Shelter Cove Travel Guide

Originally built in 1868 and located on Cape Mendocino, about 30 miles north of Shelter Cove. The Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Preservation Society moved the tower to Shelter Cove in 1998. It was dismantled and moved in pieces by helicopter to it's present site where it was reassembled and restored. The lighthouse was opened to the public in the summer of 2000.

The Avenue of the Giants begins about 10 miles north of Garberville off Highway 101 at he Phillipsville exit, about a 50 minute drive from Shelter Cove, a pleasant 1/2 day to all day diversion. The paved road is about 33 miles long, terminating near Pepperwood at the northern end. It meanders through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, alongside highway 101, crossing back and forth under it at numerous points. This state park is home to some of the tallest Redwood trees in the world. There is a visitor's center located just north of the town of Myers Flat with interesting exhibits and restrooms. There are numerous places along the Avenue to park and hike amongst the Redwoods.

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Greg and John have been producing porcelain and stoneware pottery of distinction since 1979 . Thier original wood fired kiln is still standing although they switched to a propane fired kiln many years ago. They use only glazes that they themselves mix & grind in thier studio, controlling what ingredients are used (no lead or cadmium is used), and produce unique, functional, one of a kind pieces of rare beauty. A visit to their studio is a great learning experience in this artform, even if you dont buy any of their work. Be forewarned though, it is difficult to walk away with out buying something. Located near four corners in Whitethorn, a trip to their studio is an adventure in itself.

First, let me say that this restaurant is not in Shelter Cove. However, due to the limited choices within the Cove and the fact there is no place to eat betwen Redway/Garberville and Shelter Cove, a 45 minute drive, I thought I would recommend this place as a dining stop on the way into or out of the Cove.

This restaurant is the only one we frequent regularly in Garberville. Large selection of pasta dishes, soups, salads, deli sandwiches, burgers and other grill items. Wines, beers, and sodas, espresso drinks.

You can dine here for less than $10/ea, but not if you order the pasta dishes. They start at about $12.

Casual dining or take out. Catering service also avaiable. Atmosphere can vary, depending on the ratio of tourists to locals.

Favorite Dish: Taco Salad or BLT and soup.

Costa Cocina opened in the spring of 2007, serving up pizzas and very limited (last time I was in there, spaghetti only) Italian dishes to go. There is no dining area within the cocina but there often are a couple tables set up on the porch outside the entrance during nice weather. Pizzas are very good. I suspect the dough is not made from scratch but rather from a commercially bought mix. None the less, the crusts are good and usually a bit on the thin side, a good thing by my tastes. Pies generally tend to be heavy on the cheese and light on the sauce so keep that in mind when ordering if your taste tends the other way, as mine does.

This is the only Pizza shop in the Cove and it is certainly a most welcome addition. Prices are most reasonable for Shelter Cove where dining out tends to be on the high side. Pies are certainly good.

Favorite Dish: Veggie or Combo Pizzas.

Soups, sandwiches, pastries and Teas. Wide selection of teas. Different soups daily. Nice atmosphere. Presently open Saturday, Sunday and Monday only.

Favorite Dish: Soups!