Mendocino 3 Days / 2 Nights: A Poetic Weekend of Nature, Redwoods & Coast

Before You Go: Ease into a slow, nature-first road trip

Getting There

From San Francisco to Mendocino is about 3.5 hours by car. Driving gives you the most flexibility for spontaneous stops and hidden gems. Try to avoid Friday rush hour—the best departure time is before 7:30 AM.

Best Time to Visit

Spring, summer, and fall are all great. Summers are refreshingly cool along the coast—mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack a light jacket. Spring brings flowers; fall is rich with color—each season has its charm.

Packing Essentials

• Comfortable non-slip hiking shoes

• Layerable warm clothing

• Flashlight or headlamp (for campgrounds or evening strolls)

• Insect repellent and sunscreen

• BBQ gear and reusable tableware (if camping)

• Food storage bags and trash bags for easy, eco-friendly cleanup

Day 1: Roll onto the Coast—Redwoods & Ocean Air

Choose Your Route

Route A: Coastal Scenic Drive (Highway 1)

Famous for dramatic shoreline views, starting northbound from Marin County.

• Tomales Bay – Hog Island Oyster Farm: First stop for a dozen fresh oysters with briny sea breezes.

• Bodega Bay: Stroll the beautiful beaches—also a filming location for Hitchcock’s The Birds.

• Jenner: Watch the Russian River meet the Pacific—waves weaving river and sea.

• Salt Point State Park: Hike the rocky coastline and see Northern California’s unique geology.

• Point Arena Lighthouse: The tallest lighthouse on the West Coast—climb for panoramic ocean views.

• Bowling Ball Beach: At low tide, spot the spherical rock formations—nature’s outdoor art installation.

Route B: Redwoods & Wine Country (US-101 → CA-128 → CA-1)

More direct, with scenery shifting from forest to vineyards.

• Anderson Valley: Winery-dotted drive. Grab sandwiches at Boonville General Store, then wine-taste at Navarro Vineyards.

• Hendy Woods State Park: Short, serene redwood hikes with cinematic, dappled forest light.

• Philo: Try local cider at Gowan’s Cider House.

• Navarro River Redwoods State Park: Drive through a “green tunnel” of towering redwoods—one of the trip’s dreamiest stretches.

Where to Stay

• Mendocino Grove (Glamping): Real beds, cozy duvets, camp kitchens; excellent for couples and families.

• SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm: Sustainability-minded stay with gardens and a small farm—perfect for restorative vibes.

• Brewery Gulch Inn: Hilltop boutique classic with standout food.

Dinner in Town (Arrival Night)

• Luna Trattoria: Homestyle Italian—get the seafood pasta.

• Cafe Beaujolais: French technique + local ingredients—timeless and romantic.

• Trillium Cafe: Patio seating; NorCal-inspired seasonal mains.

• Fog Eater Cafe: Plant-based dishes with Southern soul.

Day 2: Forest Hikes & Small-Town Wandering—Slow Down in Mendocino

Breakfast

Goodlife Cafe & Bakery is a beloved local spot: almond croissants (crisp outside, tender inside), rich quiche, bold coffee. Arrive before 8:30 AM to avoid lines.

Morning Hike: Russian Gulch State Park

• Fern Canyon Trail (5.5 miles, moderate): Follows a creek into lush forest, ending at a 36-foot waterfall. Mostly shaded—ideal for quiet, immersive woodland time.

• Headlands Trail (about 0.5 miles from the picnic area): See the sea cave Devil’s Punchbowl and the iconic bridge—great for families.

Lunch & Town Time

• Farmers’ Market (May–Nov, Fridays midday): Stock up on local produce, baked goods, and crafts.

• Lunch picks: Trillium’s shrimp sandwich; Brickery for sourdough pizza; Fog Eater for vegetarian goodness.

• Coffee: Wingspan Coffee Bar—outdoor seating is perfect for breezy summer afternoons.

• Culture stops: Gallery Bookshop (indie bookstore) and Kelley House Museum (local history).

• Before dusk, swing by Harvest Market for BBQ supplies.

Night: Campfire Dinner

Back at Mendocino Grove, grill steak and veggies on the communal BBQs, then settle in for s’mores—campground kits are available. A cozy, fire-lit finale.

Day 3: Beach Marvels & Forest Rails—A Perfect Finish

Morning Beach Walk

At Big River estuary beach, low tide reveals a wide, tranquil shoreline—go early for solitude. Mendocino Grove offers a simple breakfast (oatmeal, banana bread, hot coffee) to start light.

Tidepooling at Glass Beach

Though its famed sea glass has thinned, the tidepools are teeming—look for sea stars, tiny crabs, and shells. Wear non-slip shoes and visit at low tide to avoid being caught by the surf.

Lunch: Noyo Harbor Seafood

• Princess Seafood Restaurant (must-try): Seafood tower, crab roll, lobster bisque are crowd favorites.

• Quick & casual: Sea Pal Cove or Noyo Fish Company—classic fish-and-chips with harbor views.

Optional: Skunk Train / Railbike (Fort Bragg)

If time allows, ride the historic Skunk Train through redwood forest (with stops for short walks). For a hands-on adventure, book the electric Railbike (two riders per bike) and pedal the rails—popular with couples and friends.

Return to the Bay Area

Head back the way you came or switch to US-101 for a faster route. Ukiah is a good stop for fuel and food before easing back into city pace.

Pro Tips & Eco Reminders

• Check tide charts in advance to plan beach and tidepool visits.

• Summer is busy—reserve popular restaurants and lodging early.

• Do not peel redwood bark or remove sea glass from Glass Beach.

• Practice Leave No Trace at camp—pack it in, pack it out.

FAQ

Q: Is this trip kid-friendly?

A: Yes. Most trails are gentle, and Mendocino Grove has family-friendly amenities.

Q: Can we bring pets?

A: Many parks allow dogs, and Mendocino Grove provides pet-friendly facilities—check specific rules before you go.

Q: Are there non-camping options?

A: Absolutely. The town has several boutique inns with bathtubs, breakfast, and full service.

Q: Can we skip the coast and just do wine country?

A: Definitely. The redwoods-and-wineries route is scenic, time-efficient, and richly varied.