Bluffing Good Time

Wine taste in Anderson Valley and Walk at Mendocino Headlands State Park

Accessible right from town, a bluff-side walk at Mendocino Headlands State Park is pretty much mandatory. The marquee trails here overlook not just the charming hamlet of Mendocino, but also the dramatic coastal scenery from the bluffs.

Curve along, spying teeming tidepools, seals bobbing in coves, and hulking waves gaining strength in the distance, swelling, and crashing in spectacular fashion over giant sea stacks, or powering through giant blowholes.

Catch a sunset here, when the waves are transformed into a tangerine oasis and the town behind you looks like an old postcard photo painted in perfect indigo light.

BONUS DINNER: Make a reservation at Luna Trattoria. The backyard patio garden is a haven of twinkling lights, table nooks, and magical whimsy. The food is authentic Italian. The patio is dog-friendly. When in Mendocino!

BONUS WINES: On your way to Mendocino, have a reservation ready for some stellar wine tasting at Goldeneye in Anderson Valley. It’s golden in the eyes of so many for a very simple reason: Goldeneye has long been the gold standard for winemaking excellence.

The name comes from its lovely location along the migratory pathway of goldeneye ducks. Their reputation comes from making world-class pinots that win high points on the regular. Their Confluence Vineyard Pinot Noir is sublime, and their sparkling rosé is a revelation. We love how passionate the people at Goldeneye are: friendly, hospitable, and deeply knowledgeable.

On your way back from Mendocino, stop at Navarro Vineyards & Winery in Anderson Valley. Specializing in white wines like Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, Navarro’s outdoor patio is a nice place to take in the rolling scenery. The folks in the tasting room are super friendly, and so is the tasting fee: there isn’t one!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View