Going to Mendocino

What to do in Mendocino

by Christine Loomis

The seaside town of Mendocino is part art colony and part nature escape, with liberal dashes of history and romance mixed in. It sits in pastel Victorian splendor atop windswept bluffs leading down to the sea, where languid sea lions and seals lump themselves on sunny rocks, and pelicans, seagulls, and crook-beaked hawks ride the breeze. It's tempting to call this town "quaint," but that doesn't capture the vibrancy of Mendocino, far earthier and more diverse than quaintness implies. Although its coastline rivals any in California, Mendocino hasn't succumbed to the elitism of a celebrity hideout. You'll find lodging, tours, stores, and eateries for all tastes and budgets: from campgrounds and funky coffee shops to elegant inns, extraordinary private retreats, and white-tablecloth restaurants.

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