Timber Cove
About two-and-a-half hours north of San Francisco, this small community on the rugged, secluded northern California coast is known for its quiet beauty and wildland appeal.  Much of the timber that rebuilt San Francisco after the Great Earthquake was shipped out of Timber Cove, and the coast in this area is rich with lore of smugglers' rendezvous in coves, and Black Bart's gentlemanly robberies on the highway.  Today, homes blend into the natural environment, and the oceanfront settings are spectacular.  The gathering spot is the amazing Timber Cove Inn built of massive timbers and stone, overlooking the wild beauty of this pristine coastline.

Salt Point
The 6,000-acre Salt Point State Park stretches along six miles of rugged coastline and provides spectacular vistas of the ocean, with rugged offshore rocks and steep sea cliffs, sculpted by the waves into intriguing forms and honeycomb networks.  A variety of habitats range from open meadows with wildflowers to a pygmy forest of stunted cypress, and even an underwater Marine Reserve. The marvelous Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve is adjacent, with flowering displays of brilliant pink blossoms starting in April and coming to full splendor during May.

Ocean Cove
The tiny, picturesque Ocean Cove store was built in 1860, and was purchased by the Columbia Movie Studio in the 1930s, for use in making a movie.  When the movie was completed, the store and cabins were sold, and today the cove and surrounding land is privately owned.  A campground provides accommodations and access for divers and other ocean sport lovers.  The store provides groceries, firewood, refreshments, and satisfaction for a sweet tooth.

Stewarts Point
On the ocean side of the highway, The Stewarts Point Store has been a family-owned business since 1868, with gasoline and a thriving general store provisioning the locals and travelers on Highway One. The front porch, and the folks who gather there to share a cup of coffee and the local gossip, are an institution dear to the heart of many.  The store has recently re-opened following a complete historic restoration to the original specifications.  It has even more charm than before, and great take-out (or eat-there) meals and treats with real home-cooking authenticity. There is a fine wine collection, and liquor sales as well.  There is also a wonderful restaurant and bar on the upper level, which hosts dinners and private parties.  Back in the "old days" this space was THE hot spot for floor-shaking dance parties every Saturday night.  For "local flavor" and the rich lore of the Coast, you don't want to miss the Stewarts Point Store. 

The Sea Ranch
Just north of Stewarts Point, and about three hours from San Francisco, is The Sea Ranch, which has become world-famous for the distinctive vernacular architecture of the homes.  Stretching along ten miles of spectacularly beautiful coastline, the 5,000 acre community has devoted 60 percent of its land to Commons in order to preserve the natural wildlands.  The guiding principle is one of harmony between architecture and the natural landscape, and good stewardship of the magnificent environment.  The unadorned designs are meant to subordinate to the predominant rugged surroundings, while providing homes for full-time residents and vacation rentals.  The Sea Ranch is blessed with a variety of habitats from redwood forests to ocean bluffs and beaches, and maintains several public access points.

Annapolis
Six miles inland from Sea Ranch, perched in the sun on top of the ridge, the quiet little community of Annapolis boasts a wonderful climate for orchards, gardens and vineyards.  It is also proud to be the home of Horicon Elementary School, one of the finest in northern California.  The Annapolis Winery and the Starcross Monastery make their homes here as well, and several small cottage industries are tucked away in the country setting.

Gualala
Where the beautiful, wild Gualala River enters the Pacific Ocean, the town of Gualala has become the commercial center of the region.  Once a bustling logging town, it now has a tourism-driven economy, and offers a wide variety of goods and services, with lodging and restaurants for residents and coastal visitors.  There are two supermarkets, two gas stations, bank, medical services, pharmacy, building supplies and hardware, shops and galleries, bus service, radio station, business and professional enterprises, weekly newspaper, nursery and landscaping, hair salons and spas. The cultural crown jewel of the area is the Gualala Arts Center, a beautiful facility tucked into towering redwood trees, and built on donated land, with donated materials and labor, and thousands of dollars and hours donated by the good people in the surrounding communities. It hosts an amazing amount of talent and about 1,700 events and activities each year, including visual and performing arts with theater productions, concerts, art shows, and so much more.  In many ways, it is the very heartbeat of the community, which continues to volunteer with high-spirited enthusiasm and to support one of the most vibrant communities of artists and art lovers.

Anchor Bay
The secluded little village of Anchor Bay is treasured for its tranquil environment and picture-perfect beach.  In the days of prohibition it was well known to rum-runners who smuggled the forbidden goods onto shore in these protected waters, and enjoyed the warmth of its "banana belt" micro-climate. Now, it's known for privacy and pristine beauty, for the charming little village, and the campground nestled in redwoods at the cove. 

Point Arena
Point Arena plays host each winter to huge flocks of whistling tundra swans nesting in the coastal wetlands north of the famous Lighthouse, and to the fishermen and surfers who gather at the small port to share a meal and swap some tall tales.  Point Arena High School sports are a big draw, with the Pirates football and basketball games bringing the locals out with enthusiastic support and winning spirit.  And that Lady Pirates basketball team is an awesome sight to see in action!  The high ocean bluffs in this area provide striking views of the offshore rock formations and the majestic coastal vistas.

Manchester
The roadsides near Manchester are lined with huge calla lilies in the spring, and lush wildflowers all summer long.  Stately cypress trees create photo-ops, and the magnificent Manchester Beach must be one of the best anywhere.  Traditional country lifestyles abound, with sheep ranching a mainstay, and the dairy cows providing constant entertainment to travelers on Highway One. Softly undulating forms of the rolling hills produce an almost hypnotic beauty, and a matchless sense of tranquility.  The little seaside hamlet is anchored by the Manchester Country Store which has an amazing variety of produce, groceries, hardware, building supplies and "you-name-it-they-got-it".  And the good-hearted people who help with your provisioning are the icing on the cake.

Irish Beach
Originally a sheep ranch, the land was acquired in the 1960s by a lumberman from Ukiah who had a vision of developing a second home community here, reminiscent of those he enjoyed along the Oregon Coast in his early years.  About half of the 160 homes are now occupied full-time, and many building opportunities are still available. Tucked into the hillsides or nestled on pastures and ocean bluffs, the homes look out to the sea and enjoy one of the finest, longest and most unpopulated beaches in California.  At the north end of six miles of pristine sand and rolling surf, access to Irish Beach is gated and vehicular access is available only to residents and vacation rental visitors.  The privacy produces stunning opportunities for birders and wildlife enthusiasts.

Elk
Around the turn of the century this town was alive with hotels, saloons, dance halls, and general stores along with a barber, butcher, blacksmith, jeweler, candy store, creamery, and livery stable. Jack London liked to visit during the early 1900s, and enjoyed writing in a favorite upstairs hotel room overlooking the ocean.  Today, Elk is a beautiful very small town, with picture-postcard charm. There are gracious white buildings of yesteryear, alluring shops, and inns and restaurants for travelers along the Coast Highway. Greenwood State Beach has tide pools and grand vistas, and there is a small museum of local history. For natural beauty, and respite from the hectic modern pace, Elk is the iconic coastal retreat.  The incredibly charming beauty of the setting, and good cheer of the people, make Elk a legend.

 

Note:  Descriptive/historical material based on Redwood Coast Chamber of Commerce and real estate industry sources; and well seasoned with personal experience!