Nestled within Mendocino County in California, sits the hidden gem of Navarro. This small town has it all for nature lovers: the breathtaking redwood forests, majestic ocean views, artsy shows and events, and many more nature-connecting intrigues. Navarro, California is a great place to reconnect, have fun, and is a must-visit. Keep reading to see exactly what Navarro has to offer.
Drive California State Route 128
The CA Hwy 218 is an absolutely gorgeous must-drive in California. The highway takes you through redwood forests, to the Anderson Valley wine tasting region, right to the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be in awe of the redwood forests through the lower elevation which also runs next to the Navarro River. And if you feel like taking a break on the drive, there’s plenty of wineries and other beautiful scenery to stop at along the way.
Stay At The Navarro Mill Guesthouse
Guesthouse
The Navarro Mill Guesthouse is the perfect place for those planning to spend a few days admiring the Navarro area. Once a B&B, now the whole Guesthouse is a vacation rental. The guesthouse is a majestic and historical building, restored after being built for the owner of the local sawmill during the peak logging era in the early years of the 20th century. Nestled in the tranquil redwoods just above Hwy 128, The Navarro Mill Guesthouse is the perfect place to soak up all the town has to offer.
Visit the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas
Restaurant
The City Of Ten Thousand Buddhas is an international Buddhist monastery and community. It was founded by Hsuan Hua, a respectable master in Western Buddhism. Visitors are allowed day tours to the monastery, which also includes a restaurant and gift store. Or for the more spiritually inclined, overnight stays are allowed for things like Dharma sessions, events, and other celebrations.
Lula Cellars
The Lula Cellars offers wine tastings on a beautiful property. There are multiple vineyards to admire as you sip and experience their divine wines. You can even take home a bottle, or two, or join their wine club for special offers. The owners and staff are amazingly friendly and make the whole experience welcoming and fun.
Orr Hot Springs Resort
Resort, Cottages
Located deep in the hills of the Mendocino Coastal Range, Orr Hot Springs is a small, peaceful, open-hearted resort. The property is 27-acres and offers massages, 13 rooms, six yurts, three cottages, and six campsites available for overnight stays, retreats, and private events. Orr Hot Springs is a prime choice for relaxation and tranquility. The whole resort is also clothing optional.
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Navarro Vineyards & Winery
Winery
Family owned and operated, Navarro Vineyards and Winery has been making wine and producing non-alcoholic grape juices since 1974. This small winery’s fine wines cannot usually be found in stores, making tastings and tours a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Outpost Trade Show
Coming to Navarro September 8-10, The Outpost Trade Show is a weekend retreat for those looking to engage themselves, along with others, with their love of nature, arts, and culture. The retreat consists of fun activities, great food, amazing performances, and opportunities to build connections with like-minded people, brands, and agencies from all over. Purchase your badge here.
Camp Navarro
Cafe
Camp Navarro offers a fun and carefree experience, like you’re really attending summer camp. Come with a friend, your family, or a group. Camp Navarro is dedicated to keeping the breathtaking atmosphere of camp alive. There are games, activities, bonfires, and the Trading Post Cafe (included with Wi-Fi if you need it).
Navarro Point Reserve
This 55-acre piece of a nature reserve is owned and protected by the Mendocino Land Trust at Navarro Point. The Navarro Overlook consists of a short and easy trail and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. This is a great place for a photo opportunity, a picnic, or just plain nature watching.
Pepperwood Pottery
Pepperwood Pottery opened in 1974 in Navarro. Owner Doug Johnson has beautifully crafted and sold thousands of ceramics in a multiple varieties. The property is a studio and a number of showrooms, surrounded by architecturally landscaped gardens with mystical arbors, fruit trees and other shrubbery, and stone pathways. Visit these brilliantly landscaped gardens and art displays anytime of the year.
Deanna Morgado, a Bay Area native, is a self-taught writer and all-around art enthusiast. She’s willing to try anything at least once as long as she can write about it after.