EAT FRESH FROM THE FARM AND SEA TRAIL
DEVOUR THE FRESHEST SEA AND FARM FOODS ACROSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: FORAGE, FISH, AND ORDER YOUR WAY THROUGH THE ‘NORTH OF ORDINARY’ SEAFOOD AND FARMLANDS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
With miles of coastline and fertile land, Northern California is a cornucopia of fresh food – from fish and crab to dairy and produce. Feast your eyes on this list of places to savor for yourself.
1. HUNT DOWN DUNGENESS CRAB BLISS IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
Venture to a bustling harbor to catch your own cuisine. Toss a pot for Dungeness crab or cast a line from the B Street Pier in Crescent City. Reel in rockfish or halibut with Stella’s Adventures on a tribal-owned fishing charter. If you prefer to leave the catching to someone else and just focus on eating part, head to House of Jambalaya, Fisherman’s Restaurant, Chart Room Restaurant or The Good Harvest Cafe’ for fresh seafood meals. Wind down with a delicious stop to Ocean Air Farms’ farm stand brimming with fresh produce on Saturdays from June to October, or head over to the Alexandre Family Farm (open year round) to shop their farm store. Their weekly farmers markets (June through October) offer ample opportunities to gobble up fresh seasonal produce and bakery treats. Save the date for the annual Klamath Salmon Festival in August celebrating the Klamath River’s salmon run with food, drink and festivities.
Catch Fresh Dungeness Crab (When in Season) at the Crescent City Harbor in Del Norte County, California.
WHERE TO STAY IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
Wake up to the sound of distant ‘moos’ staying on a working dairy farm. Stroll past the Alexandre Dairy’s egg ranch to a remodeled classic aluminum trailer – rated one of Condé Nast’s 51 best Airbnbs! Whip up a breakfast with farm fresh eggs or go schmooze with the chickens. Lounge on the wood deck or next to the fire pit, all tucked into the woods for total tranquility.
WHERE TO EAT IN DEL NORTE COUNTY
Just up from the Crescent City marina, Seaside Restaurant & Bar serves up fresh, local seafood with a side of ocean views. Grab a bowl of their signature clam chowder or try the fish tacos—perfectly crisp and full of flavor. It’s a relaxed, coastal spot that delivers on both taste and atmosphere.
2. SOAK UP THE WILDLIFE AND SEAFOOD DELIGHTS OF NOYO HARBOR IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
Cruise the beautiful Noyo River and bustling Noyo Harbor aboard Captain Dan’s boat tour. Spy playful seals and jolly sea lions as you troll through the harbor teeming with birds. Glide under the historic Noyo Bridge on Captain Dan’s electric boat as you soak up the local scoop and wildlife fun facts.
Sunset Tour with Captain Dan’s Boat Tours in Mendocino County, California
WHERE TO STAY IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
Retreat to a pastoral oasis perched on a hillside with a breathtaking view of the coast. The Stanford Inn & Resort in Ukiah invites you in with charmingly rustic guest rooms. Bask in the sunlight of the solarium-enclosed pool. Enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast as part of your stay with ingredients sourced from the inn’s certified organic gardens. Go for an evening eco-stroll past the lily pond, winding through fruit trees and edible flowers.
WHERE TO EAT IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
Feast on the freshest seafood at Princess Seafood, sustainably caught from their own commercial fishing vessel. The “Princess” hauls in sashimi-grade fish, crab, and shrimp on the daily. Melt into a bowl of crab red pepper bisque. Dive into an astoundingly fresh poke bowl. There are two locations, both tucked into the Noyo Harbor. Grab something to-go from the market or enjoy an oceanic banquet on their restaurant deck that’s perched above the river.
3. HYOO: HARVEST (AND EAT) YOUR OWN OYSTERS IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Take a bite out of California’s oyster capital. Go on a mollusk quest with an oyster tour of Humboldt Bay. Paddle or motor your way through a romantic marsh as you learn about the ecosystem and harvesting techniques. Cruising the shimmering bay, you’ll rustle up your own oysters to take home or to a restaurant. Go all out at the Arcata Bay Oyster Festival held annually on the third Saturday of June featuring beers, bands, and of course TONS of oysters.
Save the Date for the Annual Oyster Festival in Humboldt County, California. Or, Just Visit One of their Seafood Restaurants for the Freshest Catch!
WHERE TO STAY IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Unwind with a spectacular view of Humboldt Bay from your enchanting Victorian-inspired room at The Inn at 2nd & C . Part of the Historic Eagle House, you’ll find a boutique experience with ornately decorated guest rooms and modern amenities. Visit Eagle House’s Tavern 1888 for a menu brimming with market fresh seafood selections. Stroll through the facility’s landmark spaces to the shops and eateries of Old Town just outside their doors.
WHERE TO EAT IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Cozy up to a reclaimed redwood oyster bar overseen by a local oyster farmer. Humboldt Bay Provisions is a locally-focused oyster tasting room serving up raw and broiled delights accompanied by gourmet sauces. Unwind with a local beer, wine, cider, and kombucha. Order a charcuterie platter to-go. Get there early because the daily haul of oysters can run out.
4. HUNT DOWN DELICIOUS SEAFOOD OR HAVE IT DELIVERED TO YOU IN LAKE COUNTY
Pair a fresh and creative menu with delicious local wines at Saw Shop Public House in Kelseyville. Fresh seafood punctuates their brunch, lunch and dinner options at this “Blue Zones Project” approved restaurant. Scout the freshest local produce at the year-round Peace & Plenty Farm Stand. Sip a frosty saffron lemonade as you peruse veggies, flowers, herbs, and crafts.
Blue Zones Project Approved Dining in Lake County, California at Saw Shop Public House
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE COUNTY
Get cozy in a 100-year-old barn tucked into a fertile landscape with a vineyard, farm, and orchard. The Ripe Choice Barn Loft offers luxurious amenities for a relaxing escape. Gobble up a hearty farm-to-table breakfast prepared by the executive chef-owner. Don’t lift a finger and have dinner delivered to the loft! Arrange a magical Chef’s Table dinner overlooking the vineyard.
WHERE TO EAT IN LAKE COUNTY
Savor a chef-prepared gourmet feast delivered right to your door. Ripe Choice Farm caters occasions big and small with locally grown and locally sourced ingredients. Let the fresh seafood come to you! Menus are ever-changing, but always prepared by an executive chef who treats each occasion like it was her own party.
