Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

Where to Eat, Sleep, and Beach in Beautiful Mendocino

If you’re looking for one of those ultra-relaxing getaways where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and enjoy the following itinerary:

Stay at the Stanford Inn by the Sea for an immersion into all things natural and nurturing. This tucked-away hilltop resort is rustic artistry. Beautifully appointed rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and large balconies overlooking the Mendocino Coast. Enjoy an oasis of garden walks, an expansive and earthy lobby filled with captivating books and hand-crafted gifts, and Massage in the Forest. The breakfasts—included with the stay—are creative and delicious. Nearby, you can hop into the ever-steady redwood outrigger canoes from Catch a Canoe & Bicycles too (arrange it through the Inn), and paddle up Big River.

Or, head to Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park and spend an afternoon relaxing where Big River meets the bigger sea! The beach is on the south side of Mendocino and accessed directly from Highway 1. Set yourself closer to the river’s side or make your way over to the beach side. It’s a sublime and tranquil beach and a diverse coastal habitat for a range of wildlife. Stroll the sand, wade into the shallower waters by the estuary.

Later, dine in town at Mendocino or back at the Stanford Inn. The Inn is famous for its true sustainability in all things, including food. Their certified organic gardens helped to inspire their famous plant-based menu at Ravens Restaurant. In town, we like Patterson’s Pub for its cozy outdoor patio and super friendly service, as well as their tasty Angus burgers and beer-battered fish and chips. There are 26 beers on tap and almost as many sports options to watch at their bar! Also worth a visit, Luna Trattoria (make a reservation). The backyard patio garden is a haven of twinkling lights, table nooks, and magical whimsy. The food is authentic Italian. When in Mendocino!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View