Whales Tale Cabin Fabulous Ocean and River Views
House in McKinleyville, CA
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this house rental
WHERE THE MAD RIVER MEETS THE PACIFIC SURF: The Whale's Tale Cabin is a cozy bungalow style cottage sitting on the bluff overlooking the mouth of the Mad River as it meets the crashing breakers of the Pacific Ocean. From the western rooms and deck visitors can enjoy whale watching, viewing the myriad of wildlife on the Mad River, and just relax, taking in all the beauty that nature has to offer. To access beaches you will take a short drive from the cabin. There is no direct beach access, but the views from the bluff make up for that.
The Whales Tale Cabin is a home built in the 1960's situated in an eclectic neighborhood of million dollar view homes mixed with modest residences in the small community of McKinleyville just a few short miles north of Arcata off of Highway 101. To maintain the cozy mood of a cabin we have maintained the rustic feel of that time period while presenting an impeccably clean and comfortable ambiance with simple furnishings. There are three bedrooms, one very comfortable Queen bed in the Master, one very comfortable Queen bed in the 2nd large bedroom, and Two Twins. There is a wood burning fireplace for ambiance. (Bring your own firewood or Duraflame logs; the furnace provides great heat). It is a very short drive to gain access to the beaches and there is no direct beach access from the cabin. Several Redwood groves and parks are very close. There is a flat screen TV in the Living Room and one in the Master Bedroom, with basic cable service; and an old boom box to play CD's., and a DVD player. There is also free WiFi to keep you connected with the 21st Century.
The quiet and secluded cabin is near downtown Mckinleyville, with a full service cinema, restaurants, and shops. The picturesque fishing village of Trinidad with its famous lighthouse is just ten minutes to the north. Parents and visitors to Humboldt State University are only 10 minutes from the campus. Nearby are gorgeous beaches, Patrick's Point State Park, Redwoods, hiking trails, and the artsy old-style lumber town of Arcata is just 10 minutes south. The Whale's Tale provides an exquisitely serene, relaxing, and private break from the usual mad rush of our hectic lifestyles. Call or E-mail for information.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND GREAT INFORMATION: In order to protect the privacy and security of guests, and your booking we will provide driving directions, lock box code, information on beaches and parks from a local's perspective, and other good information that will enhance the enjoyment of your stay. Please contact me via email at whalestalecabin@ or text me with your email address and I will email you documents. There is no air conditioning as few homes in the cool coastal regions need it. On rare occasions we hit a hot spell where fans and open windows will keep you comfortable.
CALL FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
Keywords: House, Cabin, Cottage, Bungalow, Ocean View, Retreat, River, Ocean Front, Hot tub, river front, waterfront, Arcata, Humboldt, Trinidad, vacation rental, Mad River, Whales Tale Cabin
The Whales Tale Cabin is a home built in the 1960's situated in an eclectic neighborhood of million dollar view homes mixed with modest residences in the small community of McKinleyville just a few short miles north of Arcata off of Highway 101. To maintain the cozy mood of a cabin we have maintained the rustic feel of that time period while presenting an impeccably clean and comfortable ambiance with simple furnishings. There are three bedrooms, one very comfortable Queen bed in the Master, one very comfortable Queen bed in the 2nd large bedroom, and Two Twins. There is a wood burning fireplace for ambiance. (Bring your own firewood or Duraflame logs; the furnace provides great heat). It is a very short drive to gain access to the beaches and there is no direct beach access from the cabin. Several Redwood groves and parks are very close. There is a flat screen TV in the Living Room and one in the Master Bedroom, with basic cable service; and an old boom box to play CD's., and a DVD player. There is also free WiFi to keep you connected with the 21st Century.
The quiet and secluded cabin is near downtown Mckinleyville, with a full service cinema, restaurants, and shops. The picturesque fishing village of Trinidad with its famous lighthouse is just ten minutes to the north. Parents and visitors to Humboldt State University are only 10 minutes from the campus. Nearby are gorgeous beaches, Patrick's Point State Park, Redwoods, hiking trails, and the artsy old-style lumber town of Arcata is just 10 minutes south. The Whale's Tale provides an exquisitely serene, relaxing, and private break from the usual mad rush of our hectic lifestyles. Call or E-mail for information.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND GREAT INFORMATION: In order to protect the privacy and security of guests, and your booking we will provide driving directions, lock box code, information on beaches and parks from a local's perspective, and other good information that will enhance the enjoyment of your stay. Please contact me via email at whalestalecabin@ or text me with your email address and I will email you documents. There is no air conditioning as few homes in the cool coastal regions need it. On rare occasions we hit a hot spell where fans and open windows will keep you comfortable.
CALL FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
Keywords: House, Cabin, Cottage, Bungalow, Ocean View, Retreat, River, Ocean Front, Hot tub, river front, waterfront, Arcata, Humboldt, Trinidad, vacation rental, Mad River, Whales Tale Cabin
Amenities
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
Hot tub or spa
TV
Garden
Map of McKinleyville, CA
$$$$
Reviews
10.0
We had a great time exploring the redwoods and staying at this house. The location is amazing- we loved hearing the water behind the house and watching the sunset from the patio.
We were able to explore so many spots both north and south since this house is in such a great location. Can’t wait to come back and see more of the area in the future!
10.0
We had a wonderful at this property that was exactly as billed. This was a perfect launch point for exploring the Redwood parks as well as the coastal areas like Trinidad beach and Sue-Meg State Park. We hope to return someday!
10.0
We really enjoyed the amazing views especially while relaxing in the hot tub. Several times we grabbed the binoculars to look for otters and finally saw one! The house was comfortable and convenient.
10.0
We absolutely fell in love with this house. I am an HSU grad from many moons ago and we vacation in Humboldt every summer. We usually stay in Arcata, but switched it up this year. This house was perfect. It's a great center for all of the exploring to be done in Humboldt. It's well stocked, clean, and comfortable. We watched the sunset every night from the backyard. It was a hard vacation to leave and we will definitely be back.
10.0
We used this as a jumping off point for exploring coastlines and Redwoods, and it was perfect. I loved the old school vibes, everything felt very tidy and neat, and the views of the wetlands and the ocean were great for relaxing while bird watching. Thanks!
2.0
VRBO did not properly block out the dates the owner stated they blocked out. Therefore we booked the dates, flew from Texas to California, showed up for our stay and the unit was not available for us. We had to scramble like nomads to find place to stay for our 4 nights & paid over intended rates. Very much an inconvenience & disappointment.
10.0
Centrally located, quiet, very clean and well appointed. We loved it and will hopefully be able to come back soon. The view is wonderful.
10.0
It was a great place to stay with family as we celebrated my daughter’s graduation. Very clean, bright and comfortable. We had a wonderful time and also got to enjoy the northern lights!
10.0
We loved the place. The view was FANTASTIC, kitchen well equipped and property very comfortable. There is a dog nearby who barks sometimes during the day but was quiet all night!
10.0
It was nice, neat, and clean. Very happy to sit outside when it wasn’t raining. A nice place to land after a full day of excursions.
10.0
We enjoyed our stay at this cute and comfortable beach house in McKinleyville! Close to stores and restaurants but located in a quiet neighborhood with views of the river and ocean. Perfect size and amenities for our needs! Great communication with the owner!
10.0
Perfect location overlooking the water. Whales Tale Cabin was a comfortable and clean spot to stay while visiting various redwood forests. I hope to come back again!!!! Couldn’t have asked for a more convenient and relaxing place to stay.
10.0
Needed a relaxing place to stay during the down time, while attending a family wedding weekend. This place was perfect, private and relaxing.
8.0
The view was incredible. The house was immaculate. The only downside is the neighborhood- very mixed and rundown. The house is in need of updating : floors, cupboards, but the beds and furniture were comfy.
10.0
Clean and well-kept home was a great homebase for our family while exploring the Redwoods. Quiet neighborhood with great wildlife watching out the back door. Would highly recommend for anyone visiting the area!
10.0
Great view and great location as a jumping off point to several attractions in the area. With a family of 5, i appreciated how well-stocked and thought-out the house was. Can’t wait to return!
10.0
The Whales Tail was a perfect home base for my family of four to vacation in Humboldt County. It is truly a special place - right on the estuary, with a gorgeous view of both the river and the ocean, and all the birds that live there. The house boasts lots of windows and glass back doors, so you feel like you're outside when you're indoors. Sunsets are amazing, and you'll have use of a BBQ, fire pit, and hot tub. The house is clean and comfortable, with a well-equipped kitchen. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful, with a corner store and walking trails along the river all in walking distance. 15 minutes to Eureka and Arcata. Couldn't have asked for a better location or better view!
10.0
Family vacation to Northern California from West Virginia. The views were great and it was fun watching the seals swim the Mad River. Everything was as described and comfortable. Thanks for sharing your home. Definitely recommend.
10.0
I have stayed on the Humboldt coast dozens of times, this is one of the best rentals I have been in. Very comfortable, cheerful, private, and with amazing views of the Mad River and the ocean
10.0
This VRBO is a little island nook on the ocean side in McKinleyville close to Arcata. While there are houses around it, it seems private due to the landscaping and mostly the dunes and ocean to the west. We arrived after a typical Lost Coast rain, unloaded-unpacked, and soaked in a gorgeous sunset. The early 1960’s architecture and decor brought me back to a more simple time. Like comfort food, we thoroughly enjoyed this house. It was super clean, and was so well appointed with appliances and the small items you would have at home. The host provided an excellent detailed list to things to do behind the Redwood curtain. We loved staying here, and it was the best VRBO not only of our trip but also in the last 8 years. Thank you
10.0
The home is spacious and very clean and included many amenities for our Thanksgiving stay. The location is terrific and the backyard is perfection. We would love to stay again! Perfect for my small family!
10.0
The Whale’s Tale Cabin is beautifully situated where the Mad River meets the sea - and you can see and hear the ocean. Quiet, well appointed and comfortable - a perfect place for our family when visiting the north coast.
10.0
The property was immaculate and had a wonderful view! We loved the authentic mid century features of the cabin! My husband, daughter, and her boyfriend had a wonderful time exploring the area!
10.0
Second time staying here. Beautiful, well-appointed house and a killer view. What's not to love?
10.0
Sisters Retreat
My three sisters and I have talked about a sisters get together for years… it finally happened and this location and house was the best place for us. It’s calming decor and delightful view, thoughtfully equipped kitchen, quiet location were the exact restorative qualities we hoped for. Thank you so much!
10.0
Great place
We loved the 60's feeling of the house, and found it to be very comfortable. The view out the back was beautiful! There were plenty of brochures and information about local attractions, and the owner was very responsive to our questions.
10.0
WOW! JUST! WOW!
WHAT A HOUSE! WHAT A VIEW!! Every single second of our stay at The Whale's Tale could NOT have been more perfect. The photos of this house DO NOT do it justice! It is beautifully beautifully decorated with every single detail lavishly appointed. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! The only issue we had was NOT booking more days! CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN!!
8.0
Redwoods trip
This was a nice location to stay while visiting the Redwoods and beaches in Northern California. The house was nice and well kept.
10.0
Central location with great views
We thoroughly enjoyed this property. It had a great beach vibe and the view was great. We stayed during spring break so there was some rainy weather, but still plenty to do in the surrounding area. The hot tub is a great feature and was well used despite the weather!
10.0
Birder’s Paradise
This house is spotless and comfortable in every way. The view is wonderful and for birdwatching unbelievable! Also an excellent location location for getting on the highway and visiting all the other wonderful towns and parks.
10.0
Great Stay, Great Place
Richard and Joanne were very nice and gave us all the information we needed to enjoy our stay. Great place, just as advertised.
10.0
Beautiful Beach Cottage
Absolutely beautiful and relaxing and just what we needed. Immaculate inside and out, stocked with all the essentials and the view... nothing like it. It was wonderful to visit Wales Tale twice this year and looking to return in the future. Thank you so much Richard!
10.0
Redwood experience
Took lots of photos of birds off the back patio. Visited several Redwood Forrests and beaches. Great Redwood vacation. Comfortable home, very clean.
10.0
Fantastic Sunsets
Wonderfully relaxing home as our base- while we explored the giant redwoods, remote expansive beaches and local breweries.
The sounds of the waves crashing and birds talking added another layer.
We had a great time! Highly recommend.
10.0
Pictures Don't Do It Justice!
We had a wonderful stay at Whale's Tail. The house was impeccably clean, well stocked with everything we needed in the kitchen and bath and artfully decorated. We enjoyed sunsets that went on for ages perfectly in line with the quiet, beautifully landscaped backyard. The picnic table, hot tub and chairs made it the perfect place tov escape the heat from the southeast and enjoy the refreshingly cool evenings. It was the perfect place to land and spend time together in the evenings after exploring the beaches and Redwoods nearby. I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed the space. We loved all the ways mid-century touches are combined with a restful, minimalist vibe. My only complaint is the distance this gem is from us North Carolinians! Thank you Richard for opening up your lovely home to travelers like us who long for a bit of home away from home.
10.0
Wonderful place
We enjoyed our stay so much!!
8.0
Lovely spot
Well kept, lovely house with a view of river and ocean. Communication was the only difficulty. We never received the email with check in details. I called the owner on our way to the property. He was gracious and helpful an gave me the code for the key box as well as informing me of the slightly earlier check out time as compared to the initial information. I called him back the day before we left with questions about check out and to let him know about the running toilet but never heard back from him so we cleaned thoroughly and left a note about the toilet. The house was very well equipped and lovely with comfortable mattresses. My only concern was the communication difficulty.
10.0
Nice house by the water
We loved this house. It is right by the water, you can sit outside and hear the ocean. House itself is clean and well maintained, kitchen well stocked. Neighborhood is quite, didn't see or hear the neighbors. Not many restaurants in the town so be prepared to drive a little for dinning. There is grocery shopping close by though.
10.0
Perfect Getaway
Words cannot describe our stay at Whales Tale. Thank you Richard for such a lovely home. My 2 best gals and I enjoyed every moment from the immaculate interior, super clean, gorgeous bedrooms and the view was phenomenal and very hard to leave. I highly recommend this perfect beach cottage. Looking forward to returning.
10.0
Great stay....great location
We stayed 6 nights and had a wonderful time. We split our days between staying local and seeing the sights and visiting nearby Redwoods NP/SP sites. But in particular we enjoyed the beautiful, quiet location of the cottage. It was very spacious, very clean and had all we needed for a really nice stay. We would definitely visit again.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in McKinleyville?
The average price for a rental in McKinleyville is $215 per night. This rental is $61 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Whales Tale Cabin Fabulous Ocean and River Views. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Whales Tale Cabin Fabulous Ocean and River Views pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Whales Tale Cabin Fabulous Ocean and River Views?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, parking, and laundry.
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