The Mendocino Bay Overlook, four acres of bluff owned by the Mendocino Land Trust and open to the public, is a great picnic spot that you’ll likely have all to yourself. To get there, you drive to the end of Main Street in Mendocino, make a right on Highway 1, travel south across the Big River bridge and make the first right at Road 500B and then a quick left on a two lane road. The parking area for the overlook is just 50 yards down the street on the right.
Dawn’s Early Light
I got up before dawn recently to capture a photo of the bay, Big River Beach and the morning light falling on the the Village from the overlook vantage point. There are few other spots on the Mendocino Coast with so much atmosphere. Waves crashing on the rocks. People strolling on the sandy beach below. Surfers. Kayakers. And the historic village of Mendocino on the opposite cliffs.
It may to be breezy, so bring a sweater or jacket and hat.
There’s picnic food at the Mendocino Deli, Harvest Market, Lu’s Kitchen or Corners of the Mouth in Mendocino.
Even if you come just to snap a photograph or share a personal moment with a significant other, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a special place. And one of our new “favorites.”
Great photo. Can I use it?
Charles,
You should ask Bruce — he’s the one with the intestinal fortitude to get outside at sunrise. If you ever see me out at sunrise, it could only be because I was up all night. 🙂