Anchor Bay, California in Mendocino County

Anchor Bay, California is located along scenic Highway 1 which is sometimes called Shoreline Highway in this neck of the California Coast. Located between the communities of Gualala and Point Arena, it enjoys beautiful coastal views from a location perched atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  The unincorporated town is comprised of scattered homes, forested regions, a shopping mall and Fish Rock Cemetery located on the hill behind the shops. The population is under 200 and the elevation is 145 feet. There are not many chain hotel accommodationsin this far away region of California. The landscape is breath-taking but you'll need to drive to either Mendocino, Boonville or Bodega Bay, each just over an hour away and 40+ miles by car).

Albion, Mendocino County

Located between the towns of Elk and Mendocino, Albion is a small Mendocino County town that had its start in 1853 with one man, his house, and a saw mill. English sea captain William Richardson was the first inhabitant of the area and the first gentleman to operate a mill on the magnificent Redwood Coast.
Though the mill remained active for three-quarters of a century, the town expanded very little and still boasts only a handful of homes that overlook the Albion River, a small commercial fishing operation, several stores, and a post office. The town is also home to the last wooden bridge in operation along the Coast Highway, the Albion River Bridge, constructed from salvaged wood during World War II. Albion River Campground & Marina offers a unique camping and boating experience for both RV and tent campers.  Located south of Mendocino, California on the Albion Cove where the Albion River meets the Pacific Ocean, the campground is one of only two sites on the Mendocino Coast that provides both sheltered river moorage and ocean access.  The campground is an annual destination for abalone dive clubs, avid cod and salmon fishing groups, crab lovers, and kayak & canoe enthusiasts.

Berkeley Marina & Beach, Berkeley California

This beach is sandy with the occasional rock. It is also pretty clean. When you drive here, exit Route 80 at the University and get on West Frontage Road. Head south and stay on it until you reach the parking lot, the shore is a couple of minutes walk away and it is public access so there are no problems getting on it. There are no facilities here, but the main part of the city is only a few minutes’ drive away and has everything you’ll need. South Berkeley is a big student neighbourhood, and it is a pretty poor area financially but has a good choice of places to eat. Berkeley City centre is more upmarket and has a wider choice of hotels and entertainments.

Manresa State Beach, Watsonville California

Upon leaving the southern border of Santa Cruz, the view will turn suddenly to the Fertile Crescent, where the rich soil is used to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, these privately owned lands means little to no access to the miles of completely perfect beaches. Unless you want to sneak in through the farms, perhaps instead go to the Manresa State Beach

Manresa State Beach features a beautiful expanse of sea and sand, with surf fishing, surfing, and recreation.

Location - Directions
From Highway 1, south of Aptos, San Andreas Road heads southwest and continues for several miles to Manresa, the first beach access upon reaching the coast.