Calif. Coast Drive

Vacation homes are rented at Mendocino Coast Reservations, 800-262-7801, http://www.mendocinovacations.com/ .

WHERE TO EAT:

· In Point Reyes:

The Station House Cafe (11180 Hwy. 1, Point Reyes Station, 415-663-1515), has a continental menu and a nice garden for outdoor dining. Dinner entrees, with numerous seafood choices, are mostly from $10 to $20. Vladimir's (12785 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., 415-669-1021) has a Czech and Eastern European menu, with a set price of $15 for lunch, $25 for dinner.

Manka's Inverness Lodge (30 Callendar Way, Inverness, 800-585-6343) is an Arts and Crafts-style hunting lodge built in 1910, and includes a highly regarded restaurant. Fixed-price dinners are $58; $88 on Saturday nights.

For organic, free-range continental fare, the Olema Inn (10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Olema, 415-663-9559) has been serving travelers since 1876. Entrees begin at $22.

· Around Mendocino:

For a gourmet meal that comes with a glorious view, try Heritage House (5200 N. Hwy. 1, Little River, 800-235-5885). Entrees, including seafood and meat dishes, begin at $21. The Mendocino Market (45051 Ukiah St., Mendocino, 707-937-3474) has a few tables, or prepare a picnic from great sandwiches, pastas and salads. In Jenner, River's End (11048 Hwy. 1, 707-865-2484) includes great continental cuisine with fabulous views. Dinner entrees begin at $23.

WHAT TO DO:

· Horseback riding. Ride well-trained horses along the beach at Five Brooks Stable, 8001 Hwy. 1, Olema, in the Point Reyes area. Details: http://www.fivebrooks.com/ , 415-663-1570. Lessons are also available at Bar-Or Ranch (see above).

· Biking. Rent them at Cycle Point Reyes (415-663-9164, http://www.cyclepointreyes.com/ ), or in Mendocino, at Stanford Inn by the Sea (see above).

· Kayaking. Rent at Blue Waters Kayaking in the Point Reyes area (19225 Hwy. 1, Marshall, 415-663-2252; 12938 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. at the Golden Hinde Inn & Marina, Inverness, 415-669-2600; http://www.bwkayak.com/ ), or in Mendocino at Stanford Inn by the Sea (see above).

· Bird-watching. Anywhere, anytime, but consider watching birds among the flowers at the 47-acre Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (18220 N. Hwy.1, Fort Bragg, 707-964-4352, http://www.gardenbythesea.org/ ).

· Whale-watching . Gray whales migrate along the coast; the prime season runs from late December through early February as they travel south. They come back on the trip north from late February through April.

· Wine tours . Get a list of wineries and brew pubs from the Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance, (707-468-9886, http://www.mendowine.com/ ).

· Train tours. Ride a steam or diesel train along the scenic Mendocino coast and through redwood forests on the Skunk Train, which has daily 3 1/2 -hour runs, plus special events that include wine tours and brunches. Details: 866-457-5865, http://www.skunktrain.com/ .

· Cheese factory tours. To tour the Point Reyes Original Blue farm and cheese factory, call 800-591-6878. For a map and a list of numerous dairy operations open for tours: http://www.realcaliforniacheese.com/ .

INFORMATION: West Marin Chamber of Commerce , 415-663-9232, http://www.pointreyes.org/ . Point Reyes National Seashore , 415-464-5100, http://www.nps.gov/pore . Mendocino County Alliance , 866-466-3636, http://www.gomendo.com/ . -- Cindy Loose