We planned long weekend trip to Mendocino for my birthday weekend. We have been planning to go there for a long time.

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 loved 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.

Stay 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. Make reservation via their webpage.

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!.
Check all room options.

Hotel website: www.searock.com
For Tripadvisor reviews click here.

Things to do

There are lots of things to do in Mendocino. Check this websites before plan your trip;

http://www.mendocino.com/mendocino-activities.htmlhttp://www.seagullbb.com/activities.htmlhttp://www.searock.com/blog/http://glendeven.com/mendocino/

Where we ate

Trillium Cafe
We had lunch two times here. Lunch menu was good. But service was very slow in our second visit. We waited for soup half an hour. (Price: $$)
http://trilliummendocino.com/restaurant/
Wild Fish
We had dinner in this romantic small seafood restaurant. We liked everything we ordered. Make reservation for dinner. {Price: $$$)
>http://www.wild-fish.com/
Patterson Pub
We had dinner in this small Irish pub. We generally don’t like noisy places but we liked this place. Food was huge and good. Patterson’s is more affordable than other restaurants in town. BTW, They only accept cash. Don’t worry. There is an ATM cross the street. (Price: $)
http://www.pattersonspub.com

Check all restaurants from here

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.