Think sunsets over the ocean… a comfy bed with a view… long walks in pretty places… How we spent 3 nights & 4 days on the Mendocino Coast for our Anniversary.
Where we stay:
We’ve stayed here twice, and I just can’t say enough great things about this spot. It’s pricey, but it’s so worth it. The 37-acre property is sited on a cliff right over the ocean and the grounds and views are absolutely beautiful. The beds are the comfiest hotel beds I’ve ever slept on. They serve a delicious breakfast in the morning. The on-site restaurant (note – closed Mondays & Tuesdays) has a full bar, live music on the weekends or locals night on Wednesdays, and the food is great. You really don’t need to leave, but if you do, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy on the Mendocino Coast.
Day 1: We left Santa Rosa around 11 am and stopped in Boonville for lunch. It wasn’t great, so I’m going to spare you the details! Next time we will try either Jumbo’s Win Win or Wickson which are both just a little further west in a town called Philo. Next, we stopped for a wine tasting at Toulouse Winery. Really pretty setting, friendly staff, and the wines were enjoyable. We left with a couple bottles each of their Pinot and Gewürztraminer. There are a couple dozen wineries along Hwy 128 in Anderson Valley to choose from. After our wine tasting, we decided to walk off our buzz in Hendy Woods, which is just up the road. Hendy Woods is a 945 acre State Park including 80 acres of ancient redwood groves, a large sunny meadow with picnic tables and BBQ pits, easy access to the Navarro River, 92 campsites, 4 cabins, and miles of trails. After our walk, it was time to keep heading west out to the coast to check in to our room at the Heritage House. We relaxed in our room, taking in the gorgeous view, before heading out to dinner. Normally we would have gone to the on-site restaurant, but since it was Monday, they were closed.We tracked down a restaurant we remembered having a lovely dining experience at a few years ago (Albion River Inn). It had since changed ownership (now Terra Mar Kitchen), and although the reviews were mixed under new ownership, we got a seat right by the window with a stunning sunset, which always makes the food taste better. It was enjoyable, but I wouldn’t call it memorable.
Day 2:
We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, then went for a walk around the property and explored the beach access. After that we had a couples massage at the hotel Spa, which was amazing — highly recommend. Then I had to get a little bit of work done, so we had some chill time in the room. I know that doesn’t sound exciting, but when your room is this beautiful, it’s really quite enjoyable and relaxing. After I wrapped up a couple of client calls and computer work, we went up to Noyu Harbor (Fort Bragg) and had a late lunch/early dinner at Silver’s at the Wharf. I enjoyed a margarita and ceviche while we watched a few fishing boats come in with the day’s catch and sea lions swim about in the harbor. By the time we finished our meal, it was around 6 pm, and we took a walk along the coast on the Noyu Headlands Trail to catch the sunset. If you are feeling more adventurous, forgo the chill hotel relaxing time and get your steps in at the following stops located between Heritage House and Fort Bragg: Jug Handle Ecological Staircase Trail, Russian Gulch State Park, and Point Cabrillo Lighthouse State Park.
After breakfast at the hotel, we went up to Mendocino to check out the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This was our first time here, and it won’t be our last. This is a must-see! 47 acres and 4 miles of trails to explore through beautiful gardens. It feels like a really nicely landscaped and manicured regional park. Then we went to the little town of Mendocino for lunch and to walk around the shops. Lunch at Patterson’s Pub was delicious – I had the crab cakes special and a caesar salad, but this was one of those places where you get the feeling that everything they make is good. We will definitely go back. Between the Gardens and downtown Mendocino, we had gotten our fair share of steps in so it was time to go back to the room for a little relaxation. Did I mention we were here for our 20th wedding anniversary? Pro marriage tip — make sure there’s something in it for both of you. I like to go for long walks in pretty places and he likes to chill and relax in pretty places. Mendo checks the boxes! Dinner tonight was at the on-site restaurant. We started with drinks on the deck by the fire pit while we watched the sunset.
Day 4:
Time to go home 🙁 After breakfast, we packed up and checked out. One last vacation stop at Navarro Vineyards & Winery to do a quick wine tasting and pick up a case of our all time favorite rose`.
