You’ve heard of Big Sur – but have you heard of Elk, California? It’s the Mendocino coastal community that survived unscathed after the massive Mendocino Complex Fire in 2018, which ultimately scorched more than 459,000 acres. Visitors to this quiet town find plenty to do, from kayaking and hiking to horseback riding, wine tasting and attending art, music, theater and festivals for which this stretch of northern California coastline is well known.
Here’s what we love about Elk (sometimes referred to as Greenwood, its former name) and why we think you’ll love it, too.
What Is Elk Like?
About 150 miles north of San Francisco and 15 miles south of the town of Mendocino, Elk, California, takes you back in time with its small-town vibe and charm. On this secluded stretch of Highway 1, you can stay in a quaint bed-and-breakfast and wander about the artist and craftsperson community, feeling like you’re right at home. Back in the late 19th century, this was a bustling community, but today is one of the quieter villages of the Northern California coast, with about 250 residents. The town, where the Navarro River empties into the Pacific Ocean, is surrounded by rolling hills and redwood forest, ocean bluffs and rugged shoreline. It’s a Northern California coastal escape without the frills of Mendocino and Big Sur.
What Can I Do in Elk, California?
1. Visit the Greenwood State Beach Visitor Center & Museum
As you’re driving through the tiny town on Highway 1, stop by the Greenwood State Beach Visitor Center & Museum on Main Street. You’ll quickly learn all about the town’s logging history from an exhibit packed with historical photos and antiques from the lumber mill days. The visitor center is open 10 AM to 4 PM Wednesday through Sunday, March through November.
2. Hang Out at Greenwood State Beach …
The beach, named for the original town moniker, sits where Greenwood Creek flows into the ocean. Back in the logging boom days, the town also had a large wharf – Greenwood Pier – from which goods were shipped and townspeople sailed to San Francisco. Today, it’s the town’s biggest attractions, a haven for boaters, anglers, divers and kayakers. Take the half-mile trail down to the shore, where you can beachcomb for hours for sea urchins, abalone shells and driftwood sculptures.
3. … and Elk Creek Beach.
Just south of town, Elk Creek Beach is at the bottom of Elk Creek Gulch. The cove beach is covered with driftwood and wraps around a pyramid-shaped rock. Elk Creek itself pool behind the rock and then flows out to the sea. The trick is … there is no public land access to Elk Creek Beach. If you have a sea kayak, head out from Greenwood State Beach to get there.
4. Shop and Dine at the Elk General Store.
Don’t miss the cheery Elk General Store, open every day except Tuesday, from 11 AM to 4 PM. You’ll find it on Highway 1 across the street from the Greenwood State Beach. Grab a homemade sandwich, salad or croissantwich – the “Albion” is a particular favorite for its vegan sunflower-seed cutlet. Omnivores go for the “Torta,” with house-smoked tri-tip. Shop for cute home goods, décor and gifts. Peruse the knickknacks and old-fashioned goodies, like marbles and harmonicas. Pick up a an Anderson Valley wine or microbrew, most of which originate from within 20 miles of Elk. There are groceries, coffee, locally made condiments and baked goods, so bring an appetite.
5. Explore More Beaches.
Another beachcombing-worthy stretch of sand near Elk, Navarro Beach is at the mouth of the Navarro River in Mendocino County. The beach is part of the Navarro River Redwoods State Park, south of Albion. Look for driftwood on the sand spit, kayak and canoe and walk to the Arch of the Navarro, a rock arch visible from the north end of the beach.
6. Browse the Shops.
Elk is a tiny town, so you won’t be shopping for the whole afternoon, but you also won’t want to miss the Artist’s Collective in Elk and the Matson Mercantile. The first brims with the artistry of approximately 30 Mendocino-area artists. You’ll likely get the chance to chat with one of the collective’s artists while you’re browsing. Over at “The Merc,” as it’s called by the locals, you’ll find homeware, loose-leaf tea, hardware supplies and so much more. The owners, the Matsons, have been active Elk community members for more than a century.
7. Stick Around for Dinner.
Despite its diminutive size, Elk has some delightful dining options. Foodies flock to the Restaurant at the Harbor House, where they can feast of the specialties of chef Matthew Kammerer (he used to be the executive sous chef at the Michelin three-starred Saison in San Francisco). The breads, broths, sea salt and compound butters here are made from fresh sea lettuces, kelp and ocean water – how’s that for hyper local? Kammerer makes it his mission to source all of his ingredients from within 50 miles of Elk. Anderson Valley wines, ciders and beers complement your meal.
Looking for a hearty, old-school dining experience? Head to Queenie’s Roadhouse Café. This is where the locals come for breakfast and lunch, to catch up over the teal-and-yellow Formica tables or around the wood-burning stove and to indulge in corned beef hash, flaky fruit scones and even vegan tofu stir-fry. Fun fact – the café building used to be a livery stable and Studebaker showroom.
8. Visit a Winery or Brewery.
An easy 30- to 40-minut drive into the Anderson Valley rewards oenophiles with 25 to 40 vineyards and tasting rooms. Ask your inn owners for advice about their favorites, grab picnic fixings from the Elk General Store and head to the Valley. If you’re more into craft brews, not to worry. You can drive 40 minutes north to Fort Bragg to visit the North Coast Brewing Company or 30 minutes east to Boonville to the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.