The road less traveled – Highway 1

Most Joshua Grindle Inn guests take the more direct, but still curvy, Highway 128 to Mendocino. Despite its curves, the Anderson Valley is a nice straightaway to lessen the winding bookends of this state highway. But there is an amazing adventure for those brave enough to traverse Highway 1 between San Francisco and Mendocino. Expect wonderful vistas and at least an extra hour, or two, to take in all the beautiful scenery and snap a picture of our beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline. Here’s a few of our favorite places to stop and smell the ocean air along Highway One, but first, a little history about the road itself.

California builds the coastal road

PCH, Cabrillo Highway and Coast Highway all refer to State Road 1 that runs from Dana Point in the south to its northern terminus in Leggett. It took a lot of separate projects over many years to become what it is today. Local effort started the ball rolling and the government eventually took over all those disparate projects and connected them together. Our very own property was made a bit smaller by one of those projects when the highway was built here in Mendocino.

Bodega Bay

Just north of San Francisco, Highway 1 takes a jog toward the coast. A winding stretch of road that goes past Stinson Beach before heading north to Bodega Bay, this portion of road is not for the weak of stomach. Bodega Bay, made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, The Birds, is a relaxing place to stay, enjoy local seafood restaurants and relax with a glass of wine while you watch the sun set into the ocean.

Jenner \ Fort Ross

The Russians are Coming!  Well, they actually were here in Jenner over two centuries ago and built a traditional Russian fort too, which is now a part of the State Park system. The architecture is so unique and the setting is amazing, a stop at Fort Ross will entice any visitor with its bluff top location. Located just north of the Russian River, Fort Ross was established around 1812 as an agricultural base from which the settlement could be supplied with food, while also continuing trade with Alta California. Fort Ross residents exploited the fur trade and within 20 years of arrival, the sea otters had been hunted to near extinction. Fort Ross State Historic Park is located on the northern California coast about 12 miles north of the town of Jenner and 22 miles north of Bodega Bay.

Point Arena

Point Arena, population 460, is one of the smallest incorporated cities in California. For such a small town is has a lot of history and even more charm. Great food, great hiking, an animal preserve, natural shelter cove and the tallest lighthouse on the west coast. The San Andreas Fault runs just east of the town and dives into the ocean north of town at Alder Creek. The Point Arena Lighthouse is the closest location on the mainland to Honolulu, Hawaii, at a distance of 2,353 miles. Bowling Ball Beach is accessible via Schooner Gulch and the large, smooth stones can be seen only at low tide. B. Bryan Preserve is located just outside the town and is a great place to see giraffe, zebra, antelope and other animals in an open space preserve.

We look forward to your return to Joshua Grindle Inn!

Ken, Kate and Jack

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Throwback Photo Album

Bill and Gwen Jacobsen converted the house into the Joshua Grindle Inn back in 1978. Bill shared a beautiful leather bound photo album of their personal journey getting the inn established. It was very interesting to see what the property looked like 40 years ago before it became the Joshua Grindle Inn. I include a few photos with each newsletter. Enjoy and have a great day!