This Coastal Village In California Is A Scenic Gem With Panoramic Views

When we think of California, certain images inevitably spring to mind: beaches, surfers, the Hollywood sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, picturesque stretches of desert, the granite rise of the Sierra Nevada, and the unmatched grandeur of Yosemite National Park. While the Golden State certainly boasts all of these things, it's also a treasure trove of cool, small communities, such as Pioneertown, a quirky small town filled with Western charm, or idyllic beach settlements along the coastline.

California's northern coast is particularly rich with these gems, including the hamlet of Mendocino. This seaside village combines '60s bohemian vibes with New England architectural sensibilities, and it offers jaw-dropping views of the surging waters of the Pacific on all sides. Mendocino also sits within a stone's throw of several state parks and a nature reserve and is bordered by hills and thick redwood forests, making it a great natural weekend retreat. 

While serving as a jumping-off point for some of the Northern California coast's best natural attractions, the town itself is more than worthy of exploration. Mendocino is home to a number of top-notch restaurants that fully embrace the farm-to-table philosophy, along with cafes, bakeries, galleries, boutiques, and plenty of great hotels and inns to lay down your head at night.

Situated on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Mendocino is just under a three-and-a-half-hour drive north from San Francisco International Airport. The village shares the promontory with Mendocino Headlands State Park, whose rugged cliffs can be accessed via the Point Mendocino Trail. This route offers stunning views of rocky beaches, tide pools, sandy coves, and the blue expanse of the Pacific. During the winter, keep your eyes peeled offshore for gray whales migrating up and down the coast.

Next, head down to the Big River Beach — a sprawling stretch of sand located at the mouth of the river it's named for — before checking out the nearby Spring Ranch Nature Preserve. This 300-acre property boasts trails winding through a historic ranch, along with wildflowers, blowholes, and amazing views of both the crashing waves and the village of Mendocino itself. Just north of Mendocino is Russian Gulch State Park — famous for its waterfall, grassy headland, and iconic bridge — and if you keep going a few more miles up the coast, you can check out Glass Beach, one of the most unique beaches in America.

For a jaunt in the local redwoods, shoot over to Mendocino Woodlands State Park. This 720-acre reserve has access to over 25 miles of hiking and biking paths, some of which wind through old-growth forest. It's also a good place to spot wildlife, including deer, foxes, and river otters.

Mendocino is often described as a New England-style beach town, and for good reason: The picturesque downtown is made up of Victorian houses and quaint cottages — a relic of Mendocino's late-19th-century logging boom. Today these classic buildings host a range of businesses that cater to visitors. For shopping, pop into Folkflore or The Study Club — two quality boutiques — or check out the paintings and more at The Highlight Gallery or the storied Mendocino Art Center.

Blessed with the bounty of the ocean and rich soil, Mendocino has long been at the center of the farm-to-table movement, and its eateries reflect this. Situated in a classic inn, MacCallum House delivers locally sourced fine dining. Gnar Bar specializes in fun and creative Japanese-inspired takes, while the Mendocino Cafe takes pride in its all-natural ingredients and eclectic offerings. When it comes to wine (this is California, after all) Meyer Family Cellars tasting room is a sure bet for locally grown and produced vino, and the GoodLife Cafe and Bakery is known for its organic pastries and New York-style bagels.

For accommodations in town, reserve a room at the Stanford Inn & Resort on the Mendocino coast. This historic farm and eco-resort offers rustic luxury at its hilltop property, along with an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, vegan restaurant, and bikes and boats for rent. The Joshua Grindle Inn is a bed-and-breakfast operating out of a Victorian home dating back to 1879, while the romantic Sea Rock Inn has luxury suites and cottages with sweeping ocean views.  For more magic on the California coast, check out Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the "Crown Jewel of the California State Park System."