Eating lunch picnic style is always special but having a picnic on the Mendocino Coast takes it to the next level. It could be the sound of waves, the stunning redwoods, or the slow pace of the community, but no matter what you’re in for a treat when you’re surrounded by so much beauty.
If a romantic getaway to Little River is in your future, then make sure to pack a blanket, pick up some local treats, and make time for a picnic. Whether you want to sit beside the ocean, enjoy a quiet meadow, or find a shady spot surrounded by redwoods, there are plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a meal outdoors near Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse.
For couples searching for boutique hotels for couples Northern California, Little River offers the perfect combination of romance, scenery, and a slower pace.
Van Damme State Park
If simplicity is what you are looking for, then one of the easiest spots for a picnic is Van Damn State Park. Just minutes from Dennens you will have everything that makes the Mendocino Coast special at your fingertips. From the beach to fern-filled hiking trails, you and your partner will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy lunch and each other.
Van Damme Beach is an especially nice choice for a casual picnic. The sandy portion of the beach is considered a good spot for picnicking and relaxing, and the protected cove makes for a beautiful backdrop.
Grab sandwiches and something sweet, spread out your blanket, and spend the afternoon listening to the waves.
Russian Gulch State Park
If you are one for the dramatics, then the coastal scenery of Russian Gulch State Park is exactly what you’re looking for.
Russian Gulch is known for its rugged coastline, forested trails, beach cove, and famous Devil’s Punchbowl. The park even has a picnic area overlooking the turquoise water and Panhorst Bridge.
This is a great place to make an entire afternoon out of your picnic. Take a walk along the headlands, explore the coastline, and then settle down with lunch while taking in the views.
If you’re visiting during whale-watching season, the headlands can also be a beautiful place to keep an eye out for whales.
Big River Beach
If you drive south of Mendocino, you’ll find Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park; this is the classic coastal picnic experience!
The wide sandy beach sits where the Big River meets the Pacific, creating a beautiful combination of ocean and river scenery. It’s an easy place to spend a few hours with a picnic, especially if you want to combine lunch with a walk along the beach.
Afterward, head into the village of Mendocino for a little window shopping, coffee, or dessert before making your way back to Little River.
Mendocino Headlands
If you are more into sitting in the grass or eating on the go and finding a beautiful overlook to see the ocean, then you will enjoy the Mendocino Headlands.
Mendocino Headlands State Park wraps around much of the village of Mendocino and offers incredible views of the rugged coastline. Big River Beach is part of the park, and the area is known for its coastal trails, beaches, and scenic overlooks.
For couples, this is a particularly lovely option for a late-afternoon picnic. Pack a bottle of wine, some local cheese, and fresh fruit, and find a spot where you can watch the sun begin to drop toward the Pacific.
Just remember that coastal weather can change quickly, so bringing a jacket is always a good idea.
Spring Ranch
If you’re wanting something less traditional, consider checking out Spring Ranch.
Located at the northern end of Van Damme State Park, Spring Ranch combines open coastal landscapes with historic features and trails. It’s a quieter option for couples who want to spend some time outside without making their picnic the center of a busy beach day.
The open landscape also gives you a completely different view of the Mendocino Coast than you’ll find beneath the redwoods.
Make Your Picnic Part of the Getaway
You don’t need to plan every detail of your romantic getaway; that is the nice thing about a trip to Little River.
You don’t have to make it overcomplicated; just stop at a local market or bakery for your favorite treats and head out for an afternoon of exploring and connecting. Put your phones away for a little while and just enjoy being together.
You can spend the morning exploring the coast, enjoy a picnic for lunch, take a scenic drive in the afternoon, and end the day back at your accommodations relaxing together. That’s part of what makes Little River such a great destination for couples.
For travelers looking for boutique hotels for couples Northern California, that slower pace can be just as appealing as the scenery.
Come Stay at Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse
A romantic getaway doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes all you need is a beautiful place to stay, somewhere new to explore, and a little time together.
Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse makes a charming home base for exploring Little River and the surrounding Mendocino Coast. From nearby beaches and redwood forests to the village of Mendocino and scenic state parks, there are plenty of ways to fill your days—or do absolutely nothing at all.
For couples searching for boutique hotels for couples Northern California, Little River is a destination worth slowing down for.
So pack a picnic basket, grab your favorite person, and come experience the Mendocino Coast one beautiful afternoon at a time.
After all, some of the best memories are made sitting on a blanket, sharing a meal, and watching the ocean together.