Mendocino is located on the Northern California coast, about a 2.5–3 hour drive from San Francisco, and it’s a true hidden gem. Sitting on a small peninsula, it gives off all the romantic vibes—like something straight out of a movie or novel. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful. With turquoise ocean views, a rugged coastline, beautiful Victorian architecture, towering redwoods, and scenic hikes, Mendocino has so many amazing things to offer.

I recommend visiting Mendocino for at least two nights, which gives you the perfect amount of time to enjoy everything it has to offer. In this blog post, I’ve put together my 3-day itinerary to Mendocino with the best places to visit, where to stay, plus plenty of travel hacks and tips.

*Enjoying afternoon wine at our hotel in Mendocino*

*The views from the cliffs in Mendocino*

How to get to mendocino?

By car

We drove to Mendocino from San Francisco, and there are two main routes you can take. The faster and less scenic option is Highway 101 through Santa Rosa, which usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.

The second option is Highway 1, which runs along the coastline. This route is slightly longer but incredibly scenic, with breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffs, and plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, beaches, and small coastal towns along the way. If you have extra time, I highly recommend taking Highway 1 to fully enjoy a classic Northern California road trip to Mendocino.

*The views on the Highway 1 on the way to Mendocino*

By plane

You can also fly into Santa Rosa Charles M. Schulz Airport or San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Santa Rosa Airport is closer and offers a shorter drive, while SFO has more flight options. From either airport, renting a car is the easiest way to reach Mendocino and explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

Where to stay in Mendocino?

There are plenty of places to stay in this cozy and romantic town on the California coast. From charming boutique hotels in the town center to oceanfront houses and Airbnbs along the Pacific Coast, Mendocino offers accommodations for every travel style.

I highly recommend staying in downtown Mendocino, where coffee shops, restaurants, and local stores are all within easy walking distance. There’s plenty of street parking available, and since the town is very quiet and relaxed.

Nicholson House at beaujolais, Mendocino

During our trip to Mendocino, we stayed at Nicholson House at Beaujolais. It’s a beautiful boutique luxury hotel housed in a more than 100-year-old Victorian home, right in the heart of Mendocino. I’ve stayed at this hotel twice, and each time we had an amazing experience.

We stayed in both the Deluxe Queen Room and the Premier King Suite, which features an expansive patio with ocean views. The rooms have stylish bathrooms and are thoughtfully equipped with complimentary premium tea and coffee, along with cookies infused with bourbon—a lovely touch. We truly loved our stay. You can book Nicholson House at Beaujolais here.

Don’t forget to stop by the coffee shop next door, The Waiting Room, where they serve fresh savory and sweet pastries along with delicious coffee. On our last day, we even bought a loaf of their bread to take home—it was so good! In the afternoons, they serve pizza in the back, have beer on tap, and a beautiful garden to enjoy.

For dinner, I highly recommend Café Beaujolais, which opens at 5 p.m. You can check their menus here.

*The patio at Nicholson House at Beaujolais, Mendocino*

Other hotels and Inn’s in Mendocino that I recommend:

Stanford Inn & Resort on the Mendocino Coast (book here)
Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa (book here)

What are the best things to do in Mendocino?

Mendocino offers so many amazing things to do—from exploring the charming town of Mendocino to hiking in nearby state parks and along the rugged coastline. You can also take scenic drives to beautiful coastal spots or visit nearby destinations such as Fort Bragg and the iconic Chandelier Tree.

Here are my favorite things to do in Mendocino and nearby:

Stroll around in the town of Mendocino

Mendocino is a colorful and peaceful coastal town located on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The town is very walkable, and from our hotel we could easily reach the coastline to watch the sunset. There are many things to do in Mendocino, including visiting local shops, exploring art galleries, and walking scenic ocean trails. I especially loved the beautiful Victorian houses and their gardens located all around Mendocino. All you need to do is to wander around the streets and you will easily find all those gems. Don’t miss the Mendocino Headlands for stunning coastal views.

Russian Gulch State Park

Have you ever seen the iconic California view of a bridge suspended over the beach and surrounded by turquoise ocean water? That’s Russian Gulch State Park, one of my favorite places in Mendocino. The park entrance fee is $8, and it’s open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Some of the best hikes in Russian Gulch State Park include Fern Canyon Trail and the Headlands Trail to Devil’s Punchbowl.

*Devil’s Punch Bowl in Russian River Gulch State Park*

*The waterfalls in Russian Gulch State Park*

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Mendocino Headlands State Park is just a short walk from downtown Mendocino, making it one of the most accessible and scenic spots to explore without a car. This coastal park offers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque trails right along the coastline.

Whether you’re looking for a short hike along the crashing waves or a quiet spot to watch the sunset over the Pacific, Mendocino Headlands is the perfect destination. Don’t miss the chance to walk the trails that overlook the ocean and enjoy the peaceful, natural beauty of this iconic Northern California coastal park.

Hiking in the van damme state park

One of the most rewarding hikes in Mendocino is the trail to the waterfall in Van Damme State Park. This scenic hike takes you through lush coastal forest, with towering redwoods, ferns, and moss-covered trees creating a magical atmosphere. The trail is moderate in difficulty, making it perfect for both casual hikers and families looking for an outdoor adventure.

Skunk traiN

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, the Skunk Train is a must-visit attraction in Mendocino County. This historic heritage railroad runs through old-growth redwood forests and has been operating since 1885. Originally a logging railroad, it’s now a popular sightseeing experience, offering scenic train rides and railbike adventures departing from Fort Bragg and Willits. It’s a unique way to explore the redwoods and the beautiful Noyo River Canyon.

Book a Skunk Train Ride from Fort Bragg here
Book a Skunk Train Ride from Willits here

Where to eat in Mendocino?

Mendocino is a small and quiet town, but it has several great coffee shops and restaurants where you can enjoy good food and drinks. Here’s a list of my favorite places for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Mendocino:

*Coffee and pastry at the Waiting Room Cafe*

Breakfast & Coffee

The Waiting Room – Delicious coffee, espresso, and tea, plus fresh pastries and bread.
GoodLife Café & Bakery – Great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with baked goods and coffee.

Lunch

Patio at The Waiting Room – Offers tasty small plates and delicious pizza. They also have a happy hour with wine and beer.

*Pizza at the backyard, hidden patio in Cafe Beaujolais*

Dinner

Café Beaujolais – An amazing restaurant located in a historic Victorian house. Known for its delicious cuisine, wine selection, and beautiful decor. Reservations are recommended.
Luna Trattoria – Italian-inspired cuisine with a lovely outdoor patio.
Patterson’s Pub – A local favorite serving classic pub food, beer, and comfort dishes.

Conslusion

After my first visit to Mendocino, I immediately fell in love with this charming coastal town. Whether you’re looking to relax and soak in the Northern California coastal vibe or go hiking in Russian Gulch State Park or Mendocino Headlands, this destination truly has it all. I hope you enjoy this 3-day Mendocino itinerary and have an amazing trip!