A Day in Mendocino: Coastal Charm, Local Flavor, and the Art of Slowing Down
One of the things I’m most grateful for about living at Spirit Camp is how close we are to the town of Mendocino. We’re surrounded by forest near the ocean, with night skies so clear you can see the Milky Way. It often feels like the middle of nowhere in the best possible way.
And yet, just 12 minutes down the road, there’s Mendocino: a quaint coastal town perched on the edge of the Pacific. Beneath its quiet charm lies a rich and complex history of Indigenous, immigrant, artistic, that continues to shape and evolve the town today. I’ve only lived here since 2021, and I’m still learning about the layers of story and community that make this place what it is.
The streets are lined with weathered Victorian homes and whitewashed wooden buildings, which are vestiges of its 19th-century logging days. The town keeps a tight leash on architectural color and signage; everything must look “historic.” Personally, I’d love to see more murals and color. Let the artistry of this place show up in its walls a bit more boldly. We could learn a thing or two from Fort Bragg’s Alleyway Art Project, which has brought vibrant murals into their downtown streetscape in celebration of local life and culture.
Mendocino sits on the unceded lands of the Coastal Pomo people, who have lived and cared for this region for thousands of years. The Mendocino Art Center acknowledges this lineage and continues to collaborate with Pomo artists and elders through projects that honor their stories and ongoing presence.
Another piece of Mendocino’s layered history is the Temple of Kwan Tai, built by Chinese immigrants in the 1800s who worked in logging, trade, and along the coast. The temple still stands today and remains one of the oldest Taoist temples in California thanks to the care and restoration by descendants and local volunteers. It’s a reminder of the diverse hands that shaped this coastline.
Later came the wave of the back-to-the-land movement in the 1970s, when Bay Area dreamers moved north to homestead and live closer to nature. Many are now elders on this coast, their gardens and ideals woven into the region’s fabric. The 1990s and early 2000s brought the “Green Pop” cannabis era, which fueled much of the local economy before legalization shifted things toward the arts, hospitality, and tourism you see today.
And then there’s Mendocino’s pop-culture claim to fame: the Blair House Inn, known to Murder, She Wrote fans as Jessica Fletcher’s home in the fictional town of Cabot Cove. Crews filmed here each summer, turning Mendocino into television’s most idyllic mystery village.
If you want to dig deeper into Mendocino’s past, stop by the Kelley House Museum or the Ford House Museum, both of which share stories of the town’s early days from Pomo lifeways to settlers, logging, and maritime history. You can even find a few great books about the region’s history and lore at the amazing Gallery Bookshop, right on Main Street.
Morning: Matcha Moments and Coastal Light
I’m not a big coffee drinker (my caffeine-sensitive nervous system just can’t take it), but I do love a good matcha latte. Mendocino has a few great options, and for such a small town, the coffee scene holds its own.
Wingspan Coffee + Roasters is probably the best coffee in town (Nathaniel’s favorite) and they make an excellent matcha too. The matchas come unsweetened, which I love. You can always add a sweetener if that’s your thing.
The Waiting Room, near Café Beaujolais, has a cute, cozy vibe with a wood-burning stove, which is especially lovely on a foggy or cold day. It’s usually quieter than Good Life Café, and the line for the bathroom is always much shorter, which honestly feels like its own luxury.
And then there’s Good Life Café & Bakery, the social hub of town. It’s always alive with energy and the food is hearty and fresh. Their breakfast burritos and scrambles are great, and in the summer months, there’s a small farm stand tucked behind the café run by Haley, offering local produce and flowers.
After breakfast, stretch your legs on the Mendocino Headlands Trail. The walk along the bluffs is pure medicine with sea cliffs, wind, wildflowers, and that steady hum of the Pacific reminding you how big the world really is. If you want to get closer to the water, Portuguese Beach is beautiful, with driftwood scattered across the sand. Just take care near the cliffs—they’re stunning but fragile.
Midday: Art, Groceries, and Wood-Fired Magic
By midday, I’m usually ready for The Brickery, the little wood-fired pizza spot tucked behind Café Beaujolais. I lived in New York City for ten years, and I don’t say this lightly that the pizza here is genuinely exceptional. The crust has that perfect chew, the ingredients are fresh, and the flavors are balanced. There’s also a beautiful garden where you can sit outside with friends, which makes it one of the best places in town to linger on a warm, sunny day.
If you’re not in the mood for pizza, Mendocino Café is another great choice. Their menu is eclectic, both organic and globally inspired, with plenty of options for every kind of eater. It’s also the most consistently open restaurant in town, which is worth noting since many places close on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For groceries, Harvest Market has everything you might need, but I love Corners of the Mouth, the co-op inside an old church. It’s cozy, creaky, and full of local character with handwritten labels, bulk bins, and that old-school co-op energy that just makes you feel good.
The Mendocino Art Center is always worth a stop. Since Dav Bell became director in 2024, it’s transformed into a more inclusive, forward-thinking space. Their programming and workshops draw artists from all over and reflect the creative pulse that’s always been part of Mendocino’s soul.
If you’re in the mood to shop, Folklore carries beautiful handmade and vintage goods. The Studio Mendocino, set in an old water tower, offers ceramics, craft goods, and art classes. And next to Valerie, you’ll find Mendo Made, a seasonal pop-up (fall through the holidays) with locally made gifts and crafts—perfect for bringing a little Mendocino magic home.
And don’t miss Gallery Bookshop, one of the best independent bookstores anywhere on the coast. It’s warm, welcoming, and stocked with everything from coastal literature to kids’ favorites. If you’re shopping for little ones (or just young at heart), pop into Out of This World, the local toy and game store. It’s full of creativity, learning, and delight.
Evening: Soaks, Vibes, and the Art of Exhale
As evening settles in, Mendocino slows down. Most restaurants close early by 8:30 or 9 p.m. and many are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. January is the slow season, when it’s not uncommon for places to close for a few weeks. Always check hours before you go.
For dinner, Fog Eater Café is a VIBE and well worth the visit. Open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner and brunch on Sundays, it’s vegan Creole-California fare that’s playful, inventive, and full of flavor. Co-owners Haley and Chef Erica have created a space that’s both joyful and intentional, with beautiful outdoor seating for warm nights.
If you’re craving Italian, Luna Trattoria is another favorite. The food is hearty and soulful, and the garden dining space is one of the most charming on the coast.
After dinner, you can take your relaxation to the next level with a soak or sauna at Sweetwater Spa. They offer both communal and private tubs tucked in behind the main street. Definitely worth booking ahead. And if you’re craving deeper bodywork, I always recommend scheduling a massage with Gabriel Sherry as he’s exceptional. Just book in advance; he fills up quickly.
Before you head back to camp, stop by the Headlands one last time. Watching the sunset from the cliffs is the kind of moment that recalibrates something inside you.
My Mendocino Shortlist
Eats
Coffee + Matcha
Groceries
Shops + Art
Nature + Culture
Wellness
