Some places you visit once and check off a list. Others, you return to again. And again. And again.
Mendocino is one of those places.
Situated ninety miles north of San Francisco on the California Coast, Mendocino is a charming seaside town, slow in all the right ways and riddled with eccentricities. It's known for its cliffside trails, photogenic streets, and beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. The rough Pacific Ocean, wild cliffy bluffs, and whipping coastal wind remind you that nature is never far away.
Mendocino is also a special place for Emma’s family. Her parents, Robin and Dale, affectionately called "The Plushbrains," received a trip to visit as a wedding gift, and they’ve been going back ever since. It quickly became the family's shared happy place: the rare kind of destination everyone agrees on without argument. Over the years, it became a backdrop for countless family memories, both joyful and bittersweet, all deeply rooted in the town’s foggy charm and weathered beauty.
The Grahns shared Mendocino with Matthew on his first trip to California. It’s a place that holds a lot of love, and it means so much to share the town with all of you on our wedding weekend.
Over the years, we’ve collected our favorite spots to eat, the hidden gems you miss if you blink, and a few local quirks that only start to make sense after your third visit (maybe fourth). Are they the absolute best by any official measure? Maybe, maybe not. But they’re ours.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or have made the drive many times, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your time here.
Getting to Mendo is a good reminder that sometimes the trip can be just as much fun as the destination. The winding drive along Highway 128 will take you past the rolling hills of Anderson Valley wine country and through the towering redwood tunnel until you reach the coast. That first glimpse of the ocean takes our breath away every time.
This roadside gem is a true family operation, run by James Beard–nominated bartender Scott Baird, his wife Molly, and named after their son, Jumbo. Come for what might just be the best burger Emma has ever had, stay for the soft serve drizzled with olive oil. Add in the delightfully quirky decor, and you’ve got yourself a spot that feels like Wes Anderson designed a diner after binge-eating comfort food. It's our favorite place for lunch on the drive up.
Navarro Vineyards has been a Plushbrains favorite since...forever? Though they obviously have wine, our hearts belong to their non-alcoholic grape juice. Emma has been sipping both the Gewürztraminer and the Pinot Noir since she was a little kid, long before she discovered her love of Chardonnay. Whether you're wine tasting or juice sipping, it's the perfect pit stop.
Hendy Woods State Park was established in 1958 to preserve old-growth redwood trees. Home to some of the tallest, most majestic redwoods in the valley, this peaceful forest that feels worlds away from everything—even though it’s just minutes off the main road.
Anderson Valley Brewing Co is one of the oldest craft breweries in the country and an ideal spot to stretch your legs, sip something cold, and officially switch into weekend mode. Bonus points for sustainability: it's recognized as the world's first solar powered brewery.
We also love the Navarro Vineyards' sister farmstead, Pennyroyal. At this working farm and creamery, you can sample handcrafted goat and sheep milk cheeses alongside estate-grown wine and farm-made pickles. Grab a tasting, then settle out back to watch the sheep.
Between 1880 and 1920, the residents of Boonville invented their very own secret language. Boontling, as the locals called it, was a playful and elaborate jargon full of oddballisms and inside jokes. Though mostly extinct today, you can still catch glimpses of it around town. For a quick and quirky taste of Boonville’s famous secret language, grab a horn of zeese (that’s Boontling for coffee) and don’t miss the Bucky Walter, the town’s vintage phone booth turned Boontling time capsule.
Farmhouse Mercantile is filled with the kinds of beautiful home goods, gifts, and vintage treasures that you don't know you need until you see them. Right next door is the Boonville General store in case you need that horn of zeese or a snack.
There are miles of shoreline to explore here from cliff-y bluffs to sandy beaches, and you really can't go wrong. These are our go-tos.
Down the cliff from the village is one of our favorite spots. We've always called it "Driftwood Beach" because of the piles of sea worn wood piled in the white sand. It’s the perfect family-friendly spot for a picnic, a sandy stroll, or simply soaking in the ocean views. You might want to try your hand at driftwood engineering and build a fort or kick off your shoes, roll up your pants, and dip a toe in the surf… but swimmers, beware, the water is COOOOLD.
You can get to Big River Beach one of two ways: If you’re on foot, start in the village. Head to the Presbyterian Church on Main Street, walk into the rear parking lot, and follow the path to the cliffside. Wooden steps will take you down to the west side of the beach. If you’re driving, head south out of Mendocino and turn east onto Big River Road just before crossing the bridge to reach a parking lot right at beach level.
P.S. This is where the pizza party will be on Friday night
All of Mendo is photogenic, in our opinion, but Point Cabrillo is especially Instagrammable. The historic lighthouse, built in 1909, still stands guard over the dramatic cliffs. You can stroll the scenic half-mile path from the parking area, explore the museum, and soak up the history and salty ocean breezes as you watch for seals.
Another Plushbrains favorite is Fort Bragg’s signature attraction: a former town dump that was transformed by time into a beach of gleaming sea glass. As kids, Emma and her brother Augie would clamber down to search for treasures among the tumbled glass. Today, it is far more accessible, but also badly picked over. Though it's no longer the treasure hunt it once was, it's still a worth the 15 mile drive north!
Two of the three original dumping sites are easily accessible by a path at the north end of the Fort Bragg. The southern beach has more sea glass than the northern beach, although it is slightly more difficult to access, with a steep descent in part of the trail. The third beach still retains the majority of the sea glass (especially non-white and green colored glasses), but is accessible only by sea kayak.
If parts of Mendocino feel a little familiar, it might be because it once doubled as the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine in Angela Landsbury’s classic Whodunnit series, Murder, She Wrote. The traditional clapboard houses, white picket fences, and rugged ocean views made it easy to transform Mendocino into a small east coast enclave with a suspiciously high per-capita murder rate. The town’s streets—Little Lake, Lansing, Ukiah, and Main—all provided the perfect backdrop for Jessica Fletcher’s many mysteries.
The show aired for twelve seasons, from 1984 to 1996. Over it’s 264-episode run only ten episodes were filmed in Mendocino. If you want a little preview before you visit, here are a few of our favorite rewatches:
- Deadly Lady (S1, E2)
- Hit, Run and Homicide (S1, E7)
- Sticks and Stones (S2, E10)
Fans of Murder, She Wrote will certainly recognize Mendocino’s charming Blair House Inn as the exterior of Jessica Fletcher’s iconic Victorian home. Perched on Little Lake Street, this storybook house appeared throughout the series as the cozy residence of everyone’s favorite mystery writer. Today, Blair House is a real bed-and-breakfast where visitors can stay for the wedding weekend.
Originally built in 1861 by pioneer William Kelley, the Kelley House Museum has stood for more than 160 years as a keeper of the town’s stories. In Murder, She Wrote, Kelley House became the Cabot Cove Historical Society. Today, its mission is to collect, preserve, and share the history of Mendocino. They’ve become the go-to spot for Jessica Fletcher fans. Each year they host an annual Murder, She Wrote festival and we all loved their walking tour themed around the show.
In later seasons of the show, Ford House served as the “new” Sheriff’s station. Today, it’s a museum and visitor center where you can dive into Mendocino’s history, from its bustling shipping days to the rise of the lumber industry. Stop in to learn more about local flora and fauna or pick up a Headlands trail map before heading out to explore.
As you stroll down Lansing Street, you might recognize this crisp white-redwood building as the Cabot Cove Courthouse. Originally built in 1866 as Mendocino’s Masonic Lodge, it now houses the Savings Bank of Mendocino County. If you look up, you’ll also find a favorite photo stop: Time and the Maiden, a 10-foot-tall redwood statue carved from a single log.
Just up the street from the reception venue is Crown Hall, another Murder, She Wrote favorite. Built in 1901 as a social and fraternal hall, this cute little blue building made the perfect stand-in for Cabot Cove’s public library. Today it’s still a gathering place, hosting community events, art shows, and live music.
Mendocino offers endless ways to slow down and soak in the moment. Wander along the cliffside trails to take in the ocean views, breathe in the fresh coastal air from a quiet garden bench, or find a spot to enjoy a warm drink. Whether it’s a gentle beach walk, a spa session, or simply listening to the waves, these moments of calm will leave you feeling wonderfully “blue minded."
There are tons of ways to enjoy Mendocino's headlands, but our hands-down favorite way to experience this rugged stretch of coastline is simpler: find a spot on the bluffs, let the wind ruffle the wild grasses and flowers around you, and watch the sun sink into the Pacific.
Any of the parking lots on Heeser Drive will give you a great view, but we’re especially partial to the overlooks near the Mendocino Arch and Goat Island. Just watch your step near the cliff edge and keep little adventurers close.
After strolling the narrow headlands footpaths to the Blowhole, take a pause at the driftwood “Love Bench” above Portuguese Beach to watch the swells come ashore. But watch out: if Dale spots you sitting there, he will snap your picture.
If you’re looking for a little serenity between wedding festivities, treat yourself to a soak, sauna session, or massage at Sweetwater Eco Spa in the heart of the Village. This charming spot offers redwood hot tubs, a traditional cedar sauna, and private infrared saunas.
Wander the winding paths of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, one of the few public gardens that fronts an ocean shore. Here, you’ll find a little bit of every kind of garden you can imagine: colorful blooms, fern-covered canyons, coastal pine forests, and wildflower-filled bluffs. The mild coastal climate keeps the gardens vibrant year-round, making it a joy for both seasoned gardeners and casual wanderers. Cross your fingers that the dahlias will be in bloom.
Plushbrains Pro Tip: Don’t forget a towel and a change of clothes. The water here is freezing year-round, but somehow we always managed to wade in up to our knees (or fall in completely).
Van Damme State Park is 3 miles south of the town of Mendocino, where the Little River crosses Highway 1. It’s perfect for little explorers (and their grown-ups). The wide, paved trails are stroller-friendly and easy for tiny legs. Wander through the redwoods and keep your eyes peeled for the park’s unofficial mascot, the bright yellow banana slug! They’re slow, slimy, and surprisingly cute.
All aboard for kid approved fun! Step back in time and chug through towering old-growth redwoods on the historic Skunk Train dating back to 1885. Take a 75-minute ride through trees so big they look like they belong in a story book, over trestle bridges, through tunnels, and into the heart of the Noyo River canyon.
Or, if you are craving a little bit of adventure, the electric-assisted rail bikes are supposed to be a fun option.
Located a few minutes north of Fort Bragg, about twenty minutes north of Mendocino, this park is the go-to spot for tidepooling. Make sure you check the tide because when it's low, MacKerricher’s rocky shoreline transforms into a treasure map of tiny ocean worlds. When Emma was little, she and her brother Augie would spend hours here hopping across the slippery rocks, peering into tide pools like they were treasure chests. Kids (and kids at heart) will love searching for sea stars, sea anemones, nudibranchs, and other wiggly, jiggly neighbors. Seals often sunbathe nearby, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale spout in the distance. Kids love the thrill of discovery, and the park’s wide beaches and accessible trails make it easy for the whole family to join in. Just bring sturdy shoes, curiosity, and maybe a towel because adventures by the sea tend to get a little…splashy.
This charming old-fashioned toy store is the kind that seems to be disappearing from the world: shelves brimming with wooden toys, puzzles, and tiny surprises fill every corner, just waiting to spark a giggle or a pretend game. It’s one of those magical spots that makes you believe in childhood wonder all over again. If you want to sneak a keepsake home, the blocks shaped like Mendocino buildings are a patented Plushbrains present.
For many years, Emma and Augie were outfitted from Bebe Lapin, the childrens boutique nestled in the heart of the village. They offer an adorable selection of clothes for babies and young kiddos.
There are 23 state beaches, parks, and nature reserves here, plus hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, if you're into that kind of thing.
Just two miles north of Mendocino, Russian Gulch State Park boasts miles of hiking trails, caves, beaches, forested canyons, and a three mile paved bicycle trail. Inland, a 36-foot waterfall plunges down into a bower of redwoods, mosses, and ferns. Along the coast, waves crash into a collapsed sea cave so dramatic, it's literally called Devil’s Punchbowl.
Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too is a quirky, eco-friendly outfitter ready to equip your outdoor adventure. Want to be on the water? They're your source if you want to glide up the Big River in a kayaks or outrigger canoe. Prefer to stay on land? Channel your inner Jessica Fletcher and rent a bicycle for a spin around town or a ride through the redwoods.
Odds are your hotel will have coffee for you, but sometimes it's worth venturing out in your cozies for a really good latte and a pastry.
The Waiting Room, from the experts at Cafe Beaujolais, is the kind of coffee shop where you’ll actually be glad your latte takes a minute because it means more time to cozy up in this living room-eqsue hangout. You’ll find excellent espresso, homemade pastries (try the olive cake), and something playing on the record player. If you find yourself in Mendocino a day early, you can also swing by for happy hour specials, a half-beer-half-cider combo called the “Beauj Bite,” and little nibbles. After visiting no less than four times in 48 hours on our last visit, we decided it was the perfect place for brunch the morning after the wedding.
Coffee and pastries are available daily starting at 7:00 am. Happy hour starts at 3:00 pm!
More of a coffee shack than coffee shop, Emma and Matthew discovered this walk-up window on Wingspan's first day of operation. They were so new that they didn't even have a way to take our payment! We love this tucked away hideaway for a cup of coffee to start your day before a walk around town. Emma thinks it might have been the best oat milk latte she's ever had.
Open Thursday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
GoodLife Café & Bakery is Mendocino’s go-to spot for comfort and cheer—where the coffee is strong, the breakfast burritos have a cult following, and the pastry case could tempt even the most disciplined guest. With its bustling, friendly vibe and cozy indoor-outdoor seating, which reminded Matthew of Collegetown Bagels in Ithaca. Whether you’re craving something hearty, healthy, or just a giant cinnamon roll the size of your head, GoodLife lives up to its name.
Open for breakfast and lunch everyday from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Whether you’re packing a beach picnic or just grabbing a bottle to toast the weekend, you’ll find plenty of delicious options right in town.
Though it's not as big as the name brand grocery stores in Fort Bragg, Mendosa’s still provides everything one could need, from pharmacy and toiletries to produce, adult beverages, and freshly-prepared hot foods.
Pop into this historic red church to experience Mendocino's Hippie undercurrent. This long standing grocery collective has some of the best produce around and is a great spot to fill up on healthy snacks; the bulk food section is unmatched.
Looking for an adult beverage? Don’t miss the Fog Eater's well-curated selection of wines from around the world, plus craft beers and ciders from this cuuuuutee turquoise and orange shop.
Matthew: "So mostly we just walk in and out of stores?" Dale: "Some of the stores have comfy chairs we can sit in."
For us, no trip to Mendocino is complete without a stop at Gallery Bookshop and its whimsical children’s nook, Bookwinkles. Emma's been visiting since she was little, and it’s still one of her favorite places to browse the shelves and leave with a stack of A+ recommendations from their wonderful staff. It’s a can't miss stop.
In a town filled with art galleries, Highlights truly lives up to its name. It’s a little bit of everything: paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and furniture. There’s always something new to discover, which makes it a place we keep coming back to on every visit.
True to its name, this shop is a universe of fun. It’s packed with telescopes, puzzles, science kits, games, and curiosities for every age. It's the kind of place where you walk in “just to look” and end up staying way longer than you planned. When we were kids, we used to linger for hours testing out the games, and honestly, not much has changed. Unsurprisingly, Matthew got sucked in playing Rush Hour on his first visit.
The Mendocino Art Center has been the heart of the town’s creative community for decades. Its galleries showcase local talent, its studios buzz with workshops, and its stages host an unforgettable range of community theater (we’ve seen both the hidden gems and the wonderfully quirky performances that make small-town theater so special). Whether you’re browsing an exhibit or just wandering the grounds, it’s a spot that captures the spirit of the village.
This candy shop is small but packed with handmade treats. The Plushbrains are especially fond of their caramel. We love it in all its forms, but the pure caramel squares are our favorite. And the caramel apples, and pecan logs. Not to mention the white chocolate with raspberries and fudge. Honestly it's all good, you can't lose. We always say we'll “just pop in” and inevitably leave with a bag (or two) of treats.
For a taste of Mendocino you can take home, we suggest Mendocino Jams & Preserves. Their small-batch jams and jellies capture the flavors of the region in every jar. We especially love the tangy sour cherry and the olallieberry. It’s the perfect stop for a little edible taste of the coast.
This tiny shop showcases handcrafted and locally made clothing, accessories, home goods, and antiques, all with a soulful and nostalgic vibe that supports local artists.
There are zero chain stores in Mendo; it's one of the things that makes it so charming. That means no big-box retailers, no Starbucks, and definitely no last-minute Target runs. So if you forget something you’ll be relying on local boutiques. Consider yourselves warned!
The Mendocino Study Club was originally established in 1908 as a place for women to advance “their highest intellectual and spiritual development through avenues of study or works.” The original organization met for the last time in 2023, but the legacy lives on in this is a beautifully curated, luxury boutique filled with clothing, homegoods, and accessories.
This store has played a key role in helping Dale cultivate his Pendleton collection. It's not exactly fancy, but it just might have what you're looking for.
Forgotten underwear may still be an issue, but it's not actually a problem if you don't pack socks because there's a whole store with every kind of sock you can imagine. Sock influencers, rejoice!
Between the beachside pizza party and a wedding feast, you won’t go hungry while you’re here. That said, if you find yourself with a little extra time, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots for lunch and dinner.
No list of Mendocino restaurants is complete without Café Beaujolais. The original restaurant is a true Mendocino classic that's been serving upscale, farm-to-table French food in a charming Victorian house for decades. We prefer the Brickery, Cafe Beaujolais' laid-back little sibling serving wood-fired pizzas in a lovely garden setting. Casual and welcoming, you'll order at the window and then find a spot under the trees to enjoy glass of wine or a soda to wait for them to bring you your perfectly blistered crust topped with seasonal ingredients. It’s all the quality Café Beaujolais is known for, but with a more relaxed, picnic-in-the-garden vibe—making it an easy crowd-pleaser and our top food recommendation.
Open For: Lunch
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm
Reservations: Not accepted
Luna Trattoria is a true hidden gem—tucked between buildings down a little garden path, it feels like stumbling onto a secret Italian bistro. Warm, intimate, and family-run, it serves up house-made pastas, rich sauces, and authentic flavors that taste straight out of Bologna.
Open For: Dinner
Reservations: Required
Trillium Café is a Mendocino favorite that strikes the perfect balance between relaxed coastal charm and polished dining. Set in a historic building with a sunny garden out back, it’s known for creative California cuisine that highlights local seafood, farm-fresh produce, and an excellent wine list. Trillium feels both welcoming and special—a spot that delivers that quintessential Mendocino mix of laid-back and elevated.
Open For: Lunch and Dinner Friday to Tuesday
Reservations: Recommended, especially for dinner
Flow may not be a top foodie destination, but what it lacks in culinary fireworks it makes up for with one of the best views in town. Located on the second floor on one of Main Street's classic water towers, it's the perfect place to watch the sun sink into the ocean because sometimes the view really is the main course.
Open For: Lunch and Dinner everyday
Reservations: Recommended; call (707) 937-3569
Good Bones Kitchen in Caspar is a cozy, modern farm-to-table restaraunt/music spot. Tucked just off the coastal highway, it feels like the kind of place you’re lucky to stumble upon: warm, welcoming, and a little unexpected. The menu changes often, but always leans into bright flavors and hearty comfort, making it a favorite for a quick jaunt out of town.
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Reservations: Not available
Princess Seafood Restaurant in Fort Bragg is famous for fresh seafood, generous portions, and a bit of small-town charm with a twist of mystery. Fans of Murder, She Wrote will recognize Noyo Harbor the show’s many dock scenes. Whether you’re digging into clam chowder, fish and chips, or just soaking in the nautical décor, it’s a quintessential Fort Bragg stop that’s part tasty meal, part cozy coastal nostalgia.
Open For: Lunch
Reservations: Not available
Egghead’s Restaurant in Fort Bragg is a classic greasy spoon decked out in full Wizard of Oz theme (yes, you really can follow the Yellow Brick Road to the bathroom); it’s whimsical and just the right amount of kitschy. The hearty breakfasts (think stacks of pancakes, omelets, and plenty of diner coffee) are the stuff of comfort food dreams. When Emma was little, she loved all things Wizard of Oz, and Eggheads was no exception.
Open For: Breakfast and lunch
Reservations: Not available
The Pub at North Coast Brewing Co. in Fort Bragg is a laid-back spot for lovers of craft beer and hearty pub fare (we often pick the Fish & Chips). Although it can get busy at peak times, use your time on the wait list to window shop on Fort Bragg's main drag.
Open For: Lunch and dinner
Reservations: Not required, but expect a wait