Mendocino, california
About three hours from San Francisco, tucked on Northern California's iconic rocky coastline, Mendocino is a magical town. A tight knit local community, close proximity to gorgeous nature, and plenty of good food and local wine - this is my idea of heaven. I almost don't want to share too much so I can keep this special place under the radar. But the unspoiled beauty and charm warrant a visit from anyone who is seeking an adventure along Northern California's coast.
The foggy days perfectly fit the atmosphere here. Moody and cool, the fog hugs the coastline while the wide, quiet streets of town welcome visitors and locals alike. Add in a plethora of hiking trails, vineyards aplenty and beautiful views to sit back and enjoy. Mendocino is easily one of the most enchanting places I've visited in recent memory. I've been dreaming of it every since we left, and will certainly be back soon.
Pack... At some point you'll encounter fog. Pack a layer, hiking shoes and throw in a cozy wrap for the evenings.
Sleep... Our cozy Airbnb was located right in town (the blue building in the photo below!), overlooking the water and in walking distance of everything. The small deck off the front was a nice spot to have a cup of coffee or glass of wine at night and enjoy the view. The town is also known for its plethora of charming and historic B&Bs.
Read... My Absolute Darling. This is a difficult read, but its setting on the wild Mendocino coast offers an interesting backdrop to the dark story.
Bring home... Pinot Noir from the vineyards in nearby Anderson Valley.
{ wander }
Mendocino Headlands State Park - The park is hugs the coastline, and is easily accessible from town. Walk down to take in the views and wander through the makeshift trails. It's so beautiful.
Honey & Ro - A beautifully curated store with home goods and lots of great clothing brands. I could have done some serious damage here!
Gallery Bookshop - I love a good bookstore. Lots of bestsellers, local interest and kids books to get lost in.
{ eat }
Mendocino Cafe - This cute spot has a charming porch, friendly staff and yummy Asian-inspired dishes on the menu. We had such a fun and relaxed dinner here on our first night in town, that we came back again the next day!
Goodlife Cafe & Bakery - Popular with the locals, this cafe is a great stop for breakfast or lunch. We came for both a quick coffee and a hearty lunch. Snag a table on the deck to enjoy your food.
Patterson's Pub - This looked like a super fun and casual spot to grab a beer and casual food. Sadly we were kicked out, as it's 21+ and we had our 5 month old babe along for the trip. Ooops!
Other food options that we didn't have a chance to try... Wild Fish & Trillium Cafe & Inn