Mendocino: A Sleepy Gem on the California Coast
A guide to Mendocino curated by Juliette Spirson
Guest post by Juliette Spirson, @spirson
The elevator pitch: From redwoods to rivers, this coastal town has it all. It’s quaint, calm and casual. It’s really a hidden gem with a local feel regardless of where you’re coming from.
When to go: Catch whale-watching season between November and April.
Where to stay: Go glamping in Mendocino Grove, rent a home with Mendocino Preferred, or get fancy at Stanford Inn & Resort.
How to get around: You definitely need a car, but read on to find out how you can spend some time biking and canoeing around the area.
TRIP OVERVIEW
What this is: a beautiful escape to an adorable small town
What this isn’t: an adventure you’ll be disappointed you went on
Day 1: Get the Lay of the Land
Breakfast at Goodlife Cafe & Bakery
Explore Downtown
Lunch at Frankie’s
Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too!
Dinner at Patterson’s Pub
Day 2: A Day Filled with Wine!
Breakfast at Fog Eater Cafe
Visit Meyer Family Cellars Tasting Room
Lunch at Mendocino Market
Adventure through the wineries!
Dinner at Café Beaujolais
Day 3: Treat Yourself!
Breakfast at Garden Bakery
Visit Big River State Park
Lunch at Mendocino Cafe
Head to Sweetwater Eco Spa
Dinner at Luna Trattoria
THE DETAILED GUIDE
Day 1: Get the Lay of the Land
Goodlife Cafe & Bakery
Breakfast in Mendocino
map | site | @goodlifecafemendo
Homemade and generous portions. This local cafe has a pastry case that will make anyone drool. Stay and check out their robust breakfast, or bring a haul back to bed. I ordered a breakfast sandwich on a fresh croissant, my boyfriend got a breakfast burrito, and we took home coffees, cookies, green juice, and house-made dog treats.
Explore Downtown
Shop around and explore Downtown Mendocino
map
Walkable and charming. Since you’re in town, take this opportunity to explore the shops while you digest. Loot and Lore is the spot for aspiring witches, while The Study Club has upscale clothing brands and an attached gallery. And don’t forget Moore’s Used Books for something to read on the beach!
Frankie’s
Lunch in Mendocino
map | reserve | site
Decadent and gourmet. Get ready for some fast and friendly pizza with flavor profiles named after nearby beaches, from the spicy Whiskey Shoals to the classic Big River. Grab a slice or a whole pie, or check out the organic, scratch-baked falafel. When you’re done, discover which ice creams are available that day.
Canoe & Bicycles, Too!
Outdoorsy and family-friendly. Located at the Stanford Inn & Resort, this rental spot is right in a small cove that sits on the Big River Estuary. It’s a flat, safe place to practice your rowing with redwood outriggers, kayaks, canoes, or standup paddle boards. If you want to stay dry, rent bikes and check out the trails!
Patterson’s Pub
Dinner in Mendocino
map | site
Classic and pub style. Look, there are a ton of upscale dining options in Mendocino. But after a day of outdoor activities, it’s nice to head back downtown hungry and wind-blown and know you can get all your fried faves. Patterson’s is a pub that does pub food, with vegetarian options and salads to round out their offerings of fish and chips, cheeseburgers, and hearty daily specials. Plus they have a couple dozen beers on tap to finish your day!
Day 2: A Day Filled with Wine!
Fog Eater Cafe
Breakfast in Mendocino
map | reserve | site | @fogeatercafe
Southern and female-owned. Look, I’m a sucker for a Southern brunch. And once you’ve tried corn bread french toast, you will be, too. Meat-eaters won’t feel like they’re missing out with hearty dishes like cheesy grits and biscuit sandwiches.
Meyer Family Cellars Tasting Room
Wine taste ‘til you drop in Downtown Mendocino
map
Historic and family owned. Before heading out to explore the wine at each vineyard, you can always check out the Meyer Family Cellars Tasting Room right in town. There’s a beautiful back patio so you can sip in style. You must call for reservations!
Mendocino Market
No frills and local chowder. Staffed by local teens, this small spot near the Meyer Family Cellars Tasting Room has a dog-friendly back patio and all your deli favorites. We grabbed some simple sandwiches but you can also check out seafood faves like lobster rolls and clam chowder.
Explore Wineries
Tons of great wineries to explore in Mendocino!
map
Variety and organic. Ready for a little road trip? A winding road will bring you through the motherlode of vineyards as you head away from the water. There are enough to take up an entire visit, so look up the ones you might like best, but locals rave about Goldeneye Winery, Toulouse Vineyards, Navarro Winery, and Lula Cellars.
Café Beaujolais
Dinner in Mendocino
map | reserve | site | @cafe.beaujolais
Historic and intimate. With three spots offering service, Café Beajoulais does it all. The Waiting Room offers morning coffees and pastries, The Brickery opens up the garden for wood-fired pizzas at lunchtime, and in the evening you can’t do better than fine dining at The Café. If I were you I’d go Italian, with burrata and the 8-hour bolognese. And with their large wine menu, you can discover any local wine that you didn’t get a chance to check out during the day.
Day 3: Treat Yourself!
Garden Bakery
Breakfast in Mendocino
map
Mexican pastries and garden setting. Swing by this little hold in the wall to scoop up some morning goodies, like empanadas, and enjoy them in their quiet little corner garden. Maybe even grab some goodies to bring home!
Big River State Park
Explore the beautiful beaches & much more in Mendocino!
map
Sandy and relaxing. Yes, you’ve been just up the river from this beach already, but that involved rowing and biking. Isn’t it time to veg out? Grab some snacks from the Harvest Market at Mendosa’s and soak up the sun. If it’s a foggy day, cozy up with a book or build a beach fire and roast some marshmallows!
Mendocino Cafe
Homey and global. I know what you’re thinking at this point: haven’t I hit every cafe in town? Not until you’ve tried this one, which actually goes a step beyond cafe fare and offers… wait for it… a Thai twist. Grab a Thai burrito with peanut or sweet chili sauce.
Sweetwater Eco Spa
Relax at the spa in Mendocino
map | site | @sweetwaterinnspa
Hot tubs and massages. You don’t have to go on a hike to enjoy nature at this cozy little spa. With redwood hot tubs and traditional cedarwood saunas, it’s still a Mendocino experience even as you’re having the last of your kayaking aches cared for.
Luna Trattoria
Cozy and authentic. To end your trip on an enchanted note, you can’t go wrong with the homey and upscale vibes of Luna Trattoria. The staff — self-named “lunatics” — will ensure that every bite from ensalada to panna cotta is perfection.
If you love Mendocino, you’ll also love
Carmel by the Sea. Jaunt coming soon!
Nearby places to visit
Napa. A quick drive away. Jaunt coming soon!