If you’re anything like me, you love a good coastal escape—the kind where salty sea air fills your lungs, rugged cliffs stretch for miles, and life slows down. That’s exactly what Mendocino in northern California delivers.
In this weekend guide, I’m spilling all my best tips—where to stay, what to do, the best time to visit—so you can plan a weekend that’s equal parts adventure and relaxation. So grab your coziest sweater (trust me, you’ll need it!), and let’s get started.
Planning Tips for Visiting Mendocino, California
Best Time to Visit
Honestly, Mendocino has a vibe no matter when you go, but each season has its perks! Fall (September–November) is a popular time to go—fewer crowds, crisp air (highs in the mid-60s°F, lows in the 40s°F), and the start of wild mushroom season. Spring (March–May) is my personal favorite—absolutely gorgeous, with wildflowers everywhere and perfect hiking weather (highs in the low 60s°F, lows in the mid-40s°F).
Summer (June–August) brings sunny days (for Mendocino, that means highs in the upper 60s°F and lows in the 50s°F) and a livelier atmosphere, but expect way more tourists. And if you love moody, dramatic ocean views, cozy days by a fireplace and having the town mostly to yourself, winter is pure magic. (highs in the mid-50s°F, lows in the 40s°F).
➞ TIP: Whatever season you choose the weather can be all over the place, so layers are your best friend—bring those cozy sweaters and windbreakers!
How Many Days to Spend in Mendocino
A weekend is just right for soaking up Mendocino’s charm without feeling rushed. Two days give you enough time to wander the cute downtown, take in those ocean views at Mendocino Headlands State Park, and enjoy a long, lazy meal with a glass of local wine in hand. If you have a third day, even better! You can venture out to the redwood forests of Montgomery Woods, sip your way through the wineries of Anderson Valley, or take the famous Skunk Train through the towering trees of Fort Bragg.
How to Get To Mendocino/Getting Around
Mendocino isn’t the easiest place to get to, but that’s part of what makes it feel so special. If you’re flying in, your best bets are San Francisco (about a 3.5-hour drive) or Santa Rosa (closer to two hours). From there, you’ll take a scenic drive where you can make some cool stops along the way—whether it’s winding along Highway 1’s ocean views or cruising through the redwoods on Highway 128.
Once you arrive, walking is the best way to explore the tiny downtown (it’s super pedestrian-friendly). But if you’re planning to check out nearby wineries, hiking spots, or the cute town of Fort Bragg, you’ll definitely want a car.
➞ TIP: Don’t count on having perfect cell service everywhere (you’re in a tiny town along the coast after all), so download maps in advance.
Where to Stay
First things first—book your accommodations early, especially if you’re eyeing one of these great places (they fill up fast!).
Little River Inn
With ocean views, cozy fireplaces, and an incredible on-site restaurant, it’s easy to see why Little River Inn has been welcoming guests for over 80 years. My room had a patio with rocking chairs—perfect for watching the sunset—and a wood-burning fireplace to keep things extra cozy.
Dinner was a standout, with incredible clam chowder, crispy Brussels sprouts, and seafood-packed bouillabaisse. Breakfast (delivered to my room!) was just as amazing—hello, pear French toast! Bonus: There’s a golf course if you want to sneak in a round. Check best rates here.
Mendocino Grove
If you love nature but not roughing it, Mendocino Grove is the ultimate glamping spot. Just a mile south of town, this 37-acre retreat has 60 safari-style tents with real beds, heated blankets, and private decks.
The communal meadow space has fire pits, hammocks, and picnic tables, plus a steam sauna and espresso bar (yes, glamping with lattes!). My favorite part? They set up a campfire right outside our tent and left us a s’mores kit—now that’s my kind of camping! Check best rates here.
Brewery Gulch Inn
This boutique inn combines cozy elegance with incredible hospitality. The great room, with its massive fireplace, is the perfect place to unwind—especially during their nightly “wine hour,” which is basically a full gourmet dinner. Think pork schnitzel, roasted potatoes, fresh salad, and house-made chocolate mousse, all paired with local wine.
The rooms have fireplaces, plush robes, and ocean views, plus you’re minutes from kayaking, hiking, and downtown Mendocino. And breakfast? A must-try—the Mendocino Coast Morning Protein Bowl was unexpectedly amazing! Check best rates here.
MacCallum House
If you love history with a touch of luxury, MacCallum House is the spot. Built in 1882 as a wedding gift, this Victorian boutique hotel is packed with charm and modern comforts—fireplaces, hot tubs, and ocean views. It’s right in the heart of town, so you can walk everywhere. Plus, their farm-to-table restaurant is a local favorite, serving up seasonal dishes and craft cocktails in a cozy, garden-filled setting. Perfect for a romantic getaway!
➞ To learn more about each of these places check out my article: Mendocino Lodging: 4 Great Places to Stay
What to Do in Mendocino (Top 5 Things to Do)
Hike at Mendocino Headlands Trail
If you’re looking for a short yet stunning hike, the Mendocino Headlands Trail is a must. The full trail stretches about five miles, but we opted for the shorter 0.9-mile loop, and it was incredible! Starting where Main Street ends, this easy coastal walk takes you along the rugged cliffs to give you the craziest ocean views, crashing waves, and a picture-perfect look at Mendocino’s cute little village.
Be Surrounded by Redwoods on a Rail Bike
Hop on a two-person railbike and cruise the famous Redwood Route in the most fun (and slightly quirky) way possible! These side-by-side electric bikes let you pedal along old train tracks through the stunning Pudding Creek Estuary, giving you a whole new perspective of Mendocino’s natural beauty.
And don’t worry—it’s not a leg-burning workout since the bikes have a little electric boost to make things easy. The 90-minute ride has chances to spot local wildlife and, of course, those towering redwoods. It’s part adventure, part workout, and 100% a bucket list-worthy experience!
Wander Through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist a good botanical garden—and this one is next level. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens isn’t just about flowers (though there are plenty!); it’s 47 acres of pure magic, where lush gardens meet pretty ocean views. One minute, you’re wandering through a tunnel of towering rhododendrons, and the next, you’re standing on a bluff, breathing in that salty sea air.
The variety here is wild—everything from vibrant dahlias to rare and endangered plants like the yellow Camellia chrysanthoides. And the best part? It’s beautiful year-round, so no matter when you visit, something is always in bloom.
Eat Fish at Noyo Harbor
Noyo Harbor is a spot on the river that is a small working harbor on the Noyo River, known for serving up some of the freshest seafood in California. If you’re looking for a laid-back spot to grab a bite, you’ll find plenty of casual, walk-up eateries dishing out delicious seafood.
The Noyo Fish Company has a great selection—don’t miss their fish tacos and crispy fried seafood. Another must-visit is Sea Pal Cove, where their fish & chips are seriously top-notch (I couldn’t get enough!). Grab a seat at one of the picnic tables and enjoy your meal while watching the fishing boats come and go.
Go Wine Tasting in Anderson Valley
If you love wine (and really, who doesn’t?), Anderson Valley is a must-visit while in Mendocino. This cool, foggy region is famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the wineries here are top-notch. Roederer Estate, the California outpost of the legendary Champagne Louis Roederer (dating back to 1776!), is a must for sparkling wine lovers—don’t miss their Brut and Brut Rosé. Pennyroyal Farms offers not only fantastic local wines but also house-made cheeses from their own goats and sheep, making for some seriously tasty pairings.
And if you’re looking for a laid-back, family-owned spot with incredible wines, Handley Cellars in Philo has been crafting top-quality Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc since 1982. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just here for the sips and scenery, Anderson Valley is the perfect place to raise a glass!
➞ For more great ideas see my Best Things to do in Mendocino that has 35 great ideas!
Best Places to Eat
Café Beaujolais
Café Beaujolais is the kind of place that surprises you—in the best way—even if you don’t think you love French cuisine (I sure didn’t!). Set in a cozy 1893 Victorian farmhouse, the warm, inviting space is lined with photos of local purveyors, a sweet reminder of the hardworking people behind the incredible food.
And wow, the food! The pear mixed green salad with candied walnuts, Pt. Reyes Blue cheese, and local Nye Ranch greens was fresh and flavorful, while the roasted squash agnolotti in sage browned butter with chanterelle mushrooms was pure comfort. But the real showstopper? The Liberty Farms duck breast, perfectly cooked and served with potato pavé, poached quince, and a hint of Chinese five spice. By the time I left, I had completely forgotten I wasn’t a “French food person.”
Trillium Cafe
Trillium Cafe is a modern yet cozy spot in the heart of Mendocino that perfectly captures quintessential California cuisine. With a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, it quickly became a favorite. The smoked salmon ravioli with zesty pesto sauce was so good I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days (and even tried recreating it at home!). Their menu is packed with standouts like wild-caught fish with mushroom risotto and a rich, flavorful seafood bouillabaisse loaded with prawns, clams, and Dungeness crab. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to—trust me!
The Brickery
If you’re a fan of simple, delicious meals, The Brickery is a must-try. Tucked behind The Waiting Room, this wood-fired pizza spot has a cozy outdoor ordering window and a charming garden seating area. I tried the posto pizza, with a perfect balance of crispy, chewy crust, crème fraîche, calabrese pepperoni, and spicy honey—and let’s not forget the refreshing baby gem salad with burrata and grapefruit. Oh, and they’re owned by the same folks as Café Beaujolais—talk about a winning combination!
➞ If you want more restaurant choices check out my top 8 picks for the Best Restaurants in Mendocino
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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