| Settled by loggers from New England, Mendocino is | | | | carriage house, the main 1867 farmhouse, a loft over |
| one of the most appealing places on the Northern | | | | the barn, and an annex called Stevenscroft. Rooms - |
| California coast. Chances are, it will remind you of the | | | | most of which have ocean views and fireplaces - are |
| fishing villages built from Maine to Massachusetts in the | | | | decorated with a mix of antiques and modern pieces. |
| 19th century. But the culture and the cuisine are strictly | | | | There are hiking trails that take you through old-growth |
| Californian. | | | | forest down to the beach. There's a wine bar on site. |
| Several of the most luxurious Mendocino hotels were | | | | And they serve dinner on Tuesday and Saturday |
| once private homes that have been turned into | | | | nights. Breakfasts here include eggs from the farm's |
| distinctive inns. | | | | hens. |
| Many of the buildings in Mendocino are on the National | | | | If it's views you're after, Agate Cove Inn has the best |
| Register of Historic Places, so the town has retained | | | | around. It's set high above Agate Beach on two acres |
| much of its original character. For the most part, | | | | of gardens. The 1860 farmhouse has been thoughtfully |
| development has been tasteful, and outside of town, | | | | updated and there are private cottages with fireplaces, |
| the natural beauty of the area is astonishing. | | | | decks, refrigerators, and most of all, views. If you're |
| A couple of old homes can be visited, including the | | | | traveling with family or another couple, the Bluff House |
| Kelley House from 1861 and the 1854 Ford House. It's | | | | has two bedrooms, a laundry room, and a gourmet |
| the Visitor's Center for the Mendocino Headlands | | | | kitchen. Breakfasts here are memorable too. |
| State Park. With several well-maintained trails with | | | | Dating from 1879, the Joshua Grindle House was built |
| great views, this is a wonderful place for hiking. In the | | | | by the local banker. It's a good choice if you want to |
| spring, wildflowers like lupine and California poppies | | | | be able to walk to shops and restaurants. With its |
| blanket the headlands. South of Mendocino, the Big | | | | pretty gardens and warm hospitality, it's no wonder the |
| River Beach is good for beachcombing. | | | | inn has won the Four Diamond Award. The two-acre |
| Mendocino hotels in Victorian houses. | | | | property has accommodations in the main house, a |
| There are three terrific inns in old Victorians - the | | | | cottage, and in the water tower. The ten rooms are |
| Glendeven, Agate Cove Inn, and Joshua Grindle. | | | | cheery and cozy. The house isn't on the ocean, but |
| Glendeven has several kinds of accommodations in a | | | | Mendocino Bay is visible across the bay. |