Northern California Road Trip, Part 1: San Francisco to Mendocino
This is part 1 of a Northern California Road Trip guide! See part 2 here.
Looking for ideas for a road trip itinerary north of San Francisco? Maybe you live in the Bay Area, or maybe you’re just visiting SF and want to tack on a few days to explore beyond the city; either way, here’s a guide with recommendations beyond the popular Napa and Sonoma Valley areas (though we love it there, too!).
For your journey north, we’re taking you through Anderson Valley (Highway 128) via Healdsburg.
Day 1: San Francisco to Healdsburg
Hop on the 101 and cruise up to Healdsburg, conveniently located just off the highway for an easy first leg of your road trip. Healdsburg offers a less touristy, but no less awesome, Sonoma County wine country experience. It’s a charming town nestled amongst vineyards.
Opt to stay downtown, within walking distance of the restaurants, bars, and shops surrounding the plaza. Get a reservation at BarnDiva for dinner, and ask to sit outside if the weather is nice. Other good options for eats include Chalkboard (small plates), Bravas (tapas), and Oakville Grocery (for takeaway picnic sandwiches). For dessert, stop into Noble Folk for superb pie and ice cream (their sister spot Moustache Baked Goods offers cupcakes and cookies).
Healdsburg is surrounded by an array of great wineries within the Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley wine regions. Rent bikes or hire a driver and visit a few like Jordan, Simi, Arista, MacRostie, or A. Rafanelli. If you’re short on time, there are also tasting rooms in downtown Healdsburg; check out Banshee.
Day 2: Healdsburg to Boonville (or Philo)
Start your morning with coffee from Flying Goat Coffee in downtown Healdsburg or enjoy a heartier New Orleans-inspired breakfast at The New Parish before hitting the road for Anderson Valley. Remember to stop for gas and any other toiletries/necessities before taking the exit for Highway 128 since options are limited in the more rural areas of Anderson Valley and Mendocino.
Stay at Boonville Hotel or The Madrones, a small compound which offers on-site tasting rooms and Stone & Embers, a restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas.
While the beer-drinking crowd will enjoy Anderson Valley Brewing, this region is best for wine lovers, especially fans of California-style pinot noir and chardonnay. Navarro, Husch, and Toulouse are good starting points, with Navarro Winery offering outdoor seating amongst the vines, perfect for a picnic. Pennyroyal Farm is both a winery and creamery, which means wine tastings include a cheese pairing.
For dinner, dine outdoors on the patio of quirky Aquarelle, splurge at Table 128, or have a farm-to-table feast at The Bewildered Pig.
Day 3: Boonville to Mendocino
On today’s leg of your road trip, you’ll encounter redwoods as you drive along 128 toward the ocean.
There are plenty of accommodation options along the Mendocino coast! In Elk, stay at Elk Cove Inn for romantic B&B charm. They offer a complimentary champagne breakfast, wine and cocktail hour, and a picturesque gazebo overlooking the ocean. Stop into nearby Elk Store to grab sandwiches for a picnic at Greenwood State Beach, which can be accessed through a parking lot across the street (or directly from Elk Cove Inn).
Other great options include The Andiron, which offers retro cabins, or Mendocino Grove for glamping.
Visit the Victorian-era town of Mendocino and walk along the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Have dinner at Fogeater Cafe, a cheerful vegetarian restaurant, or Cafe Beaujolais, a fine dining staple in the village. Stop into Ole’s Whale Watch Bar at Little River Inn where you’ll find a cozy bar with a great selection of local beer and wine.
Day 4: Mendocino to Sonoma Coast
See part 2 here!
