Feature
In every walk “ with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ” - John Muir n
Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D
Now that vaccination rates are up, more parks and attractions are reopening, enabling us to enjoy the great outdoors. Many of our favorite places to commune with nature have been closed these past long dreary months since March 19, 2020 when the state of California issued its first Shelter-In-Place order, and now we have the opportunity to renew our spirits. Who among us does not need a fresh outlook on life, a restoration of our soul? Here, I've listed some places that are perfect for a day’s outing or even a longer visit.
Mendocino One hundred and fifty miles northwest of Benicia lies Mendocino, the spectacular site of the romantic 1971 movie, "Summer of '42." Picturesque Mendocino is a place of windblown cliffside trails, salty breezes and soaring shorebirds. A charmingly quaint downtown area is replete with specialty shops and inviting restaurants, offering a universal appeal. Eclectic galleries, the Mendocino Art Center, and a collection of great restaurants and bars are also available. Adjacent to the downtown area is the Mendocino Headlands State Park with miles of trails, beaches, and stunning ocean views. Big River Beach in the Headlands area is where Big River meets the Pacific Ocean, just south of town, and is a broad, sandy beach, perfect for beach activities. Five miles north of Mendocino is the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, providing an interesting tour and ocean views. Nearby Jug Handle State Natural Reserve has both hikeable hillsides and an impressive beach with high bluffs. 16 • Benicia Magazine
Mendocino
