Day Trips!

Shelter Cove and Black Sands Beach

A beautiful and winding scenic drive takes you through the mountains and out to the quaint town of shelter cove. Originally built as a tourist community but tourism waned due to its location. The fog and winds of the ocean made air travel in difficult and the driving distance from Southern California was long. It is nestled into the mountains by the beach and has some excellent hiking and views.

The road to Shelter Cove takes you right past Briceland Winery where tastings are offered by reservation and you can find bottles available locally, including at the Miranda Market. If you are hungry along the drive, there is a small, out of the way spot called Cafe Dolce in Whitethorn that makes an excellent roasted vegetable sandwich and pizza.

Once in Shelter Cove, there are a few markets and restaurants, including Gyppo Ale Mill which offers brewed craft beer and a variety of tasty food options as well as Shelter Cove apparel. Park at the boat ramp or at any of the open beach parking spots and enjoy the water. Be sure to look out for rouge waves!

Mattole Road

Humboldt roads are not for the faint of heart or those prone to car sickness. But, if you love driving on beautiful and windy back roads with jaw dropping scenery, this route is for you!

Just like the drive out to Shelter Cove or most of the ocean roads, there is no cell service on the way, so it’s great to have directions planned ahead of time.

Drive:

On the Avenue of the Giants, take the Honeydew exit then turn onto Mattole Rd. Stop at Bull Creek for a beautiful hike then head on to Honeydew.

Once you reach the coast, keep an eye out for tide pools along the coast as they are a wonderful place to take pictures and walk around.

Head north parallel to the coast until you reach the historic Victorian town of Ferndale. Downtown is lovely and filled with antique stores, and small shops, groceries, and fuel. Then spend some time and Centerville Beach is right outside of town.

Once back on Hwy 101, keep an eye out for Chatman’s Gem and Mineral Shop and Museum on the west wide of the highway. Then take the Avenue back to Miranda and stop at the roadside farm stand near Holmes Flat for some frozen blackberry popsicles!

Things to do Around Town