The mention of Northern California's sweeping shoreline conjures images of dramatic sunsets, sandy strolls spent searching for seashells and scenery perfect for a postcard. From the fishing docks of Eureka to the beaches of Carmel, the captivating coastline is rich with iconic imagery and popular attractions.
But Northern California's craggy coast is also loaded with legend and lore, from sites steeped in pioneering heritage to spirited venues sure to scare up some spooky fun.
Following are eight great places for groups to experience the region's intriguing past.
1. Moss Beach Distillery, San Mateo County
www.mossbeachdistillery.com
San Mateo County offers plenty of fascinating sights along its picturesque coastline, but it's hard to top stories tied to one of its most popular dining spots.
"The Moss Beach Distillery was built in 1927, and our rich history includes tales of the speakeasy days during the Prohibition era—and we even have our own resident ghost, The Blue Lady, who haunts the restaurant," says Melissa Vega, marketing coordinator for the establishment. "The restaurant is situated at the edge of a cliff, 70 feet above the Pacific Ocean, providing one of the most fantastic views in Northern California. You will not find a more beautiful, exciting restaurant to hold your event."
Vega adds that the designated California Historical Site offers private ocean-view dining rooms with complete amenities for a professional business meeting.
The distillery has hosted many weddings and corporate events, and there are many lodgings nearby. The distillery partners with Oceano Hotel & Spa for dining and accommodations packages.
2. Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton
www.roaringcamp.com
Everyone knows about Santa Cruz's Beach Boardwalk, which has been drawing locals and tourists in droves for more than a century, but you might not have heard there's an unforgettable way to transport a group to the famed coastal fun-spot.
"Roaring Camp Railroads is a part of the history of the Santa Cruz Mountains," says Christina 'Cee Gee' Glynn, communications director for the Santa Cruz Conference and Visitors Council. "Visitors can take a steam train up the Santa Cruz Mountains and learn about forest ecology, even going so far back as when the area was underwater, as evident in the seashell fossils embedded on the side of the mountain, which can be seen from the train."
The Beach Train runs along a route that was first traversed in 1875, and it's hard to imagine a more dramatic way to transport a group to the lively boardwalk. The train traverses through towering redwoods and along scenic gorges—also crossing a 1909 steel truss bridge and zipping through an 1875 tunnel—before its arrival at the Santa Cruz coast.
The boardwalk setting is as historical as it is honky-tonk, including the wooden 1924 Big Dipper rollercoaster and the legendary Looff Carousel, which celebrates its hundredth birthday this year.
3. China Cabin, Belvedere
www.landmarks-society.org
Planners seeking a unique and charming venue on the San Francisco Bay can head to China Cabin. The one-of-a-kind Marin County wonder actually began as the Victorian saloon aboard the SS China, a side-wheel steamer built for trade between San Francisco and the Far East.
The Cabin comprises a large main room and two cozy staterooms. Its rather ordinary exterior conceals a stylish and refined interior hallmarked by intricately decorated wood, tasteful chandeliers and arched ceilings. Etched-glass windows—and decks on three sides—provide invigorating vistas near and far, and the site is a favorite for weddings, corporate events and other affairs.
"The uniqueness of China Cabin is pretty remarkable for groups," says Christine Bohlke, sales and marketing director for the Marin CVB. "Where else in the world could you find another venue with such beauty, charm and history—not to mention the fantastic views of San Francisco Bay and Marin County?"
China Cabin can host up to about 40 for a sit-down event or as many as 55 for a stand-up reception. The sleek deck provides space for an additional 10 guests.
4. The MacCallum House, Mendocino
www.maccallumhouse.com
Groups enjoying a visit to Mendocino's MacCallum House can discover elegant lodging, dining and spirits—and not just the kind served at the establishment's charming bar.
"Some friends of mine were staying in room 4 and spooky stuff happened, such as the dresser drawer handles flipping up and down," says Michelle Laurino, office manager. "And bartenders and other staff cleaning up after-hours have seen figures on the porches—that weren't there upon closer inspection."
Such sightings have been taking place for decades in the handsome 1882 structure that was built by town founder William Kelley as a wedding gift for his daughter Daisy, who married entrepreneur Alexander MacCallum. It is Daisy's son Donald who is most frequently at the center of purported paranormal activity, though other figures have been sighted as well.
The popular property offers 19 rooms in the Main House, plus countless nearby quarters around the town. It also boasts an elegant events area: MacCallum House Suites, with seating for 16, a kitchen area and a cozy terrace with views of the roaring Pacific.
5. The Stevenson House, Monterey
www.parks.ca.gov
Named for the legendary Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, who resided here for a short time in 1879, this historic 'Hyde-away' is a treasured island of historic hauntings as well as an enticing locale for a special event or off-site tour.
"Built in the 1830s and operated as a boarding house and the French Hotel, the Stevenson House has been known to host 'The Lady in Black' and other ancillary ghosts for more than 80 years," says Annette Gregg, sales and marketing vice president for the Monterey County CVB. "The two-story adobe is rife with paranormal activity, including the sounds of a trunk being dragged across the upstairs floor, books pulled from shelves and open to well-worn pages, and bizarre experiences reflecting life in the late 1800s."
Curator Kris Quist shares another side of the house's history—one often overshadowed by its ghostly lore and Stevenson connection.
"The Stevenson House was the birthplace for the Monterey—and later the Carmel-By-The-Sea—artist community and the associated multitude of local art galleries," he says. "For over 50 years, artists such as Jules Tavernier, August Gay and C.S. Price had their studios on the second floor of the site while downstairs, artists from the community gathered for friendship and celebration. Today the Stevenson House continues to celebrate Robert Louis Stevenson as well as its full history with art exhibits and special events in both the house and garden."
The gardens are open daily, with the main house open for tours on Saturday afternoons. The structure is part of Monterey State Historic Park, a collection of historically renowned buildings dotting Old Monterey.
6. Old Town Haunted History Tours, Eureka
www.oldtownhauntedhistorytours.com
In the far northern realms of the California coast, Eureka's Old Town makes for a wonderful wander—with its colorful Victorians, antique shops and countless cafes and galleries. And a spooky tour is even available for groups wanting to scratch beneath the surface and unlock the mysteries of the neighborhood.
"We want people to come and learn about local history and see how it is inexorably linked to another side of history, one that is not written about in the history books," says Eric Vollmers, a local high school history teacher who owns and operates Old Town Haunted History Tours. "Our objective is to entertain and educate clients in Old Town Eureka's unique and dynamic Seaport environment. And as we take a walk through time, our tour director, local historians and occasionally local business owners, share their unusual stories."
Vollmers adds that tour-goers have the opportunity to browse, imbibe and converse at specific locations, and that the tours generally last around 90 minutes or so. The 11 stops include the Clark Museum, home to at least three spirits, according to some docents, and the Eagle House Inn, site of unexplained footsteps, inexplicably opening and closing doors and infamous Room 24, the supposed center of phenomena for the building.
7. Fort Ross State Historical Park, Jenner
www.fortrossstatepark.org
On a remote stretch of oceanfront land about two hours by car north of San Francisco is a unique and appealing site spotlighting an overlooked aspect of California's coastal history. Between 1812 and 1841, Russian fur traders set up a trading post here—built around a fort that was at one time heavily armed and well manned. They named it Fort Ross, with "Ross" derived from the word rossia, which the settlers called their homeland in those times.
The fort and its outbuildings were sold to frontiersman John Sutter (of Sutter's Mill fame) and were moved to the Sacramento region, though one original building remains today in addition to some wonderfully reconstructed replicas.
"The park is simply gorgeous in terms of what it offers visitors," says Tina Luster, public relations coordinator for the Sonoma County CVB. "We're gearing up for its bicentennial celebration right now, and it's an amazing property. Visitors here can really fully experience a unique aspect of California's history."
A visitor center, bookstore/gift shop and fort compound are open daily, with park interpreters making special presentations during summer months and on weekends year-round. Numerous picnic tables make Fort Ross a splendid lunch stop, and visitors may very well spot a splashing seal pup or migrating whale from the superb seaside vantage point.
8. Point Pinos Lighthouse, Pacific Grove
www.ci.pg.ca.us/lighthouse
The oldest continually functioning lighthouse on the West Coast, the Point Pinos Lighthouse is also a purported beacon of supernatural activity, mainly tied to one-time keeper Emily Fish, who operated the landmark between 1893 and 1914.
"Today, her apparition is believed to be all the more present," says the Monterey County CVB's Gregg. "And she wanders the second-floor rooms, moving objects and leaving behind the scent of perfume and a swishing noise reminiscent of the long skirts of the day."
Whether or not you encounter the spirit of the so-called "socialite lightkeeper"—known for hosting piano recitals and serving exotic teas for her many guests—the 1855 beacon is a memorable stop. The drive alone out to the dramatic promontory is worth the trip, and the lighthouse's building, lenses and prisms are all from the original construction.
Point Pinos Lighthouse is open Thursday through Sunday and also hosts occasional special events enlivened by costumed docents.
