Visit Mendo (pt 2 of 3)

Mendocino County is an accessible weekend trip from anywhere:  2 hours’ drive north from San Francisco, 2 hours’ drive west from Sacramento, and a fantastic excuse for a rest stop during lengthier travels on Highways 1 or 101. There are strikingly distinct climates, both natural and cultural, held within the county’s nearly 4,000 square miles–and each one is bound to hold something that will fascinate or delight.

This is part 2 of 3, and it serves as a small sampling of the activities one can find in Mendocino’s most well-known pockets of activity and bustle. Wherever you ultimately set your sails, we encourage you to make an appointment to visit Alta Orsa’s mountainside estate during your adventures! We consider ourselves a great gateway into Mendocino County, and we would love to share a part of the day with you.

THE COAST

• STAY: Brewery Gulch Inn

  • Address 9401 CA-1, Mendocino, CA 95460 (website)

  • Hours Reservations available daily

  • Description The porch of BGI overlooks Smuggler’s Cove, one of the striking stretches of the northern California coast, just south of the town of Mendocino. Enjoy the view alongside a wide range of resident birds during the complimentary wine hour, which features local quaff and a light meal. Fresh breakfast is included in your stay as well, in order to fuel a day of inn-based relaxation, coastal adventures, or further travels. 

  • Pro-tip The coast can have spotty reception, so be sure to have a sense of directions before you get there. Got lost? The town of Mendocino has fair reception, so feel free to pull over and get oriented.

• SIP: The Waiting Room

  • Address 961 Ukiah St, Mendocino, CA 95460 (website)

  • Hours Wed-Saturday, until 10pm || Sunday, until 6pm

  • Description Part of the legendary Café Beaujolais “family”, The Waiting Room is a cozy and elegant bar in the town of Mendocino. They feature local wines and beer, as well as cocktails, vinyl, and board games. It’s a perfect place to spend a relaxing evening after a day of exploration.

  • Pro-tip The Waiting Room opens at 7am for coffee and pastries, if you’re more of a morning person!

• SNACK: Raven’s

  • Address 44850 Comptche Ukiah Rd, Mendocino, CA 95460 (website)

  • Hours Dinner served daily, 5:30-8pm

  • Description Oftentimes, vegan options are an afterthought for a restaurant’s offerings. Raven’s locally and organically sourced menu is entirely vegan and steeped in imagination. Each dish is delightfully presented, promising a uniquely elevated dining experience.

  • Pro-tip Arrive a little before your meal and enjoy a short stroll through the Stanford Inn’s gardens, where many of the restaurant’s ingredients are sourced.

• STROLL: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

  • Address 18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 (website)

  • Hours Daily, 10am-5pm

  • Description These botanical gardens had their grand opening in 1966, and have always been well worth an afternoon wander. During your walk, you will have the opportunity to see rare rhododendrons, an edible garden, and native coastal ecosystems–all set with the backdrop of the beautifully rugged Northern California coast. The gardens host a full calendar of events, so be sure to see if something lines up with your visit!

  • Pro-tip During busy seasons, the gardens can sell out! Purchase your tickets ahead of time to ensure your spot.

Need more help planning your trip? Consider checking out local resources (such as Visit Mendocino or the local Chamber of Commerce) to fill out your itinerary.