Bluffing Good Time

Accessible right from town, a bluff-side walk at Mendocino Headlands State Park is pretty much mandatory. The marquee trails here overlook not just the charming hamlet of Mendocino, but also the dramatic coastal scenery from the bluffs.

Curve along, spying teeming tidepools, seals bobbing in coves, and hulking waves gaining strength in the distance, swelling, and crashing in spectacular fashion over giant sea stacks, or powering through giant blowholes.

Catch a sunset here, when the waves are transformed into a tangerine oasis and the town behind you looks like an old postcard photo painted in perfect indigo light.

BONUS DINNER: Make a reservation at Luna Trattoria. The backyard patio garden is a haven of twinkling lights, table nooks, and magical whimsy. The food is authentic Italian. The patio is dog-friendly. When in Mendocino!

BONUS WINES: On your way to Mendocino, have a reservation ready for some stellar wine tasting at Goldeneye in Anderson Valley. It’s golden in the eyes of so many for a very simple reason: Goldeneye has long been the gold standard for winemaking excellence.

The name comes from its lovely location along the migratory pathway of goldeneye ducks. Their reputation comes from making world-class pinots that win high points on the regular. Their Confluence Vineyard Pinot Noir is sublime, and their sparkling rosé is a revelation. We love how passionate the people at Goldeneye are: friendly, hospitable, and deeply knowledgeable.

On your way back from Mendocino, stop at Navarro Vineyards & Winery in Anderson Valley. Specializing in white wines like Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, Navarro’s outdoor patio is a nice place to take in the rolling scenery. The folks in the tasting room are super friendly, and so is the tasting fee: there isn’t one!