Mendocino: All’s Calm on the Northern Coast

The Tranquil Mendocino has long been one of our favorite places to go for an escape. This iconic village, perched on stunning bluffs overlooking one of the most dramatic coastlines anywhere, offers visitors an idyllic vacation experience. If you’re looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, we refer to Mendocino as our prescription for stress reduction. This quaint seaside town is also an ideal destination for a romantic getaway or family vacation.

by DON and ANN JACKSON  
photography courtesy of MENDOCINO

Depending on traffic, the drive to Mendocino can take 6 to 8 hours by car from our valley, but once you leave Highway 101 onto Route 128, you’ll enjoy one of the most scenic drives in California. The route passes through picturesque Anderson Valley vineyards, majestic Navarro Redwoods Park, and along the meandering Navarro River. Visits to celebrated wineries, like Roederer Estates and Scharffenberger Cellars, recognized for their award-winning sparkling wines, will tempt the oenophiles. As you arrive at the coastline, you’ll find a plethora of spectacular coastal “Kodak moments”—one after another—as you head north to Mendocino. 

What to See and Do:

If you make the trip to just relax, you can opt to read, sleep, and dine at a multitude of extraordinary lodging choices. Strolling downtown is an inspired visit into yesteryear as numerous wooden sidewalks remain outside the many historic buildings. Eclectic shopping options include two of our favorite stores, Compass Rose for creative handcrafts and Sallie Mac for upscale home accessories. An easy walk along the dramatic Headlands State Park, right in town, is a must do. Hikes out to the nearby Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and into Russian Gulch State Park to the waterfall and/or to the roaring sink hole are suggested treks. And don’t miss exploring the 47-acre Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens out to the blustery cliffs (www.gardenbythesea.org). Set aside a day to ride the Skunk Train steam engine out of Ft. Bragg up through the regal redwoods and wilderness, including an outdoor barbecue lunch at the Northspur turnaround (www.skunktrain.com).

For those readers who might lean towards something more exciting, we strongly recommend opting for a guided ocean kayak sojourn out into the Pacific to explore the offshore rock tunnels and cliff-side caves (www.kayakmendocino.com). A guided horseback ride along the Ten Mile Dunes is another recommended outing (www.ricochetridgeranch.com). Paddling up the beautiful Big River Estuary on a specially-built outrigger canoe is a local adventure enjoyed since 1972 (www.catchacanoe.com). For complete State Park, lighthouse, hiking, and camping info, visit www.parks.ca.gov.

Where To Stay and Dine:

From basic camping in the many State Parks to luxurious lodges, the Mendocino area has something for everyone. Even though this is one of the smallest populated tourism destinations in California, it may have more high-quality lodging and dining choices per capita than any other. Most of the area’s best restaurants are found within the lodging choices we’ll mention in this article. Many inns are perfect for weddings and special occasion romantic getaways. Some provide fireplaces, kitchenettes, pet-friendly policies, complimentary breakfasts, WiFi, and a large variety of other amenities. When one location piques your interest, we suggest you check out the lodge’s website to learn about specially-priced packages and the unique amenities provided.                 
                                              
Here are nine front runners to consider When staying in Mendocino:

One of our longtime favorites and the place we’ve stayed most often is Little River Inn, a few minutes south of town. The only resort on the Mendocino coast with a golf course also offers championship tennis courts, a day spa, tremendous views, and fine dining. Each time we’ve returned, this fifth generation, family-run lodge has provided a generous helping of hospitality, ever-improving facilities, and exceptional cuisine (www.littleriverinn.com).

A most recent stay at the newer, craftsman-style Brewery Gulch Inn provided an amazing surprise beyond the upscale accommodations and remarkably hospitable staff—a complimentary evening wine hour with incredible appetizers blew us and other guests away. Most agreed that the offerings were so enjoyable and plentiful, dinner plans should be shelved (www.brewerygulchinn.com).

The historic 1800s Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites, in the heart of town, is another great option with quality antiques throughout. A new chef and French restaurant executive bode well for ever-improving dining experiences (www.mendocinohotel.com).

Stanford Inn by-the-Sea is another top rated choice and boasts the only heated indoor pool on the Mendo coast as well as Ravens, a nationally recognized vegan restaurant (www.stanfordinn.com). Glendeven Inn, a historic 1860s farmhouse charmingly restored into a B&B, delivers gourmet breakfasts to your room and offers complimentary evening wine and hors d’oeuvres (www.glendeven.com).

If you’re looking for a woodsy retreat, upscale lodging, and critically-acclaimed dining, Stevenswood Lodge will be a perfect pick (www.stevenswood.com). Another highly regarded property offering both lodging and excellent dining is the famous MacCallum House group with numerous options, from their historic 1882 Victorians, distinctive cottages, and an old remodeled barn to luxurious suites (www.maccallumhouse.com).

Seeking an edge-of-the-cliff location with astonishing ocean views? Albion River Inn fits the bill and offers an award-winning wine list and restaurant (www.albionriverinn.com). Hill House Inn, the famous setting for TV’s Murder She Wrote, offers some of the best value prices on the coast (www.hillhouseinn.com). 

In addition to the wonderful dining offered in those inns mentioned above, here are a few more suggestions in the village: Café Beaujolais has been a critics’ favorite for California French cuisine for 40 years and has maintained amazing staying power (www.cafebeaujolais.com). 955 Ukiah Restaurant, next door to Beaujolais, has also received many glowing accolades for their local, seasonal offerings, including our own thumbs-up (www.955restaurant.com). Looking to experience a locals hangout? Then don’t miss Patterson’s Pub, where the hamburgers, fish and chips, sports TV, Irish blarney, raucous behavior, and Guinness reign supreme (www.pattersonspub.com).

No matter what the reason for your visit to Mendocino, consider an extended stay for at least five to seven days so that you can absorb the captivating tranquility and rugged beauty of this area. (You might also want to consider staying a few miles north in Ft. Bragg where both lodging and dining are a tad more reasonable.) For more lodging and dining possibilities, additional activities, and all things Mendocino, check out www.mendocinocoast.com.

(Coming up: Next month our writers explore Nevada City for a short holiday getaway.)