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A Manchester vacation rental might feel like a safe bet, but once upon a time this was a treacherous stretch of coast. Point Arena Lighthouse was originally built in 1870, and was reconstructed after being destroyed in the great earthquake of 1906. Apart from tours and a museum, it's also one of the best spots on the coast to look for whales. And if you still haven't got your history fix, Fort Ross State Historic Park is one for all the family. There are hiking trails, fishing spots, and a number of reconstructed 1800s buildings from the site's past as a Russian settlement.
On this stretch of California's Pacific Coast, the beaches take center stage, and if one thing's for sure, it's that whichever one you choose, it's not going to be crowded. Manchester's nearest beach is in fact a state park, stretching for four miles of fine sand and dunes. And if you ever get tired of lounging by the water's edge, beachcombing, and swimming in the Pacific, you can fish in the quiet creeks, take advantage of the peace and quiet to go birdwatching in the neighboring wetlands, or find some high ground and watch for passing whales. Seriously.
Wondering when's the best time to strike out west for your Manchester vacation rental? Depends what you're after. For lazy beach living, you'll want to gear your trip around the warm, dry summers. Those ocean breezes mean it never gets all that hot, so don't forget your jacket. The winter months are colder and damper, but they're also the best time to spot migrating gray whales. In spring, an insider tip is to take an excursion up to Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve, where you can catch the blooms at their vibrant best.
Wildlife lovers had better brace yourselves, because the land and sea of Mendocino County and the Pacific Coast is just teeming with wildlife. On dry land (at least for some of the time), you've got the endangered Point Arena mountain beaver and Pacific giant salamander, while in the ocean you'll find harbor seals and California sea lions. And then there's the big one, in the form of the passing whales. Humpbacks come through here year-round, but if you want to see the big gray whale migration then it usually takes place sometime between November and May.
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 114 vacation rentals around Manchester. From 112 house rentals to 6 cabin rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.