Mendocino.

Mendocino is one of my favorite places in California. It’s also the area where Chris and I eloped last year. It has the best of everything: hikes, views, food, places to stay. It’s quaint, enchanting, and relaxing.

NATURE

• Mendocino Headlands Park: coastal cliffs + waves

• Van Dam State Park: Fern Canyon Trail is the highlight

• Russian Gulch State Park: Fern Canyon Trail is also a highlight!

Russian Gulch State Park

Russian Gulch State Park

FOOD

• Fog Eater Cafe: for brunch or dinner! It's a southern vegetarian spot with great drinks and outdoor dining ambienceThey have a lovely patio in the back. 

• Mendocino Market: get the clam chowder and the crab + cheddar sandwich

• Goodlife Cafe: get the veggie cake, curry bowl, morning bun, or chicken enchilada

Fog Eater Cafe (from TripAdvisor)

DRINK

• Anderson Valley Brewing Company: this brewery is not in Mendocino, but it's on the halfway point between San Francisco and Mendocino, in Boonville, CA! Great place to take a break from driving, grab a beer, and walk around the small + cute town of Boonville.

• Pacific Star Winery: by far my favorite winery ever, located in Fort Bragg, CA, just up north of Mendocino.  It overlooks Northern California cliffs, with its dramatic waves. During some a part of the year, you can see whales!

Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville, CA

Pacific Star Winery in Fort Bragg, CA