The Pacific Coast in northern California bears no resemblance to song lyrics about California beaches. It’s better.
Oh, sure, if you’re from a sun-deprived climate, you want Hollywood’s version of California beaches. But me, I’ve always loved getting up early , bundling up in a sweatshirt against the chill and stepping out into the moody, romantic backdrop. The air smells salty, cool and wet; beach walks end with the promise of a crackling fire and a hot mug of aromatic coffee at home.

Sing all you want, Beach Boys, but the fog-chilled air and overcast of our north coast are a moody and romantic backdrop in a way that hot, sunny beaches can never be.