town of about 200, you'll find amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, thanks to its location on a cliff above the water.
Located on Highway 1, just south of Route 128, Elk was named for the animals that inhabit the area, often visible among the open expanses.
Elk is also quite popular for its many wonderful B&Bs. Though the town is small, the inns fill up fast and their reputations are well-known among B&B lovers. Many boast restaurants manned by some of Northern California's best chefs.
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 here that attests to the town's fascinating lumbering history.
Fun times in Elk include the Great Day in Elk Parade and Carnival, held each September for more than 30 years and staged to raise funds for the Elk Community Center.
Arcata California, Humboldt County, California
Arcata Community Forest
Dome at Humboldt State University
Just north of Eureka, Arcata is a small university town bustling with year-round student and community-related events.
Originally named Union Town, Arcata was founded in 1850. Loggers and gold miners who panned the local rivers were some of the town’s first inhabitants. Victorian architecture and murals around town are a few reminders of the rich history of Arcata.
To this day the Plaza — a classic town square — is a true community focal point used for numerous special activities, as well as an everyday place to hang out and browse downtown businesses. All year long the Plaza plays host to festivals, fundraisers, races and artistic events, drawing thousands of residents and visitors.
The Plaza is also home to one of California’s longest running Farmer’s Markets and is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April through October. Other big annual events downtown include the Oyster Festival, North Country Fair, Pastels on the Plaza and the 4th of July Jubilee and the Kinetic Race.
Another center for community activities is Humboldt State University. The university is the northernmost branch of the California State University system and one of the largest employers in Humboldt County. HSU offers a variety of educational opportunities ranging from fine arts and sciences, to business and forestry. Other campus activities include theater productions, concerts, sporting events, art shows and significant guest speakers.
Sustainability and protecting natural resources is a source of pride for the community of Arcata. The Arcata Community Forest is one of the only sustainable community forests in the Western United States and is comprised of 1,800 growing acres of timberlands. Through sustainable practices, the second-growth redwood forest has been able to provide revenues for the care and development of city recreation.
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Pacific Flyway, is home to more than 3,000 exotic birds. The marsh is an innovative wetland system and environmentally sound wastewater treatment solution.
The marsh is one of several activity locations for Arcata’s annual Godwit Days. The event draws bird enthusiasts for a weekend of exploration, sightseeing and education throughout the marsh and community.
Originally named Union Town, Arcata was founded in 1850. Loggers and gold miners who panned the local rivers were some of the town’s first inhabitants. Victorian architecture and murals around town are a few reminders of the rich history of Arcata.
To this day the Plaza — a classic town square — is a true community focal point used for numerous special activities, as well as an everyday place to hang out and browse downtown businesses. All year long the Plaza plays host to festivals, fundraisers, races and artistic events, drawing thousands of residents and visitors.
The Plaza is also home to one of California’s longest running Farmer’s Markets and is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April through October. Other big annual events downtown include the Oyster Festival, North Country Fair, Pastels on the Plaza and the 4th of July Jubilee and the Kinetic Race.
Another center for community activities is Humboldt State University. The university is the northernmost branch of the California State University system and one of the largest employers in Humboldt County. HSU offers a variety of educational opportunities ranging from fine arts and sciences, to business and forestry. Other campus activities include theater productions, concerts, sporting events, art shows and significant guest speakers.
Sustainability and protecting natural resources is a source of pride for the community of Arcata. The Arcata Community Forest is one of the only sustainable community forests in the Western United States and is comprised of 1,800 growing acres of timberlands. Through sustainable practices, the second-growth redwood forest has been able to provide revenues for the care and development of city recreation.
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Pacific Flyway, is home to more than 3,000 exotic birds. The marsh is an innovative wetland system and environmentally sound wastewater treatment solution.
The marsh is one of several activity locations for Arcata’s annual Godwit Days. The event draws bird enthusiasts for a weekend of exploration, sightseeing and education throughout the marsh and community.
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Victorian architecture is all over this town
