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Place in California, United States
Photo: Jef Poskanzer, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A favorite weekend getaway for Northern California Bay Area residents, the village of Mendocino is older than both the county and state to which it belongs, having lent its name to the former and further still to the combined coastal watersheds that occupy the nearly 200 miles (320 km) between the mouths of the Eel and Russian Rivers, known far and wide as the Mendocino Coast. The town has long been a haven for artists, and is famous for its art galleries as well as its restaurants and trendy shops. It is smaller and more "refined" than its blue collar neighbor to the North, Fort Bragg.
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Located on the 8-mile long Big River estuary, this outfitter specializes in redwood outrigger canoe rentals. The double outrigger design (one outboard stabilizing pontoon on each side) allows for a very stable, yet fast and efficient boating experience. Different variations are available which accommodate couples, families and pets. All are equipped with foot-controlled rudder pedals for easy steering. Tandem and single kayaks are also available. Harbor seals, river otters and a beautiful, undeveloped waterway await.
The Mendocino Film Festival takes place every year during the first weekend in June and showcases independent films. Filmmakers often attend to talk about the journey of creating a film to viewers. A special focus on providing a wide variety in the selection of each year's films generally ensures that almost everyone will find at least one showing that appeals to them. Newer venues have been added in addition to historic Crown Hall and the tent across from the Hill House, now filmgoers can see films at the renovated but still historic Arena Theater (35 miles south in Point Arena), or 8 miles north at Fort Bragg's quaint but modern Coast Cinemas.
In the iconic 16000 sqft performance tent overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you'll enjoy classical music from The Festival Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Allan Pollack - whose players include many professional musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, music and dance offerings vary annually and have included world-class artists performing Celtic, big band, jazz, bluegrass, chamber music and still others, plus the regular Emerging Artists concert. Select your performances to attend from the Piano Series, Jazz Series, or one-off intimate village concerts at various venues in Mendocino and Fort Bragg. It's an eclectic festival that also offers picnic tables outside the tent for you to partake of delicious Mendocino County meals and wine before your concert.
International reputation, Italian-leaning menu in an intimate setting.
Café, bar & fine dining set in an old in with lots of atmosphere.
Great soups & salads, with a full dinner menu.
Wood-fired pizza and salads made with local greens that you can enjoy in a sunny garden. Also serves ice cream. Vegan options.
Vegetarian fare.
The freshest deli sandwiches in town.
Pleasant tasting room right in town, featuring the various wines of the Parducci Winery.
An 8-acre luxury farmstead with ocean views, wood-burning fireplaces, forest, headland, and beach trails with 10 rooms and 2 vacation rental homes. Three-course breakfast brought to your room. Llamas, fresh chicken eggs, free WiFi, and a wine bar serving and selling local Anderson Valley wines on-site.
Ocean view rooms and suites with full spa amenities. Onsite spa offers various massage packages. Little River Lodging, under same owners but 3-4 miles south, has 7 rooms, some pet-friendly.
Seaside inn and four private cottages. Located 1.7 miles south of Mendocino village. Formerly "Rachel's Inn". Free wireless internet access. Check web site for last-minute specials and internet deals.
Offers some 25 oceanfront and oceanview vacation homes, each with 1-5 bedrooms.
Free wireless internet. Breakfast is very nicely presented and served in the room. Some of the rooms have a fireplace and ocean view.
A beautiful 1879 Victorian home converted to a bed and breakfast. Some rooms have original fireplaces. Also a reproduction water tower with several rooms that have wood burning stoves. Luscious gardens and on-site parking.
Overlooks the Mendocino Headlands and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
Small, six-room oceanview bed and breakfast with gourmet breakfasts and wine & cheese hour. Sister to Abigail's Bed and Breakfast, nearby, but Whitegate Inn is more luxurious and romantic. Wireless internet access.
Oceanfront and cliff-view bed and breakfast on the headlands at Point Cabrillo State Park. Accommodations available at the main house or the more private guest cottages.
A coastal bed and breakfast, Sea Rock Inn located along Agate Cove offers cottages and suites with ocean views and luxurious amenities.
Since 1962, the Gallery has been one of the main attractions in town for visitors and locals alike. The bookstore has earned its reputation for great service and selection, seemingly always having something for everyone. Thanks to the 1988 addition of the Bookwinkle's section of the store dedicated to children's literature, it's now a weekly occurrence to encounter a patron who found their own first books there now bringing in their own children to enjoy the space. There is a fantastic view of Mendocino Bay from the front windows, and Headlands State Park (complete with picnic benches for reading and eating) is just on the other side of Main Street.
Beautifully packaged jams and preserves sold from a quaint little shop. The jams and preserves are made from locally sourced berries and fruits, some of which can be pretty unique.
Store selling outdoor oriented toys and gears. A large selection of binoculars.
By car
From the Bay Area, the most scenic drive to Mendocino is on coastal Highway 1, winding through western Marin County and Sonoma County.
By bus
The town is easily walkable, but you will want a car for visiting nearby beaches and sights.
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Santa Rosa · Regional · STS
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