Some afternoons are better without a packed itinerary. At Mal Coombs Park in Shelter Cove, you can explore a historic lighthouse, enjoy lunch above the Pacific, read local memorials, and watch waves crash against California’s rugged Lost Coast—all within a short walk of the Inn of the Lost Coast.
Walk to a Piece of Maritime History
Begin after lunch with an easy stroll from the Inn to the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse. Coastal weather can change quickly here, so bring a windbreaker even when the afternoon begins sunny.
Built in 1868, the compact iron lighthouse once stood on Cape Mendocino, warning ships about one of the Pacific Coast’s most challenging stretches of water. It was later relocated to Shelter Cove and restored as the centerpiece of Mal Coombs Park.
The nonprofit Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Preservation Society maintains the lighthouse museum with help from volunteer docents. Public access may be limited, so check current visitor information before expecting to enter.
Slow Down at the Memorials
Do not rush directly to the ocean view. Take time to read the interpretive panels and memorials around the park. They offer a closer look at Shelter Cove’s maritime history, the lighthouse’s original purpose, and the people connected to this isolated coastline.
Standing on the bluff makes those stories feel especially real. With rocky shores and open ocean stretching into the distance, it is easy to understand why sailors once depended on the lighthouse.
Pack a Picnic With a Pacific View
Mal Coombs Park has a parking area, picnic tables, interpretive displays, and barbecue facilities. Bring sandwiches, fruit, drinks, or takeout from a nearby Shelter Cove restaurant, then choose a table overlooking the water.
Keep binoculars close. Seabirds frequently pass overhead, and the broad ocean view makes the park a rewarding place to scan for whales and other marine wildlife.
Build an Easy Shelter Cove Afternoon
Walk over from the Inn, spend time exploring the lighthouse grounds, pause at the memorials, and enjoy a relaxed picnic. Then follow the viewpoints around the bluff and photograph the coastline before heading back.
A small rocky beach and tide pools sit below the park. Visit near low tide, wear sturdy shoes, and follow all posted closures or safety notices.
Treat Yourself to an Unforgettable Experience
Wake up to the dramatic beauty of Shelter Cove, where every room at Inn of the Lost Coast offers sweeping views of the untamed Pacific. Perched high on California’s iconic cliffs, our inn invites you to relax in ways that feel both luxurious and personal—soaking in a private jacuzzi, unwinding in the sauna, or simply sipping champagne as the sun sets over the Lost Coast. Every detail is designed to make your stay effortless. Ready to escape to the edge of the world? Book now to create memories that last a lifetime.
Cass is a writer who focuses on travel, outdoor fun, and local culture. When not working, she enjoys watching movies, listening to her record collection, and biking with her boyfriend, Ryan. She also dreams of earning that Paul Hollywood handshake and making it on the Great British Baking Show one day.
