When you think of Mendocino, what comes to mind? Perhaps the restaurant by the same name, Mendocino Farms? Or maybe East of Eden, the 1955 film staring James Dean that was filmed in the seaside town. We got the full Mendocino experience by staying on an actual farm (an organic farm that is!) just steps away from the historic downtown of Mendocino. Mendocino is far removed from the "brightlighters" of San Francisco in the best way possible. The location enables you to unplug and reset with views of coastal headlands, rose gardens, white picket fences, redwood water towers. Where to Stay: The Stanford Inn is a magical getaway, located on an organic farm where they grow everything from cauliflower, rainbow chard, to kale. Many of these ingredients are used in the on-site vegan restaurant, Raven's Restaurant. Take an evening retreat in the cozy redwood paneled suites complete with wood-burning fireplaces. The experience takes you to simpler times where you can unplug and immerse yourself in nature. From our room we could listen to the birds, smell the fresh pine groves, and walk outside to take out an outrigger canoe on the Big River. Where to Eat: Pattersons Pub - Cozy and welcoming atmosphere and traditional pub food taken up a few notches with the excellence of Mendocino's dining palate. Order the clam chowder, crab cake salad, and top it off with either a Guinness or Gowan's Heirloom Cider. Gowan's Heirloom Cider - Speaking of beverages, try the Cider Tasting Room for the crisp apple cider from the heritage apple orchards. Raven's Restaurant - The Stanford Inn's exceptional all vegan and organic menu is creative and mouth watering. Try the savory breakfast crepe made of chickpea flour, vegan sushi, and sea palm and root vegetable strudel. Where to Drink: Meyer Family Cellars - When you are in "Pinotland", it's time to try Mendocino's finest with the award winning Pinot Noirs at this family owned cellar. Pennyroyal Farms - A farmstead, winery, and creamery where you can visit the goats and sheep behind the making of the delicious artisan cheeses. Goldeneye - Wine and dine amongst peaceful rolling vineyards and try the dazzling Pinot Noirs perfectly paired with artisan cheeses! Lula Winery Mendocino - Here you are treated like family on this beautiful property known for their Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs. Things to Do: Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden - Follow the trails through the many different gardens and art sculptures to the cliffs for the dramatic views of the Pacific. Van Damm State Beach - Abalone shells wash up on the shores on this beach which has waters the color of blue Gatorade. There's camping, trails, and more! Skunk Train - A truly unique experience where you can ride on electric bike powered "railbikes" on the actual Skunk Train rail lines through old-growth California coastal redwoods. Check out Mendocino on your next Northern California trip!
Half Moon Bay is a charming California seaside retreat that draws visitors for its famous "Maverick" big wave surfing, towering coastal redwoods, and rustic pumpkin farms. Located along PCH and just 25 minutes south of San Francisco Airport, Half Moon Bay is an accessible weekend getaway.
We explore the sheer-cliff coastline views, marine life, and redwood groves. We also sample the delicious cuisine that ranges from breweries, fresh-caught seafood, to Peruvian. Many of the dishes are crafted from local fish and produce. We stay at the Beach House Hotel, which offers stunning hotel suites with views of the bay.
Where to stay:
The Beach House Hotel is like a home away from home retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As the name suggests, it is situated along the beach with white water views of the glistening harbor. Turn down your bed at night and the only sounds you can hear are gentle crashing waves and lighthouse. âThe suites come complete with a wood burning fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, and relaxing balcony. Outside the property is a scenic beach path that winds along the coast for miles, perfect for running and biking.
Where to Eat
âSam's Chowder House - A classic New England style seafood restaurant offering a seafood-lover's dream menu with stunning views of the harbor. The salmon, oysters, branzino, and lobster rolls are standouts.
La Costanera Peruvian Restaurant: Take a culinary trip to Peru with a menu of Peruvian favorites such as lomo saltado, and culinary delights like the pescado a lo macho, made with fresh caught seafood. Pair it with the crafted cocktails, including a pisco sour tasting flight!
Half Moon Bay Brew Co: Enjoy local brews on the patio and mouth watering seafood stew, fish tacos, and save room for desert because they have "beermisu" (that's tiramisu but made from stout beer). Try the pumpkin ale which is made from local sugar pumpkins.
Things to do: If you are a nature lover, you will find no shortage of activities here in Half Moon Bay.
Kayak the Harbor: We recommend getting out on the water and renting kayaks from Half Moon Bay Kayaks. You can easily spend hours kayaking the harbor over to the Maverick wave beach, famous for the XXL waves. Half Moon Bay Kayaks: http://www.hmbkayak.com/
Bike own the Bay:
Half Moon Bay Kayaks also has bikes for rent and we recommend taking them down the coastal path towards Half Moon Bay State Beach. There are many stunning cliff-side views along the way, as well as surfers at "Surfer's Beach".
If you are looking for a weekend escape in California that will allow you some real downtime, then you must check out Oxnard. Located in Ventura County, Oxnard offers many of the amenities of Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, but without all the crowds. The 7 miles of wide beaches sand dunes offer a relaxing and approachable atmosphere. Oxnard also has a variety of excellent cuisines to sample, scenic biking paths, and water sports in the Channel Island Harbor.
What's unique about Oxnard is that from the coast, you can see California's Channel Islands. These islands are known as the Galapagos of North America and feature plenty of marine wildlife. Travel Vlog: We are staying that the Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Bay, the only all-suite oceanfront resort in Southern California. The resort is complete with a pool, waterfalls, and beach-front suites that are perfect to work from home on your staycation. In fact, this is the first time I have stayed on the beach in California with a white water view. Where to stay: Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach
To start off the day, we visit the beach and Port Hueneme Pier, which offers plenty of picnic and seafood spots.
You cannot visit Oxnard without getting out on the water. We rent kayaks at the Channel Island Harbor. The harbor is filled with surprises and wildlife, including sea lions. Channel Islands Kayak Center: http://cikayak.com/
A great way to explore Oxnard is by surrey bike, where you can ride along the Hollywood Beach path.
Wheel Fun Rentals: https://wheelfunrentals.com/ca/oxnard/embassy-suites-mandalay-beach-resort/
Step in to the history of Oxnard at Heritage Square Park which is filled with old restored Victorian homes.
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Otani's Seafood: http://www.otanis-seafood.com/
Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine: http://www.moquecarestaurant.com/ Casa Agria Specialty Ales: https://www.casaagria.com/ Heritage Coffee: https://www.heritagecoffee805.com/ â |
Published Travel ArticlesWelcome to Run The Atlas!
We are two adventurous young professionals who turned our passion for travel into a blog to help others travel more.
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