Travel
Below you’ll find details about travel, lodging, and things to do in the area.
Getting there
Shelter Cove
Located on Northern California’s most remote coastline, Shelter Cove is a gateway to the Lost Coast. It is surround by public lands of the King Range National Conservation Area and the Pacific Ocean. Travel
Shelter Cove is about 4.5 hours from San Francisco if you take Highway 101 and stay inland. We do not recommend taking the route along the coast on Highway 1. It is a very, very treacherous road with frequent closures and no cell service. The last stretch of the inland 101 route from Garberville to Shelter Cove is a narrow, windy mountain road so drive safe. Please use the pull outs on Briceland Thorn Road to allow faster traffic to pass you (volunteer fire crew and locals often drive this road fast).
Food and Supplies
Shelter Cove is very remote with few options for food and supplies. There is only one grocery store (think gas station or bodega as far as size and selection). The dinning options in the area are a pizza shop, a Venezuelan restaurant, a bar with a pop up kitchen, the brewery where we are holding the reception, or two small cafes. We highly recommend picking up supplies and some food before getting to Shelter Cove. We typically stop at a Safeway in Willits on our way up.
Suggested Stops
The Fish Peddler, Ukiah - amazing fish tacos
Peter’s Sushi and Chinese House, Willits - never been but the name is intriguing ;)
Willi's Seafood and Raw Bar, Healdsburg - lots of oysters and seafood options
Bravas Bar De Tapas, Healdsburg - modern tapas-style dining
The Parish Cafe, Healdsburg - New Orleans breakfast & lunch (Po’boys!!)
Hatake Farm Kitchen, Willits - sushi and fresh local ingredients
Lodging Options
Inn of the Lost Coast
205 Wave Dr.
Whitethorn, CA
95589
(707) 986-7521
Black Sands Inn
59 Surf Pt.
Whitethorn, CA
95589
619-658-0104
Things to do
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Black Sands Beach
Stunning stretch of beach with black sand and intense waves. Great place for a walk or to watch the sunset.
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Tide Pools
There is a trail at the end of Mal Combs park that leads to some amazing tide pools. This is the best spot in the area to see seals.
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King Range Wilderness
There are some great hiking trails along the coast and through the redwoods around Shelter Cove.
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Mario's Marina Bar
Small bar with an outdoor seating area with beautiful views and creative food options.
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Surf Point Cafe & Bistro
Brand new cafe right on the ocean with awesome coffee and food.
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Gyppo Ale Mill
This is the brewery where we’re holding the reception. It’s a woman-owned and operated brewery with excellent beer, food, and atmosphere.
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The Fish Tank Espresso Gallery
Small cafe that’s under the Inn of the Lost Coast. We love their bagels and lox and the view of the steep cliffs and waves from their deck.
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Cape Mendocino Lighthouse
Small light house on a bluff called Mal Combs park. There are picnic tables and a trail leading down to the water.
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Mi Mochima
Cozy Venezuelan restaurant located across the street from the Inn of the Lost Coast.
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Delgada Pizza
Small pizza shop located inside the Inn of the Lost Coast. They have pizza, pasta, and salads.
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Shelter Cove Golf Links
Nine-hole course right in between the airstrip and the brewery with ocean views. Very inexpensive to play.
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![Sinkyone Wilderness]()
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
State park with amazing beaches, trails and views that’s about an hour south of Shelter Cove.
