Mendocino – Northern California Coast
“California dreaming’ on such a winter’s day.”
– The Mammas & The Papas
Perched on Northern California’s dramatic coastline, Mendocino effortlessly blends natural beauty with historic charm, making it a perfect romantic retreat. Its relaxed vibe, reminiscent of the Caribbean or Mediterranean, feels a world apart from the hustle of Silicon Valley. Mendocino is a scenic 3.5-hour drive from San Francisco, starting with a journey across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and up Highway 101. You’ll pass through the picturesque Anderson Valley Wine Country via Highway 128, where towering redwoods line the route. As you merge onto Hwy 1, the road winds along the coast, offering stunning ocean views as you make your way toward Mendocino.
Fun Mendocino Attractions
With breathtaking coastal vistas, charming inns, fresh local cuisine, and tranquil redwood forests, Mendocino offers a serene escape. For wine enthusiasts, nearby Anderson Valley provides a peaceful alternative to Napa and Sonoma, offering award-winning wines amid picturesque countryside landscapes. Break up your drive with a wine-tasting stop at one of the many wineries along Hwy 128.
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino Headlands State Park, just steps from downtown, spans 347 acres and is surrounded by rugged cliffs and the crashing Pacific. Its scenic trails offer sweeping views of the dramatic coastline, leading to hidden coves, arches, and tide pools. Start your adventure by walking to the end of Main Street, cross the road and follow the sandy bluff trails. The 4.8-mile loop takes about 1.5 hours to complete depending on your pace and stops along the way to admire the views. Enjoy stunning ocean vistas and peaceful moments by the sea. Wear layers and comfortable shoes, as temperatures can vary, and stay mindful of the unguarded cliff edges. The park is free and has ample parking, perfect for exploring the Mendocino coast.
Explore Mendocino Village Museums & Shops
Have fun walking around Mendocino’s charming village. Admire the town’s historic architecture and enjoy browsing the galleries, boutiques and shops. History buffs won’t want to miss a stop at the Ford House Museum on Main Street and the Kelley House Museum which also offers guided Historic District Walking Tours.
Visit some of our favorite shops along Main Street, including Whistle Stop, Mendocino Jams & Preserves, and Papa Bear’s Chocolate Haus. For those curious about California’s cannabis culture, Sol de Mendocino is a local dispensary where visitors can browse a variety of products (if you’re visiting from out-of-state, pot is legal in CA; just be sure to bring a valid photo ID).
Where To Stay
MacCallum House is a charming boutique hotel offering a range of accommodations right in the heart of downtown Mendocino. These include six rooms in the Victorian Main House, seven quaint cottages, a six-room Historic Barn, and a second-floor ocean-view room a block away. There are also nine spacious suites a short walk from the main house.
Blair House Inn is an enchanting Victorian Inn situated in the heart of the village. Fans may recognize the inn as home to Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) in the hit TV series “Murder She Wrote.”
Hill House of Cabot Cove, located in downtown Mendocino, offers guests spectacular ocean and garden view rooms.
Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa is a located minutes away from downtown Mendocino. Perched on a hillside overlooking Smuggler’s Cove and the rugged Mendocino coastline, the eco-friendly inn combines rustic charm with modern comforts, including a range of spa treatments. And their farm-to-table food is incredible!
Where To Eat
MacCallum House Restaurant and Grey Whale Bar & Cafe – Chef Alan Cantor crafts dishes that highlight the region’s finest ingredients, featuring fresh, locally sourced seafood, organic meats, and produce from nearby farms and ranches. The wine selection is equally impressive. For a fun start to your evening, the Grey Whale Bar offers a great spot for pre-dinner cocktails. And enjoy delicious breakfasts on the sunlit wrap-around porch at the Grey Whale Café – an ideal way to start your day.
One of the must-visit spots is Goodlife Café & Bakery, a local favorite known for its delicious coffee, fresh pastries… and more.
Cafe Beaujolais is a popular restaurant with visitors and locals alike. For something a little more casual, step out into their outdoor garden and indulge in one of their crispy thin-crust wood-fired pizzas at The Brickery.
Luna Trattoria offers diners authentic Italian comfort food. Dining areas include an enchanting outdoor garden tucked away among the trees, especially magical at night with the twinkling lights. Open for dinner only.
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The Best Time To Visit Mendocino
Mendocino’s temperate climate makes it a great year-round destination. Spring and Fall are particularly popular, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak tourist season. September brings fewer crowds and milder weather, with coastal fog clearing to sunny skies. Winter months are the best for whale-watching, with migrating whales visible along the coast.
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