A weekend getaway in Mendocino and my favorite things to do while there ♥
3-hours north of San Francisco is a beautiful coastal community thriving as a historical landmark that seems to come from the magic of imagination. This place is majestic and peaceful even amongst the crashing waves in this area of rugged coast. You simply must go!
In this post I will share with you this fabulous winter weekend and some of the adventures, fun finds, and best eats of Mendocino County. Beginning with where you too can see this beautiful coastal view!
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park and Lighthouse Trail
If you are a Lighthouse lover like me, go! If you are not sure and couldn’t care less, go! This Historic Park and Museum is set in a backdrop of roaring coastal bluffs and lovely trails. It is my favorite first stop in Mendocino. I like to park in the paved lot from Point Cabrillo Drive. This is where you can stop to use the restroom and read a bit about the Lighthouse and State Park. Parking area and park are open from Sunrise until Sunset. Parking is FREE, and dogs are welcome! (Although be careful about allowing them to run through the tall-dry fields, there are ticks!)
Light Station Trail
It is an easy 2-mile loop and can be accessed at numerous points. I like to start at the main parking lot and loop around through the fields, along the bluffs, to the lighthouse museum. I would say that it is trailed with access for strollers and wheelchairs as long as the ground is dry and you have sturdy wheels. A portion of the loop trail starting from the Light Station Museum, to the 1st Lightkeepers House Museum, and back up and around the parking lot is paved.
Lighthouse Museum Info
The Lighthouse Museum is open to visitors from 11 am-4 pm every day and worth the visit. You get some great information about the lighthouse as well as a cute gift shop. The best part is that it is in the Lighthouse!
Lightkeeper’s House Museum
Another quaint little museum sets along the path that has been restored to the original 1930s 1st Lightkeeper’s home. It was darling and fun to walk through and to see much of the original character and charm of this time. You can also lodge in the main portion of this home, as well as other cottages that may be available on your Mendocino trip! And yes, they do have all the modern conveniences. For that info see HERE.
Garden Trails to Ocean Views
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
If you have read any of my other posts or follow me on any social media you would know that visiting gardens is one of my favorite pastimes. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is one of the most spectacular gardens I have ever visited! The gardens are lush with vibrant colors, beautifully designed, and adorned with curated art sculptures. They also have trails throughout that lead to some amazing coastal views. We ventured on a crisp December morning, and I wished so badly that they had a coffee house on site. That is the only addition I can think of to make this place even more worthwhile.
The Gardens are Open Daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and may change during different seasons. It is dog-friendly! And general admission is $20 per person or if you are like me and have an AHS Membership, it is FREE! For more info on that membership and to read about another garden adventure see my last post.
Did I share the LOVE I have for this garden ♥ It is such an experience and is stunningly beautiful. The meandering through the various trails, making way to the coastal bluffs was beyond what I imagined! When I read they had paths and trails to walk I did not realize that from the main garden, you could actually get in some great hiking and seaside views.
Van Damme State Park
In West Mendocino is Little River, California, where this lush, fern-filled State Park is located. It is full of trails and streams and bridges to cross. Unfortunately, during heavy rains, trails can close due to flooding or safety. Be sure to check what trails are open if you visit during cold-rainy months. That being said, much will still be accessible, and a nice hike in the rain is always a blast! You only need to make sure to have comfortable wear, like my waterproof hooded jacket and pair of waterproof hiking shoes. Park hours are 6 AM to Sunset. For more details see HERE.
I was bummed I couldn’t access Fern Canyon Scenic Trail, but happily enjoyed walking through as much of the park as I was able. Even with a drizzle, It made it that much more enjoyable! It felt like a true little adventure. I could hear the rush of water from the creeks, frogs croaking in delight, birds chirping every time a break in the rain happened, and the sunshine trying to peek through. It was truly a lovely time in nature.
Mendocino Headlands State Park
This State Park surrounds the town of Mendocino, just off Highway 1. I entered it by going down Main Street off Hwy 1 into the quaint little town of Mendocino. You will enjoy walking the easy and mildly terrain trails that wind around the coastal cliffs of this park. Or stroll along the beach and watch the roar of the ocean.
Enjoy a Drive along Hwy 1
The views along the coast and places to stop and visit are endless. There is a quaintness about the Mendocino area that give charm of a simple small town, however there are many parks, trails, shops, and places to just stop and admire the view. A nice drive is easily time well spent, especially If you enjoy capturing beautiful views!
The Place to Stay
Little River Inn ♥
With its charming coastal appeal, the choice of where to lodge was easy. I have heard of this wonderful Inn from a family friend who has lodged there numerous times and had nothing but great things to say. Its property is a beautiful 220 acres and spans various locations in Little River, California. The main white wooden hotel holds beautiful rooms to choose from with a pick of various amenities including ocean view, private balconies, luxurious tubs, and bed sizes. Or, you can choose to lodge in one of their unique cabins that are set with a direct ocean view or within a lovely garden oasis. And I must not forget to mention they have a private trail entrance into Van Damme State Park! For more information on rooms and lodging options see HERE.
Our Room
The Van Damme South
We lodged in one of the four available units just across the street from the main property. It has direct views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean with amenities such as a fireplace, deep soaking tub, private deck with hot tub, and lounging Adirondack chairs. It truly was a spectacular room. Some fixtures and furnishings such as the shower, tiling, and decor are a bit outdated but it did not take away from the loveliness of this place. And the views around the property are simply phenomenal ♥
Golfing
Little River Inn has a beautiful Golf Course too! As if winding and rolling hills, putting amongst redwoods, and lovely ocean views were not enough to make this place a must-stop for golf, It is also an an Audubon-certified sanctuary, so sighting wildlife on the course should not come as a surprise! This is a 9-hole course that can be doubled and played as an 18-hole.
Best Mendocino Eats!
Favorite coffee, take-out, and dinning
After a morning and afternoon of hiking and exploring, a meal to enjoy back in the comfort of my room seemed like the best plan! I can grub while enjoying the view and amenities of my Little River Inn room. Mendocino Market Deli is always my favorite option for yummy made-to-order sandwiches and all the Deli-style sides you could be hungry for, including their creamy clam chowder soup.
Does PIZZA sound good? Absolutely, and do I have a great pizzeria for you to try! If you drive toward Fort Bragg (which you definitely should do if in the Mendocino area) then you gotta try, Piaci Pub & Pizzeria! It is a cool joint with some great pizza options and also a pub so grab a drink while you wait for your pizza. You can dine in but as I stated why waste a lovely room and view, so I am about pizza to go.
A Lovely Dinner
Trillium Cafe in Main street Mendocino is a lovely restaurant with savory entrees, delicious desserts , and wonderful service. The ambiance is lovely and romantic, especially if you get seating in their garden patio. It was one of my favorite dining experiences in Mendo County ♥
Best Coffee in Mendocino!
I fell in love with a little spot called The Waiting Room I enjoyed my morning cup of coffee there. It has a lovely and cozy atmosphere, as well as the same offering in their coffee! And the vinyl record album collection was an added bonus!
And I suppose a great cup of coffee is where I should end this trip… It truly was a beautiful weekend away and even with some winter chill and rain it still made sunshine and smiles in this adventure’s soul ♥
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