Mendocino, California

... More

this little coastal town. Many artists settled here after the Second World War.

An unusually large number of boutiques in Main Street and in the side streets complete the shopping facilities. Of the many pubs built for the lumberjacks and port workers - Mendocino is said to have had no fewer than 22 in the second half of the 19th century - only a few remain, such as Dick's Place near the Mendocino Hotel on Main Street (built in 1878 and worth seeing). One of the oldest houses, Ford House on the side of Main Street facing the sea, dates from 1854; it is now an information bureau; tel. (707) 937-5397.

In spite of a tendency to modernize, Mendocino has succeeded in retaining its village character. It shows no signs of urbanization in the way that Carmel does. An interesting stroll is along the cliffs high above the sea.