A Weekend Exploring Mendocino County

There are many ways to get to Mendocino County, but these are two of my favorites:

Fly into Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) or drive up from Sacramento or Redding.

Flying into Sonoma airport is so easy. Many airlines have been adding routes to this convenient Bay Area & Wine Country gateway, and navigating to and from the airport is a piece of cake. Once you’ve arrived, head up to Healdsburg and check in at the Montage Healdsburg. This five-star hotel and resort, which recently received two Michelin Keys, is located in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, where the Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley converge.

The 258-acre resort is hidden away in historic groves of heritage oak trees and vine-covered hills and a great base to explore the surrounding wine country. Then, stick to the super-luxe vibe and have dinner at SingleThread Restaurant, a fine-dining experience with three Michelin Stars. Or head to Bravas Bar de Tapas for a more laid-back but very delicious, authentic tapas-style dinner with a twist by James Beard finalists Mark and Terri Stark.

If you’re driving to Mendocino County from the east, I suggest stopping in Redwood Valley, where you can taste local wines and try your luck at the slot machines. The Coyote Valley Casino is perfectly situated along the route, and the Wyndham Garden Redwood Valley is a wonderful place to stay for a night of play. It’s modern and neat, with spacious rooms and a lovely, welcoming hotel team. The casino offers tons of gaming options in a non-smoking environment, which I really enjoy, and Angelina’s Sage House Restaurant has a full menu of sandwiches, pizzas and steaks. Plus, there is a fabulous pool for lounging.

The next morning, drive up to Fort Bragg in time to board the Pudding Creek Express with the Skunk Train. This 75-minute ride takes you into the redwoods to Glen Blair Junction, where the train stops for a while, giving you time to explore. There are many cute seating options but also short hiking paths and opportunities to marvel at the ancient redwood trees.

On board, there are snacks and drinks (including piccolo bottles of local wines) for purchase, and the whole experience is just adorable. Pro tip: If you elect to ride in the evening on some Fridays and all Saturdays, you will be in for an additional treat, as the new Glen Blair Bar, an outdoor patio at the halfway point, will be serving craft cocktails, live music and more.

After the Pudding Creek Express, grab lunch from local favorite North Coast Brewing Company, an independently run brewery since 1988, (get the shrimp po boy if that’s your thing!) and take a short drive to Glass Beach for an impromptu picnic. The sea-glass-covered beach can be accessed through a little, hidden pathway, and the cozy cove makes for a lovely spot to have a bite and watch the waves.

For accommodations, I suggest checking in at either The Beachcomber Motel or the Noyo Harbor Inn.

The Beachcomber Motel is located right across from Pudding Creek Beach, with its picturesque bridge and the sound of the crashing surf. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and leaving the balcony door just slightly ajar overnight guarantees the dreamiest sleep. Enjoy the view from your room and relax for a while.

The Noyo Harbor Inn has front-row seats to the yachts and boats that come in and out of this functioning harbor. You’ll be surrounded by lush flowers and plants, and the rooms are comfortable and traditionally designed. The HarborView Bistro serves outstanding dishes, and the mixologist at the inn’s bar gets really creative, with housemade bitters, clarified concoctions and edible flowers sourced straight from the garden.

In the evening, take the scenic road down to Mendocino and head to MacCallum House for an exquisite dinner experience. The cocktails are masterfully crafted, and every dish is seasonal and built from local ingredients. The entire team is very welcoming and hospitable, and if you can snag a table out on the patio, you’re in for a treat.

For some evening entertainment, check the Mendocino Theater Company’s schedule. This intimate theater produces interesting and enjoyable shows, from the classics to the cutting edge. There’s a snack bar with all kinds of delicious treats, and the seats are very comfortable. If you’re lucky, the show is letting out just at sunset, and with the coastline just a few blocks away, you can always go on a little walk and enjoy this magical time of the evening.

Today, you’ll combine time in nature and some physical activity with a relaxing wine tasting afternoon at the only winery right on the North Coast. In the morning, check in for the Railbikes on the Noyo, which is another offering of the Skunk Train.

On this immersive trip, you’ll be the captain of electric-powered two-person railbikes that take you along the scenic Pudding Creek and have you cross majestic wooden trestle bridges as you venture into the heart of Mendocino County's ancient redwoods. Pedaling along historic tracks, you'll enjoy the freedom to take in the natural beauty around you. This is a fascinating experience that should not be missed. Lunch is included, which you can snack while pedaling or during your stop at the midway point, an adorable camp in the middle of the woods. The only caveat for this tour is that there is a pretty steep climb up and down to the starting point, so bring your hiking shoes.

In the afternoon, take a cab or Uber up to Pacific Star Winery. The estate is perched right against the coastline, with spectacular views of the Pacific. It’s the only winery that is located right on the northern California coast, and the owner takes great pride and joy in personally welcoming repeat customers and first-time visitors alike, although the entire team is wonderful. The name of the game here is reds, which come in many interesting variations. You must try the Tempranillo, but there are also a few crisp, easy whites that you can taste. With lots of seating options (including adorable Adirondack chairs all over the property), you can easily spend a few hours here and enjoy the scene and scenery.

For dinner, you must try HarborView Bistro, whether you’re staying at the inn or not. The food and service are outstanding, and as mentioned before, the cocktails are beautifully concocted, exuding a love for the craft. Also, the direct harbor views are the perfect backdrop for a fantastic farewell splurge.