Grey Whale so close to so many beaches, hikes and more!! Grey Whale  Make like the whales and go on a journey to the Mendocino Coast! Rediscover the joy of the American road trip and have a “whale of a time” at the Grey Whale, an architecturally stunning 4-bed, 2-bath vacation home that sleeps 8 on the Mendocino Coast. Named in honor of the annual cetacean migration, this secluded home nestled in a forest clearing gets plenty of sun, courtesy of ample windows on its two storeys. This hidden refuge feels a world away from everything, but at just 3 minutes’ drive from Jug Handle, it’s centrally located, less than 10 minutes’ drive north to Fort Bragg or south to Mendocino. Of course, with all the charm and amenities of the Grey Whale, you can also very comfortably stay in. The warm touches and accents – from the wood beam ceilings to the brick fireplace to the blue and aqua kitchen flourishes – will make this luxurious vacation rental feel like home. In the downstairs den, you can warm yourself by the fireplace, while upstairs, the large sectional couch provides room for the whole family or friend group to get cozy for game night or a movie marathon (there’s also a garage game room, the stuff of dreams for would-be ping pong champs). Forest bathe, figuratively or literally: take a walk and breathe in the nature surrounding you, or enjoy a glass of bubbly and a view of the towering trees from the jacuzzi. When night falls, roast s’mores over the fire pit and take in the skies above you – depending on the time of year, you might even spot a shooting star. Upstairs, a well-appointed balcony has scenic views and is a great place to relax with a good book or crack open a bottle of your favorite beverage with friends. Celebrate any occasion with home-cooked meals in the dining room with its splashy ocean decor, or eat al fresco at the table on the deck. You’ll have an oven, 4-burner ceramic stovetop, farmhouse sink, refrigerator with freezer, dishwasher, coffeemaker, and toaster oven. If you prefer to sample Mendocino’s fine dining or Fort Bragg’s culinary favorites, either town is a 10- minute drive away. When you retire for the night, you’ll find two bedrooms upstairs and two downstairs. One upstairs bedroom has a queen bed, while the other has a trundle bed; downstairs, one bedroom has a queen and the other has bunk beds. Both bathrooms have showers, and one has a tub as well. A washer and dryer ensure you’ll always have clean clothes. You’re also ideally situated for outdoor adventures, whether hiking, kayaking, or settling in for a day at the beach. At Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, discover hiking trails, a pygmy forest, and an ecological staircase. Trails along the bluffs offer breathtaking views, or follow the path down to a sandy and secluded beach. To the south, you’ll find Russian Gulch State Park, Caspar Beach, and the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse before you arrive in Mendocino, with its quaint buildings, artists’ galleries, shops, delicious food, Big River Beach, and panoramic ocean views. If you head north, you’ll find the world-class Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (with 47 acres of trails), as well as all that Fort Bragg has to offer. Fort Bragg boasts shopping opportunities, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, the historic Noyo Harbor, the Skunk Train, Noyo Center for Marine Science, and a number of paved and accessible hiking trails along the headlands. Continue north, and you’ll find the Haul Road trail and MacKerricher State Park, with its boardwalk to Laguna Point. The platform at Laguna Point, with its 360° views, is a great vantage point for spotting seals and sea lions, a variety of birds, and the occasional whale spout. Many of the animals frolic on the rocks offshore. If you’re looking for the eponymous whales, you’ll have the most luck November through May, with Whale Festival events along the Mendocino Coast throughout the month of March. Heed the siren-whale song of the coast and book your stay at the Grey Whale, a lavish vacation home perfect for your dream vacation!