A few months ago, Mr. SP and I snuck off to celebrate our birthdays, with an extended weekend getaway along the scenic Mendocino Coast. We’ve always chosen travel, in lieu of gifts, especially for the bigger celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. And since this particular trip was ‘hubby’s choice,’ it’s no surprise he chose to return to the area he grew up, his beloved northern California.
We’ve been back several times over the years, exploring San Fransisco, Carmel, Big Sur, and Napa Valley, but had never ventured further north. We were awestruck by the thunderous surf of the rugged coastline, peaceful towns that seemed suspended in time, soaring Redwood forests, and quant vineyards. Visiting the Mendocino Coast is quite literally like three trips in one!
We arrived in San Franscisco early, and after a quick stop at Twin Peaks Park (a great overlook of the city), we headed north across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Like most places worth visiting, there’s no quick or easy route to the Mendocino Coast (unless, of course, you already live in Northern California!), so we expanded our weekend trip to five nights, to make it worth the travel time. And as soon as we spotted those towering Redwoods and glimmering coastline, we knew we’d made the right choice!
Sugarplum Travel Tip: The drive from San Francisco to Mendocino is about 3.5 hours, but allow yourself enough time to arrive Mendocino during the day…you won’t want to miss the view along the way, and the roads are crazy curvy to navigate in the dark!
The small town of Mendocino sits on the edge of a headland, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, with charming art galleries, boutiques, and historic homes. It’s well-kept, but still has an air of being frozen in time. You can almost sense what life was like when it was a booming logging town, occupied by Spanish navigators and indigenous tribes.
We spent our days exploring state parks, hiking mountain and coastal trails, floating the river, and touring the colorful wineries. The entire area is very environmentally conscience, with a natural hippy vibe, and virtually untouched by traditional tourist standards. #notamcdonaldsinsight!
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After three nights, we drove about an hour north to the tiny coastal town of Newport. We spent the final two days at the Inn at Newport Ranch, an exquisite property on a 2000-acre private preserve, bordered by stunning coastline and Redwood-covered mountains. They have over 20-miles of private trails exploring ocean views, coastal plains, sandy beaches, and ridge tops.
Sugarplum Travel Tip: Book the 2-hour ATV tour up the mountain peak (hi, Evan!), for a super-informative tour of the area and stunning views.
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{Where We Stayed}
*Little River Inn, Mendocino
This quant Victorian-style inn offers ocean views from every room, and a few even have wood-burning fireplaces. It’s family owned and operated, and perched right on the edge of the coast. We stayed in a cottage our first night, but actually preferred the more traditional (newer) rooms. The on-site restaurant serves a delicious breakfast, and is the post popular dinner spot in town. But we were partial to the spirited bar. See more of it in this post.
*Inn at Newport Ranch, Newport
This is truly one of the most majestic places we’ve ever stayed. It’s a quiet and peaceful retreat that feels far away from the hustle of real life, and we were completely captivated by the setting and hospitality of the innkeepers. Hearty breakfasts and fireside appetizers and cocktails are served in the lodge, and included in the room rate. It’s already on virtually every hot list from Travel + Leisure to Conde Nast, so I’d add it to your short list.
Sugarplum Travel Tip: The drive back to San Francisco through Jackson State Forest is stunning, but a nail-biter! #barfbag #packthedramamine
{What We Did}
*Catch a Canoe Excursions on The Big River
Great place to rent canoes & bikes, for self-guided tours down The Big River. We meandered up the river on a redwood outrigger for several hours, spotting otters, seals and birds. It was one of the most peaceful experiences of our trip.
*Anderson Valley Wineries
A quick 45-minutes from Mendocino, this area boasts stunning vineyards with minimal crowds. (Think Sonoma County 30 years ago!) You’re likely to see the owners and winemakers on-property, who are happy to host a tasting. Our favorites were Lula Cellars and Golden Eye.
*Navarro River Redwoods State Park
An 11-mile stretch of road connecting Anderson Valley and Mendocino, this magnificent sight is known as the ‘redwood tunnel to the sea.’
*Van Damme & Russian Gulch State Parks
Lush parks within the town of Mendocino, with many beautiful trail options, waterfalls, and beach access.
*Downtown Mendocino & Mendocino Headlands State Park
This tiny bohemian town is popular with artists and vacationers, and the headlands trails give sweeping views up the coastline. Winds are gusty on the tip, but the wave-watching can’t be missed!
{What We Ate}
*Little River Inn Bar
I’m not much for chowder, but Mr. SP said it was the best clam chowder he’s ever had. Looking out to the water while eating helps, too!
*Stone & Embers
Charming wood-fired pizza spot in Anderson Valley.
*Hamburger Ranch & BBQ
Great pit-stop in Cloverdale, en route from San Francisco to the coast. They claim to have the best burger in the world, but I was too busy inhaling all the banana pudding.
*Inn at Newport Ranch
Family-style 3-course dinner, using all organic and local ingredients.
*Sugarplum Travel Tip: The mornings were crisp, and afternoons warm, so layers are key. It’s a casual laid-back area, so jeans were appropriate everywhere. Make sure to bring comfortable outdoor clothes for hiking and exploring, too!
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Mendocino County doesn’t get the same attention as Big Sur or Napa Valley, but that’s part of the allure…plus, there’s no crowds! I’m sure it won’t be long before this spot becomes a traveler-favorite, so we feel fortunate to have experienced it in it’s natural state. Can you believe many of these pics were captured on my iPhone? And no filters necessary…Mother Nature does her own technicolor filter for you. Have you visited the northern coast of California? What spots on your travel radar for this year?
Mr. SP loved the trip so much, he created this little video scrapbook for us (with his own original music!), so I thought I’d share it!
See more of our Travel Adventures here.