Journals / California / Mendocino

Mendocino was more than we had hoped for. The foggy little town that sits along the Pacific coast is full of cottages, historic churches, and blooming gardens. There are plenty of shops filled with handmade goods, antiques, treats, books, toys, and more. Restaurants, cafes, and pubs are dotted throughout town. It’s one of those places where even the grocery store adds to the experience. And the crows make up quite a bit of the population here – perching on buildings and hopping down the streets, it’s clear that they are residents, and we loved it.

In town, you’ll find not only a sweet little public park, but also Mendocino Headlands State Park, where we spotted sea otters and seals. Mendocino County has more state park units than any other county in California, so you’re never too far from a piece of beautiful, protected land to explore. Coastlines, redwoods, rivers, and more are all included. With so many state parks, this is a popular area for camping, but there are also plenty of charming inns.

The next time you’re looking to head to the coast, we highly recommend looking into this Highway 1 gem. Dive into our encounters for inspiration.