A week in Mendocino County is the kind of honeymoon where worries dissolve in redwood-scented air, wine tastes better because you’re sipping it together and every curve of Highway 128 feels like it was made for two. This itinerary blends coastal adventure, indulgent meals, quiet moments and plenty of room for connection.
Photo Courtesy of @maccallum_house
Morning – A Scenic Drive Into Love
Begin your honeymoon with a slow, beautiful drive through Anderson Valley. Your first stop is The Boonville Distillery, where a relaxed lunch of fresh, local and seasonal plates sets the tone for the days ahead.
Afterwards, head to Navarro Vineyards a dreamy, pastoral setting perfect for a romantic first toast. Sip crisp whites and velvety reds while looking out over the rolling vineyards.
Afternoon – Check-In & Slow Down
Continue your drive to Mendocino and check in for three nights at the charming MacCallum House. Settle into your room, breathe in the ocean air and let yourselves shift into honeymoon mode.
Next, slip away to Sweetwater Spa for a private redwood hot-tub soak. Surrounded by towering trunks and filtered sunlight, it’s a peaceful and intimate start to your stay.
Evening – A Candlelit Welcome
Dine at Luna Trattoria, where bowls of rich pastas, slow-braised dishes and rustic Italian flavors create the perfect first-night dinner. Return to your room for a cozy, quiet evening together.
Photo Courtesy of @allisoncarols
Morning – Strolling Through Mendocino
Wake to breakfast at MacCallum House, enjoying housemade pastries and hearty morning favorites. Then wander into downtown Mendocino, a village lined with quirky boutiques, art galleries and coastal-inspired shops perfect for finding a keepsake or two.
Afternoon – Lunch With a View & Canoeing Together
Stop at Flow Restaurant, where big ocean views pair beautifully with fresh seafood, bright salads and warm California comfort dishes.
After lunch, head to Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too on the Big River Estuary at the Stanford Inn. Paddle together through calm waters surrounded by wildlife and forested bluffs an adventurous, unforgettable highlight of the trip. Before returning, take a stroll along the beach to enjoy the sweeping views and salty breeze.
Evening – Dinner Close to Home
Return to MacCallum House for a relaxing dinner in their elegant dining room. Afterward, settle into your room for a peaceful night.
Morning- A Slow Start & Rail Bike Fun
Check out after a leisurely wake-up and head to Harbor View Bistro & Bar for a delicious breakfast featuring hearty plates and coastal classics.
Then make your way to the Skunk Train Depot for a rail-bike adventure through redwood forests. These pedal-powered excursions last most of the morning and feel like something out of a whimsical storybook.
Afternoon – Seafood Lunch & a New Home Base
Back in Fort Bragg, enjoy lunch at Princess Seafood, where fresh-caught dishes, vibrant bowls, and ocean-inspired flavors shine. Afterward, check in at the Noyo Harbor Inn, and take some well-deserved downtime to unwind.
Evening – Dinner With Harbor Lights
Enjoy dinner in the inn’s beautiful Harbor View Bistro & Bar before taking an evening walk along the small trail just outside. Watch boats drift across the harbor, then head back to your room to enjoy the large soaking tub as you settle in for the night.
Morning – Breakfast & Coastal Wandering
Start your day with breakfast at Egghead’s Restaurant, known for generous plates and playful, Wizard of Oz–themed décor. Then head to MacKerricher State Park to wander the boardwalks and explore the tide pools teeming with colorful sea life.
Afternoon – Classic Lunch & Spa Bliss
Stop at Jenny’s Giant Burger for juicy burgers, crisp fries and old-school diner charm. After lunch, return to the hotel for a full spa day massages, relaxation and time to unwind together.
Evening – Dinner Over the Water
As the sun sets, head to The Wharf for dinner overlooking the harbor. Enjoy fresh seafood, comforting coastal dishes and warm harbor lights shimmering on the water.
Photo Courtesy of @kcolley007
Morning – Sunrise Ride on the Sand
Rise early and grab breakfast at Cafe One, which offers wholesome plates, pastries, and satisfying morning favorites. Then embark on a romantic horseback ride on the beach with Ricochet Ridge Ranch, an unforgettable honeymoon moment complete with crashing waves and wide-open skies.
Afternoon – Lunch & Local Wandering
Return to town for lunch at Mayan Fusion, where bold Latin flavors, fresh ingredients and colorful plates bring plenty of vibrancy. Spend the afternoon exploring Fort Bragg’s shops, murals and coastal paths at your own pace.
Evening – Dinner & a Magical Night Out
Enjoy dinner at Dijon Seafood and Grill, known for flavorful seafood entrées, grilled plates and comforting sides.
End the night at the Skunk Train’s Glen Blair Bar, a forest hideaway accessed by a short train ride. Sip craft cocktails under twinkling lights and towering redwood a whimsical, romantic way to wrap up the day.
Morning – A Last Coastal Meal & Redwood Adventure
Check out and head to Little River Inn for a delicious breakfast with coastal views. Afterward, drive inland toward Anderson Valley and spend the morning wandering the towering redwoods of Hendy Woods State Park.
Afternoon – Lunch & Orchard Tasting
Stop at Jumbo’s Win Win for a fun, casual lunch with big portions and classic road-trip comfort dishes. Then head to Gowan’s Cider Orchard for a beautiful tasting among apple trees and orchard views.
Check in at the Boonville Hotel, a cozy, stylish inn perfect for your final nights in wine country. Afterwards visit Pennyroyal Farm for a light lunch and wine tasting, followed by a stop at Foursight Wines for a final sip of Anderson Valley’s best.
Evening – Pizza, Drinks & Small-Town Charm
Enjoy dinner at Offspring Pizza, where wood-fired pies and seasonal sides shine. Then wander over to the Boonville Saloon for an evening of local drinks, friendly conversation and small-town charm before turning in.
Morning – Farewell Breakfast
Check out and stop at Mosswood Market Café for homemade empanadas, artisan pastries and excellent coffee. Take a quiet moment together before beginning your scenic drive home.
When to Visit:
Summer (June–August) is the dream season for this itinerary. Days are warm and golden, perfect for beach horseback rides, winery afternoons, and long sunset dinners overlooking the harbor. Mornings often start with a light coastal mist that burns off by midday, giving everything a soft, romantic glow. Outdoor adventures—from tide pools to canoeing—are at their best, and the extra daylight gives you even more time to savor every moment together.
What to Pack:
Bring a few cozy layers for cool Mendocino evenings, along with a nice outfit or two for romantic dinners. Comfortable walking shoes and beachwear will cover your adventures from trails to spa tubs. A small day bag is useful for exploring the shops and outdoor activities, and be sure to pack a camera or phone with plenty of storage for all the coastal sunsets and redwood moments you’ll want to remember.
Bonus Stops:
Cypress Grove at Mendocino Headlands
Steal a quiet moment together along this dramatic ocean bluff dotted with windswept cypress trees. It’s an intimate setting for photos, hand-in-hand walks, or simply watching waves crash against the cliffs. Come near golden hour the light feels like something from a postcard.
The Botanical Gardens “Rhododendron Loop”
Just south of Fort Bragg, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers one of the most romantic garden strolls anywhere on the coast. The Rhododendron Loop becomes a glowing tunnel of color in late spring and early summer, and the coastal bluff trail offers breathtaking ocean views. It’s a perfect place for slow steps, quiet conversations and sweet moments tucked between flowers and sea breezes.
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