Shelter Cove is a secluded coastal town on California's "Lost Coast," offering stunning ocean views, black-sand beaches, and a relaxed, non-touristy atmosphere ideal for a fly-in.
Pilots should be prepared for frequent coastal fog, requiring careful flight planning, alternate airports, and ample fuel reserves, despite the picturesque runway approach.
Visitors can enjoy a laid-back golf course around the airstrip, a variety of full-service restaurants, and casual dining options, though it's advised to call ahead due to potentially irregular business hours.
See why this coastal town is the perfect place for a relaxing fly-in.
The Lost Coast refers to the approximate 80 miles of relatively secluded California coastline that is bypassed by State Route 1 and U.S. Highway 101.The town’s gorgeous ocean views, black-sand beaches and crashing waves lapping up around the approach end of the runway will take any aviator’s attention away from the ever-present shifting winds.Most of the Northern California coast, including Shelter Cove, is frequently shrouded in coastal fog. Even in the best weather, both instrument rated and VFR pilots need to plan for an alternate and have plenty of fuel reserves.Shelter Cove is tourist based without feeling touristy. Do be aware that many businesses fail to keep regular hours, so make sure you call before arriving.After arriving, pilots and passengers can enjoy a laid-back game of golf in the public course that surrounds the airstrip. ****This par 33, $10-a-day (cash only), Northern California Golf Association course isn’t the most challenging but it does present its own set of obstacles and rewards.There are a number of full-service, sit down restaurants on the cove. The historic Chart Room, the seafood-oriented Cove Restaurant and the hidden gem Cape Mendocino Tea House all have their merits.The Fish Tank Café is the cove’s only coffee shop and is the perfect place for a relaxing breakfast or lunch.For a casual and unpretentious dinner, the Fish Tank Pizzeria is the perfect hole-in-the-wall.Pizza was born in Naples and is characterized by buffalo milk mozzarella cheese, limited ingredients and a flat bread style crust. With a few twists, the owners of the Fish Tank Pizzeria are doing their best to live up to that tradition.After dinner, catch a stroll along the waterside before turning in to one of Shelter Cove’s many inns.For more on Shelter Cove, check out Stuart Stein’s Fly & Dine story.
