Northern California’s Mendocino County is a diverse and beautiful location that draws in visitors and permanent residents from all over North America. Just three hours north of San Francisco, the region is a haven for those who want to reconnect with nature amidst the Pacific coastline's picturesque rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. Staying in a cabin, A-frame or small home is the best way to get as close to the region's highlights as possible.
Historically, Mendocino was one of the first counties established in California and was the home of the Native American Yuki, Pomo, Cahto, and Wintun tribes. It’s not hard to imagine the original unspoiled beauty of this place as you catch glimpses of Gray Whales migrating down the coast or Osprey nesting up high.
This area is packed with popular destinations, like the iconic Redwood Forest (the famous 70-foot wide Chandelier Drive-Thru Sequoia tree is here), and Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach—a former landfill that was recovered and transformed into an iconic beach. Then there's the quiet and scenic seaside town of Albion and Highway 128’s Wine Road, a 75-mile drive that winds past numerous family-run wineries.
Planning a visit? Remember that the Northern Californian climate tends to be fairly cold and mild from winter to spring, so plan a trip during summer and fall for the best conditions. For the best intel on where to stay, keep reading.