Travel Guide to the Mendocino/Fort Bragg Coast Information by Bill Moore
Getting There (From Modesto, CA)
There are multiple ways of getting to the Mendocino coast from the "let's get there" straight forward route to the "getting there is part of the fun" scenic route. Regardless of your mindset, there is a perfect route for you. Note: This is not a one day trip as the travel time is just too much (12 hours round trip). Staying a minimum of two days is good but three or more is best as there is so much to see.
There are multiple ways of getting to the Mendocino coast from the "let's get there" straight forward route to the "getting there is part of the fun" scenic route. Regardless of your mindset, there is a perfect route for you. Note: This is not a one day trip as the travel time is just too much (12 hours round trip). Staying a minimum of two days is good but three or more is best as there is so much to see.
By way of San Francisco and Highway 1
Travel time: 8 hours to 3 days. If you go through San Francisco, heading north along Hwy 1, you'll encounter many opportunities to photograph while taking in the beautiful views along California's coastal highway. While the drive time from Modesto to Mendocino on Hwy 1 will take about 8 to 10 hours, Photo Collective Member Bill Moore suggest planning a minimum of three days to full enjoy the journey and have plenty of time to photograph. Highway 101 and on to Noyo Travel time: About 6 hours Rather than going along the coast the entire way or taking the very long route of Hwy 128. Traveling along highway 101 to Willits, California and then taking Hwy 20 west to Noyo (just south of Fort Bragg) will cut a bit of time off your travel and provides the fastest route to your coastal destination. This is the quickest way to Fort Bragg in case you can only stay two days. |
By way of Wine the Wine Country
Travel time: About 7 hours Taking Highway 101 to Highway 128 west will take you to Yorkville, Boonville and Navarro and near the wine grapes of Napa and Sonoma. Be forewarned that this is a two way - 2 lane road that is twisty and very scenic. It will deliver you to the coast just south of Albion and Little River, about an hour from Fort Bragg. It's important to note that you can always make the trip back via Hwy 1 in order to take advantage of great photography locations such as Greenwood State Beach, Irish Beach, Point Arena Lighthouse, Schooner Gulch State Beach and on down to San Francisco and the light house near Sausalito (the most northern point of the Golden Gate Bridge. *The Light House near Sausalito is open on specific days which you'll need to check out if you want to go past the gate onto the walking bridge to the lighthouse for photos, or at the vista point along the coast. |
Turn-by-Turn Directions from your home
To get turn-by-turn driving directions from your home to lodging in the Mendocino area or any of the meeting places we'll be gathering on a daily basis, go online to mapquest.com or google maps and select driving directions.
To get turn-by-turn driving directions from your home to lodging in the Mendocino area or any of the meeting places we'll be gathering on a daily basis, go online to mapquest.com or google maps and select driving directions.
Fort Bragg/Mendocino Lodging
There are many lodging options in the areas around Mendocino, below is a list of some them including basic pricing and images where available. However more information can be found online by doing a search for "lodging + Mendocino, Ca".
There are many lodging options in the areas around Mendocino, below is a list of some them including basic pricing and images where available. However more information can be found online by doing a search for "lodging + Mendocino, Ca".
Holiday Inn Express - Fort Bragg
Phone: 1-888-465-4329 or 1 (707) 964-1100 Address: 250 Highway 20 Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Price Range: $117 to $159 per night (depending on amenities) Hotel Info: Rooms are large and clean Website: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/FOBCA/at-a-glance? Note from Bill Moore: I've never stayed at this hotel but from the exterior it looks nice. Travelodge Mariah Country - Fort Bragg Phone: 1 (707) 964-4787 Address: 763 North Main Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Price Range: 2 double beds: $71.15 to $88.00 (depending on amenities) 1 King bed: $75.00 to $88.00 (depending on amenities) 1 double suite: $91.00 to $101.00 (depending on amenities) Website: http://www.travelodge.com/Travelodge/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=21123 Note from Bill Moore: I've never stayed at this hotel. Super 8 - Fort Bragg Phone: 1 (707) 964-4003 Address: N Harbor and Main St. 888 S. Main St. Fort Bragg, CA Room Rates: $101.00 and up (Approx) Website: http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=13421 The Beach House Inn - Fort Bragg Phone: (888) 559-9992 Address: 100 Pudding Creek Rd. Fort Bragg, CA Price Range: Queen with no view - $79 to 149. 2 queens with ocean view - $99 to $179. 2 queens fireplace. $99 to $179.00 1 King with soaking hot tub $119. to $199. Hotel Info: Very large, ocean view.... A lot of various amenities...some rooms with fireplaces. Website: http://www.beachinn.com/Photo-Gallery-Fort-Bragg-Ca-The-Beach-House-Inn-Suites-Hwy-1.shtml Note from Bill Moore: From the exterior view of the hotel it is large and modern. I have never stayed there. THE BEACHCOMBER MOTEL - Fort Bragg (Recommended) Phone: (707) 964-2402 or 1-800-400-7873 (SURF!) Address: 1111 N. Main St. Fort Bragg CA 95437 Price Range: $99 to $250 (Depending on view and amenities) Website: http://www.thebeachcombermotel.com Email: info@thebeachcombermotel.com Notes from Bill Moore: There are three types of rooms that I have stayed in - all are very nice. I have stayed at this motel several times over the past 20+ years. It has a great deck for just sitting and looking at the ocean, a great beach right in the back yard. A terrific hiking path and a pedestrian bridge over a river and overlooking the ocean. Within walking distance to Fort Braggs Glass Beach... Located on the north-west part of Fort Bragg.... I give this a 5-STAR for ease and comfort and quiet. |
Harbor Lite Lodge - Fort Bragg
Phone: 1-800-643-5482 Address: 1141 N. Main St. Fort Bragg, CA Price Range: $69 to $265 Website: www.harborlitelodge.com Notes from Bill Moore: I've not stayed here.... From what I've heard, it's comfortable and clean Shoreline Cottages Phone: 1-800-930-2977 Address: 18725 N. Hwy 1 Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Hotel Info: All have kitchens, Free Wi-Fi and are pet friendly Price Range: From $95 to $145 Note From Bill Moore: I've never stayed here either..... Fort Bragg has over 40 places to stay.... Prices vary depending on view, accommodations, season.... Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites - Mendocino, California Phone: Address: 45080 Main Street Mendocino Ca, 95460 Rates: From $112 to $395 The Hill House Inn Mendocino Phone: 800-422-0554 or 707-937-0554 Address: 10701 Palette Drive Mendocino, California 95460 Rates: From $137 to $295 Website: www.hillhouseinn.com Hotel Info: (From Website) "Hill House Inn is a premier romantic Mendocino lodging establishment located in the historic village of Mendocino with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The 44 spacious and recently renovated Ocean and Garden suites maintain the warmth of a cozy bed and breakfast - but offers much more to the discriminating traveler. Surround yourself with lush Victorian gardens - towering rustic redwood water towers and magnificent cypress trees. Here is where Murder She Wrote was filmed enjoy a spontaneous retreat - birthday or celebration and be literally steps from wine tasting unique shops galleries The Mendocino Headlands Pacific Ocean deserted beaches and hiking trails. Bring your children or select a pet friendly accommodation. Spa services boating and kayaking boating horseback riding are readily available by appointment. A seasonal restaurant menu includes Bistro style offerings and special menus for children. The public event rooms enjoy the reputation of having the best Ocean views in the village and boast the largest private and public spaces available for weddings meetings and retreats with a restaurant two bars and an attentive professional catering staff that feature local sustainable and organic products. The wine list and wine bar offer selections from Northern California as well as unique organic and biodynamic varietals. A full time personal event coordinator and executive Banquet chef provides catering complete event facilities and reception rooms. 24/7 front desk and concierge services - free WIFI and unlimited long-distance telephone. It is affiliated with the historic 51 room Mendocino Hotel and its highly rated restaurants just moments away. THE LIGHTHOUSE INN... at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Phone: 866-937-6124 or 707-937-6124 Address: 45300 Lighthouse Road P.O. Box 641 Mendocino, California 95460 Rates: $177 to $190 Note from Bill Moore: I've been told by the person working at the lighthouse that guests of the Inn have access of the lighthouse at night (exterior) and that it is very quiet and peaceful. Depending on weather it can be cold and windy or bright and clear... My last visit to the lighthouse I spent over 4 hours just shooting during the day. I'd bet the night shots on a clear night would be fantastic. |
Dinning in the Fort Bragg and Mendocino Areas
There are a lot of good places to eat in both Fort Bragg and Mendocino area as well as in the smaller towns around both places too. Between Gualata, Anchor Bay, Point Arena, Elk, Albion, Little River, Mendocino and Fort Bragg there are well over 30 restaurants that serve American food; 7 that specialize in Mexican food, a dozen or so specializing in seafood, 6 general international, 6 serving oriental and sushi, 11 Italian and Pizza places, at least 7 organic/vegetarian restaurants and about a dozen or so delis and several dessert dinners. Great choices for all tastes.
Three places I always go when in the Fort Bragg area are:
There are a lot of good places to eat in both Fort Bragg and Mendocino area as well as in the smaller towns around both places too. Between Gualata, Anchor Bay, Point Arena, Elk, Albion, Little River, Mendocino and Fort Bragg there are well over 30 restaurants that serve American food; 7 that specialize in Mexican food, a dozen or so specializing in seafood, 6 general international, 6 serving oriental and sushi, 11 Italian and Pizza places, at least 7 organic/vegetarian restaurants and about a dozen or so delis and several dessert dinners. Great choices for all tastes.
Three places I always go when in the Fort Bragg area are:
Silvers at the Wharf - on the river next to the harbor (707-964-4283) - (at Noyo Harbor)
(great view of the harbor and Hwy 1 bridge with the ocean just beyond the bridge. Fishing boats entering and leaving the harbor. Food is excellent. Moderately priced. Good selection. Local atmosphere. Steak House - 546 Main Street... Fort Bragg (707-962-0539).... Small, doesn't look like much from the outside (and just tables with real white table cloths on the inside), however the food is very good and very reasonable. Good variety also. |
Denny's--believe it or not, for breakfast, the local Denny's (901 Main St. - Fort Bragg (and about two blocks from the Beachcomber Motel) has the best breakfast around. Great prices, good variety, and fast friendly service.
If you love chocolate, the Mendocino Chocolate Company (232 North Main St. Fort Bragg) is a must stop destination. It has some of the best truffle flavors (25) going. And the dark fudgy brownies... really great. All that plus fantastic chocolates. (1-800-722-1107) |
Out and About - Things to do along the Mendocino Coast
For a view out of the norm - Fort Bragg has the Skunk Train which takes you through the Mendocino Redwoods.... Look up www.skunktrain.com
There are lots of photo galleries in the area also. One being the Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery (www.mcpgg.com) Photos of the North Coast.....
Mendocino has two seasons for celebrating the passing whales (whale watching)... In the spring (usually in March the even have festivals (early March in Fort Bragg and mid-March for Mendocino (Village). The Mendocino Botanical Gardens and MacKerricher State Park, Noyo Harbor, and Point Cabrillo Light House are good observation points to see the whales (as is just about anywhere along the coastal cliffs)... The second being in the fall.
My wife (Jeanne) and I make it a point to go to the Mendocino/Fort Bragg area at least every three years (over the past 33 years). We stay usually from a minimum of two to a maximum of five days (that is the best because you never know what the weather will be like so it's best to spend at least two to three days to be sure you have the best light. Summer is iffy.... Spring and Fall are the best... winter can be cold and very damp (but anytime is beautiful)... Our first trip was in mid-March of 1976. That trip sold us on the area and we go back as often as possible. Never tire of the views.
For a view out of the norm - Fort Bragg has the Skunk Train which takes you through the Mendocino Redwoods.... Look up www.skunktrain.com
There are lots of photo galleries in the area also. One being the Mendocino Coast Photographer Guild and Gallery (www.mcpgg.com) Photos of the North Coast.....
Mendocino has two seasons for celebrating the passing whales (whale watching)... In the spring (usually in March the even have festivals (early March in Fort Bragg and mid-March for Mendocino (Village). The Mendocino Botanical Gardens and MacKerricher State Park, Noyo Harbor, and Point Cabrillo Light House are good observation points to see the whales (as is just about anywhere along the coastal cliffs)... The second being in the fall.
My wife (Jeanne) and I make it a point to go to the Mendocino/Fort Bragg area at least every three years (over the past 33 years). We stay usually from a minimum of two to a maximum of five days (that is the best because you never know what the weather will be like so it's best to spend at least two to three days to be sure you have the best light. Summer is iffy.... Spring and Fall are the best... winter can be cold and very damp (but anytime is beautiful)... Our first trip was in mid-March of 1976. That trip sold us on the area and we go back as often as possible. Never tire of the views.