Tracy
Hawaii Kai, Hawaii
We are thinking about a camping/glamping type road trip north of SFO. Have done the coast up to SFO many times, but nothing north. Looking for recommendations for a 5 day type excursion, heading up from LA. Thanks.
On your way to Mendocino you'll exit highway 101 and go through highway 128. You go through Anderson Valley, where you can find a few good wineries like Scharffenberger Cellars along the way.
Anderson Valley Brewing Co. has some really good beers.
For lodging, I highly recommend Stevenswood Spa Resort. Beautifully managed boutique hotel. Rustic, and very comfortable. That is if you want to forget about glamping, spend some money and live it up.
Otherwise, you can book a camp site at Van Damme State Park, where you are across the street from the beach, where you can dive for sea urchins and abalones (permit required).
Mendocino is a nice little town with little shops selling locally made products along Main Street and Lansing Street. Highly recommend Mendocino Jams & Preserves. I've never had mustard so good.
A short drive north is Fort Bragg. It's bigger and more industrial, but not without good food. If you have little ones or you like trains, check out the Skunk Train.
There are plenty of good restaurants and bars. I particularly like Piaci Pub & Pizzeria. I keep looking for beers produced by North Coast Brewing Company long after I get back home.
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When I was in high school, my friends and I would head up to The Sea Ranch and camp at Salt Point State Park. Sea Ranch is a really cute town, you could also explore the area around Bodega on the way up! Not sure when you're going but It might be hard to reserve a place to camp in the summer months. I know these places fill up fast!
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