Mendocino
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About Mendocino
An idyllic coastal community in northern California, Mendocino is famed for its beautiful clifftop setting, striking beaches and charming town centre. With stacks of state parks and outdoorsy attractions, this is a brilliant destination for a relaxing escape with family and friends — or a romantic couples’ retreat. Accommodation options range from simple B&Bs to chic hotels with fabulous Pacific Ocean views, fit for a whole array of tastes and budgets. A selection of the best places to stay in Mendocino are clustered near the town centre, but many of our favourites sit in more rural seaside settings.
Nature lovers will be spoilt for choice in this picturesque part of California. Amble along the coast, try surfing or sailing, and admire curious rock formations as you hike through Mendocino Headlands State Park. Russian Gulch State Park, Van Damme State Park and Jughandle State Reserve are all striking. Expect to trek, cycle and horse ride whilst spotting fantastic wildlife. Kayaking and fishing on Big River are also highlights. Wine aficionados will adore tours and tastings of the Anderson Valley's excellent vineyards.
For a sense of the region’s past, visit Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park and the Ford House Visitor Centre & Museum. The Kelley House Museum is also intriguing, as is the brightly painted Temple of Kwan Tai. For art galleries, independent boutiques, cafés and eateries, explore the leafy streets of Mendocino itself. You’ll spot attractive heritage buildings, too.
Hugely popular with Californians escaping the big city during the summer months, the best places to stay in Mendocino fill up fast. Book your trip well in advance, or travel during the spring or autumn.
The Best Places to Stay in Mendocino
For Central Stay
- Headlands Inn boasts beautiful sea views from the New England-style Victorian house and gardens. The seven rooms have quaint, classic interiors, with wood-burning stoves, pretty floral bedspreads and antique pieces, whilst the whimsical English garden brims with wildflowers. A tranquil, intimate choice in central Mendocino.
- MacCallum House Inn dates back to 1882. This luxurious mansion with chic rooms features striking Pacific Ocean views, and is a terrific couples' choice in the heart of town. Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy in-room massages and tuck into gourmet breakfasts before exploring Mendocino. The MacCallum House Restaurant is one of the best in the region. For romantic foodies and history buffs.
- Packard House is an intimate, indulgent B&B with a leafy courtyard, fresh, contemporary interiors and idyllic ocean views. Mendocino's restaurants, bars and attractions are right on your doorstep, and the property offers great breakfasts. Cool, central and modern.
For Nature Lovers
- Stanford Inn by the Sea promises a welcoming, eco-focused stay overlooking organic gardens and the ocean. Think healing yoga, art classes, rejuvenating spa treatments and a lovely indoor pool, as well as cosy, wood-panelled rooms with crackling fireplaces. Homemade vegan food is paired with regional wines. There's cycling, hiking and kayaking, too.
- Sacred Rock Inn offers a collection of cottages, houses and a Victorian mansion on the craggy coastal cliffs in Elk, slightly south of Mendocino. Expect delectable fare at both Greenwood Pier Restaurant and Bridget Dolan's Pub, focusing on the region's fabulously fresh ingredients. A beautiful seaside retreat for foodies and relaxed couples or friends looking to hit the beach, take long walks and go horse riding.
- Brewery Gulch Inn is a rustic spot for outdoorsy travellers of all ages eager to experience everything from horse riding to kayaking along Big River. Russian Gulch State Park is superb, and there are stacks of activities to try. A family-friendly rural highlight.
For Romance
- Glendeven Inn is a charming hotel just minutes from the beach. Surrounded on three sides by Van Damme State Park, the inn is tranquil, secluded and well-situated for keen hikers. Couples will adore the lovely guestrooms, farm-fresh breakfasts delivered to the door each morning, complimentary evening wine tastings and superb massages at the spa. Adult only and very romantic.
- The Heritage House Resort sits in a spectacular clifftop location above a private coast. Smart, spacious rooms and suites encourage romance and relaxation. The restaurant and lounge-bar are ideal for sampling cracking cuisine and Californian wines. Big tubs and terrace hammocks are a real treat.
- Sea Rock Inn is made up of individual suites and cottages with wood-burning stoves, four-poster beds and big tubs with sea views. Chic interiors, a small spa and amazing sunsets from the cliff-side lawn make this a couples' favourite.
FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY CABIN
- If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Fly to Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, just under 2 hours from Mendocino by car or bus.
- California is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
- Travel between June and September for the warmest weather, with temperatures peaking at around 27°C. For slightly cooler weather and heaps of wildflowers, come in April or May.
STILL NOT SURE?
- Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Sacramento.
- Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in California.
- Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
Weather
Monthly Weather in Mendocino
Best Hotels in Mendocino
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Packard House Mendocino (California) 4 rooms from AU$191
Kayaking - Kayaking on the Albion River through caves, blow holes nad rock gardens.Sights nearby - The newly restored lighthouse is less than half a mile away.Views - Great views from hotelSurfing - Suitable beaches nearby.Recommended by - CN TravellerA leafy courtyard, fresh interiors and ocean views welcome you to this intimate B&B. Fireplaces, fantastic daily in-room breakfast and comfortable rooms. Located in Mendocino are restaurants and bars to spend lazy days. Outdoor activities for all. See More
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Glendeven Inn Mendocino (California) 10 rooms from AU$261
Great walks - The estate is surrounded on three sides by Van Damme State Park with miles of beautiful walks.Sights nearby - Close to all of Mendocino's best restaurants, shops and galleries.Restrictions on children - Children cannot be accomodated at this hotel.Barefoot Luxury - For total relaxation.A boutique Inn and Spa located two miles from Mendocino and surrounded on three sides by Van Damme State Park. Rooms are light and comfortable with elegant furnishings, and spectacular views. The on-site spa is second to none, and even provides rooms for couples. The ultimate romantic getaway! See More
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MacCallum House Inn Mendocino (California) 30 rooms from AU$262
Foodies - The nationally acclaimed in-house restaurant offers organic cuisine with fresh, local ingredientsRomantic Break - Beautifully decorated rooms and concept of speciality baskets for all ocassionsTotal relaxation - Massages and spa services from their therapists cannot be missedWine tasting - Guided day-long tour of the regions' award-winning winesHistoric landmark in the centre of Mendocino dating back to 1882. A luxury mansion with chic, comfortable rooms that have fantastic views of the Pacific ocean. A cozy bar offers the best local wines. Outdoor pools, in-room massages and spa for your enjoyment. Gourmet breakfast included. See More
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Mendocino Grove Mendocino (California) 20 rooms from AU$280
Families - With family tents (with bunk beds) and endless space for little ones to run around in — this is ideal for family holidaysActive Holiday - This is the perfect base for an outdoorsy holiday with plenty of opportunities to hike, cycle, and canoe nearbyBack to Nature - Surrounded by scenic forest, this is a relaxing escape to natureGreat walks - There is a scenic loop trail that runs through the property's groundsA chic tented campsite offering an elevated outdoor experience. Spacious tents are smartly designed with redwood terraces, heated mattresses, and simple pale wood furniture. The bathrooms may be shared but they are stocked with organic products. Expect yoga, hammocks, and board games a-plenty. See More
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The Heritage House Resort Mendocino (5200 N Hwy 1) 47 rooms from AU$361
Sights nearby - Head over and see the Taoist Temple of Kwan Tai, a California Historical LandmarkGreat walks - Enjoy a walk through the Coast Botanical GardensViews - Great views from hotelSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Recommended by - TabletThe Heritage House Resort boasts a spectacular clifftop location, perched above a private beach area on Mendocino's coast. Smart and spacious accommodation with fantastic views. Lovely meals served at the restaurant, whilst the 5200 lounge is the perfect place to relax with a tipple. A top spot. See More
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Brewery Gulch Inn Mendocino (California) 11 rooms from AU$483
Local markets - Explore Mendocino Market on Ukiah Street for some organic gourmet picnic treats.Kayaking - Head up Big River on a canoe or kayak and past the 27 wooden dams.Great walks - Russian Gulch State Park for a leisurely stroll to the caves.Surfing - California and surfing come hand in hand.Perched above Mendocino Bay this rustic, idyllic hotel offers a comfortable and cozy stay on the Pacific. Large, classic rooms have access to a library and in-room massage. Cooked to order breakfast is worth getting up for. Start the day of water or wilderness based activities. A Great spot! See More
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Sea Rock Inn Mendocino 15 rooms from AU$389
Local exploring - Go wine-tasting, sea kayaking, attend endless cultural festivals, browse galleries and dine at local restaurants - it's all hereTotal relaxation - As much as there is to do, guests might find it hard to drag themselves away from the sea-facing lawn's Adirondack chairsSea Views - Stunning Pacific views from its clifftop locationGreat walks - Go for scenic hikes at Russian Gulch State Park and Van Damme State Park; Mendocino Headlands State Park has coastal trailsQuaint and romantic ocean-front B&B. Individual cottages and suites are romantic and cosy with wood-burning stoves, four-poster beds and uninterrupted sea views from bed, bath and terrace. The sprawling cliff-side lawn benefits from amazing sunsets. Off the grid in style & feel but far from remote. See More
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Stanford Inn by the Sea Mendocino (California) 40 rooms from AU$455
Great walks - Where there is a sea, there is a way. Be sure to catch sunset over the Pacific.Kayaking - Great way to explore the river and sea.Views - Great views from hotelFour poster beds - For romantics.This eco-boutique overlooks organic gardens and ocean blue. Run by a friendly and very welcoming couple. Healing yoga, indoor pool and spa treatments will rejuvenate, whilst large, wooden rooms with fireplaces are the perfect comfort. Vegan food is served and well matched with regional wines. See More
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Headlands Inn Mendocino (California) 7 rooms from AU$578
Active Holiday - Enjoy horseback riding, tennis, golf, bicycling, kayaking & canoeing, hiking, jogging, beachcombing and whale watchingLocal exploring - In addition to active pursuits, the area has a strong focus on the arts, as well as excellent local restaurantsTotal relaxation - The property's sea-view gardens make you want to curl up in a Adirondack chair and simply while away the daySights nearby - Visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and Point Cabrillo Light Station, built in 1909Charming B&B located equidistant to both the beach and Mendocino village. The New England-style Victorian houses 7 rooms; they are traditionally decorated with frills and four-poster beds; many have wood-burning stoves. The whimsical English country garden has wildflowers and beautiful ocean views. See More
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Sacred Rock Resort Mendocino 19 rooms from AU$872
Back to Nature - Boasting an epic location set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean just moments from the wide sandy Greenwood State BeachGreat walks - Go for long walks along the beaches and through the stunning Navarro River Redwoods State ParkViews - With unfettered views over the Pacific Ocean the location here is simply stunningWine tasting - Anderson Valley Wine Country produces particularly good Pinot NoirA collection of houses and cottages set in a stunning location perched atop the rugged bluffs of California’s coastline. While exteriors are charming and traditional, interiors are sleek and modern with large expanses of glass, luxe bathrooms and woodburning stoves. Ideal for an escape to nature. See More