Mendocino looks like that little town in Practical Magic. Everybody knows each other, everything is locally own/grown, and the coffee shops are straight out of Gilmore Girls.

Everybody is all about Big Sur right now. So much so, many campsite reservations need to be made up to a year in advance. We are just far too impatient for this kind of bother, so rather than motoring down south whenever we get that urge to make Olive sleep outside with us under the stars, we go north. It's like hopping over to Ireland in just a few hours, which makes it no surprise that it is our absolute favorite weekend getaway destination.

All along the northern coast you will find sweeping views of the Pacific crashing against red wood and eucalyptus tree spotted cliffs, which is home to some of the most artistic, interesting SF expats who turned in their city hats for something a little slower. It is also home to some of the most iconic small town settings in Alfred Hitchcock's repertoire, which might have a little bit to do with our frequenting the area, but I digress. From old Russian architecture, to local cheese farms, to small victorian charm and some of the most golden egg yolks I have ever come across (offered via honor system in front of small private farms), the area between SF and Fort Bragg is one of the best kept secrets of California, and we couldn't think of a better area through which to lead our friends and family on your way up to the party. 

Mendocino is the culmination of all of these things we adore about the northern coast. It's a tiny little victorian town on a sliver of a cliff, surrounded by thick forest, independently owned farms and vineyards, and is absolutely bursting with charm. The only thing they have more than farmland are darling bed & breakfasts, which is precisely why we chose this location. You've got to stay in one.

The Venue

Spring Ranch is about 3-3.5 hours north of San Francisco. The property is situated between several B&Bs, nestled in a beautiful eucalyptus grove and is right on the ocean. 

Where to stay in Mendo

Mendocino is host to a handful of charming B&Bs, Inns, and spas, some within literal walking distance from Spring Ranch. The earlier you book, the better chance you have at being able to get completely turnt come party time. If you're more interested in getting an Airbnb, there are many little victorian properties available.

Brewery Gulch Inn - (walking distance from SR) higher price point, more amenities, such as wine hour, some ocean view rooms.

Glendeven - (walking distance from SR), massage on site, wine bar, some ocean view rooms. Lamas. Lamas everywhere. (This is Lauren's favorite B&B in the area)

Mendocino Inn and Spa (walking distance from SR), amazing spa on property, no ocean view.

Inn at Schoolhouse Creek (5 minute drive from SR), rockin' innovative breakfast with a view of the ocean and woodland animals, some spa services on site, some ocean view rooms.

Little River Inn (5 minute drive from SR), full service property: awesome old bar, full restaurant, golf course, great classic breakfast. Full ocean view and path to Van Damme State Park and beach. 

MacCallum House (7 minute drive from SR) in the heart of Mendocino town, great on-site restaurant and bar/lounge, no spa services, but across the street from Yoga Shine (our planner's other biz), which has bodywork and classes, as well as Bloom, which has the most amazing facials and other body treatments.

Stanford Inn by the Sea (5 minute drive from SR), on Big River, some ocean view rooms, full service property: spa, bicycles, canoes at river's edge, award winning vegan restaurant, super pet friendly. 

Sweetwater Inn and Spa (7 minute drive from SR), on Main St in Mendocino, a slice of old hippie Mendocino with redwood hot tubs and other spa services, sweet back alley gardens.