We planned long weekend trip to Mendocino for my birthday weekend. We actually have been planning to go there for a long time ago.
How to go there?
First of all, This is not short drive if you are coming from Bay Area. Trip takes 3.5 or 4 hours depends on your location in Bay Area without traffic!
We took the road around 4 pm after work. Because we wanted to start next day in Mendocino coast. Traffic was horrible because of road work on 101. I think to go there morning is better idea. Check for directions from here
Take a break half way of the way for lunch or dinner…
We stopped for dinner in Healdsburg. It is located in beautiful Sonoma Wine County. Healdsburg combines small-town charm, stunning vistas, and award-winning vintages with an eclectic mix centered around a charming town plaza lined with shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries, and bars. I think it is even worth for weekend trip.
We had dinner in Campo Fina. We like it. Also you can go Scopa is Campo Fina’s sister restaurant. Both of are nice Italian Restaurant is operated by same chef. I highly recommend make reservation before you go. Otherwise you may wait more than an hour. We couldn’t have chance to try their pizza but you should try their pizza they make in their wood fire owen.
After left from Healdsburg, we took Highway 128 through the Anderson Valley and Navarro River Redwoods and then reached Highway 1. We passed all the way at night so we couldn’t see any good view. If you pass Anderson Valley via Highway 128. You will see beautiful view.
Stayed in Sea Rock Inn Mendocino!
While we are planning to come Mendocino,I reviewed all hotels in Mendocino. Then we selected Sea Rock Inn. Our choice didn’t mislead us.
The Sea Rock Inn is a wonderful place for a get-away! It exceeded our expectations and we were expecting a lot. The view is amazing! We stayed three nights. Even two nights is also good.
Make reservation minimum two months advance. Otherwise you will not able to find a room for weekend.
Pros;
- It is very charming and beautiful.
- So romantic!
- All rooms have beautiful ocean view. (especially suites and junior suites)
- Breakfast is delicious.Don’t expect lots of options! Breakfast room has also amazing ocean view.
- Walking distance to Mendocino town. (10 or 15 minutes.)
Cons;
- We can’t say anything.
We stayed in Junior Suite Room 15b. When you book hotel, you will be selected your room before you check-in. Don’t take any chance for room!
To see all room options click here.
Rooms are so romantic! Our room is Junior Suite 15b
It has beautiful and well-kept garden.
Breakfast room is very lovely. All tables have ocean view.
You can watch sunset from garden if there is no fog or cloud. Unfortunately %75 percent weather is fogy or cloudy 🙂
View from the street. You can do short walk through street to Mendocino town.
things to do & what we did
There are lots of activities around Mendocino coast. Check all activities you can do from here.
Short walk to town through Mendocino coast…
We took short morning walk to Mendocino town with this beautiful coastal view. .
Landscape of coast is amazing.
Visit Mendocino town.
Town is so picturesque, with such interesting buildings and beautiful gardens. There are small galleries everywhere. You can do shopping from small boutique shops.
Go Glass Beach
You should see but don’t keep your expectation high! It is in Fort Bragg. It is only 15 minutes far from Mendocino.
Visit Fort Bragg
You can take a short break in historic Fort Bragg town.
We returned from Mendocino by using Highway 1. It is very very long drive but it is worth for at least one time. We passed lots of small villages. We visited Point Arena Lighthouse. We climbed top of the tower. You can do it by buying guided tour ticket. Check hours from their website.
Tugi & Zizi 