A Mendocino Getaway from San Francisco: Coastal Drives, Redwoods & Small-Town Charm
If you’re craving a peaceful Northern California escape with ocean views, redwood groves, charming inns, and amazing food, Mendocino delivers on every front. Just a few hours north of San Francisco, this 4-day itinerary blends scenic drives, cozy stays, and memorable stops along the way — from lighthouses and wineries to jazz music and apple farms.
Here’s how our four days unfolded:
Day 1: SF to Mendocino – Coastal Views & Lighthouses
We left San Francisco and took the scenic route up Highway 1, hugging the coast the entire way. Our first stop was Café Aquatica in Jenner, a mellow riverside spot perfect for a light lunch with the sound of waves and seagulls in the background.
Next up: Stewarts Point Store — a rustic, historic stop with excellent coffee and pastries. The warm, buttery scone might’ve been the best road trip snack we didn’t know we needed.
In the afternoon, we climbed the stairs of the Point Arena Lighthouse, where we took a tour and learned about the area’s maritime history while soaking in expansive coastal views.
We rolled into Mendocino and checked into the Joshua Grindle Inn, a peaceful Victorian-style inn tucked among the trees. Before dinner, we grabbed cocktails at The Waiting Room, then capped off the night with a cozy dinner at Café Beaujolais, a local institution known for seasonal ingredients and French-inspired California fare.
Day 2: Wine Country, Redwoods & Small-Town Treats
We started the day with a simple breakfast at the inn before heading south through the Anderson Valley — a drive along CA-128 that’s genuinely one of the most beautiful routes in the state. Towering redwoods, golden meadows, and winding roads made the journey just as rewarding as the destination.
Our first stop: Navarro Vineyards, where we sampled wines and snacked on a cheese and charcuterie board while taking in vineyard views.
Lunch was casual but satisfying at Jumbo’s Win-Win in Philo, followed by a visit to The Apple Farm, a lovely little spot to pick up handmade apple cider vinegar and fresh-pressed juice.
We rounded out the day with a peaceful hike through Big Hendy Grove at Hendy Woods State Park, a lesser-known redwood forest that feels almost untouched.
Back in Mendocino, dinner was at Luna Trattoria, a cozy Italian spot where every dish felt homemade. We topped the night off with ice cream at Frankie’s, where the flavors range from classics to local surprises (think mushroom or candy cap!).
Day 3: Mendocino Village Wandering & Ocean Views
After breakfast, we spent the morning exploring the shops around Mendocino Village — from bookstores to galleries to local artisan boutiques. We ended up bringing home a stone horse decorative piece from Den Modern, a beautifully curated home shop.
Next up: a tour of the Kelley House Museum, which gave us a glimpse into Mendocino’s 19th-century lumber town past.
We grabbed lunch at The Brickery, a relaxed garden-side pizzeria (their wood-fired pizza and seasonal salad were perfect). Then we walked it off with a loop along the Point Mendocino Trail, where coastal cliffs and cypress trees frame every step.
For pre-dinner drinks, we dropped by the MacCallum House, followed by a romantic dinner at Trillium Café, a cozy spot with great seafood and wine tucked in a Victorian home.
Day 4: Fort Bragg & the Journey Home
We packed up and checked out, making one last stop at the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. A short trail leads to this lesser-known but stunning lighthouse perched right above the sea.
From there, we headed north to Fort Bragg for lunch at Princess Seafood, where everything was freshly caught and full of flavor. Afterwards, we strolled around downtown Fort Bragg, exploring shops and murals before capping off the trip with live jazz and craft beer at Tall Guy Brewing.
Then came the long, beautiful drive home — tired, full, and grateful.
Mendocino is one of those places that feels frozen in time in the best way possible. The pace slows, the food tastes better, and every turn reveals something worth pausing for — a lighthouse, a vineyard, or just a quiet stretch of coastline. If you’re looking for your next NorCal escape, this is it.
