Embracing the Coastal Journey

How to Road trip from Pacific Palisades to Mendocino

By MIKE SCHIBEL | Contributing Writer

With today’s hustle and bustle, finding moments to escape and reconnect becomes essential for all of us.

I embarked on a road trip from Southern California to Mendocino for a celebratory birthday getaway, seeking adventure, good food, fantastic wine and quality time together with my wife and dog. With Barbara—our fur baby who loves road trips—accompanying us, we set out on a journey filled with endless breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine and cherished memories.

Secret Tips for Creating Our Road Trip

This road trip is the perfect four- to five-day getaway with a special someone or a great friend. For this birthday celebration getaway, we had some guidelines we wanted to stay within to make this the best road trip possible:

• Under a 10-hour drive from home. This can easily be broken up into two manageable days of driving with a fun stop.
• Stunning natural beauty.
• Open roads.
• Variety of local places to stay and eat.
• Activities and experiences unique to the destination.

A Memorable Stop in San Francisco

We stayed at one of the most iconic hotels in the city, atop Nob Hill: The InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. San Francisco is a city rich in history, and the Mark Hopkins Hotel has been a part of many years of fascinating stories.

Perched on the corner of California and Mason Street—with trolley cars passing by the front door and 360-degree city views—the once-mansion was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and opened as a hotel in 1926. A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2011, the hotel has hosted some of the most noteworthy people in history, from Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland and Betty Grable to Elvis Presley.

Stepping into the lobby, the hotel’s rich history surrounded us with its opulent decor and classic charm. Our room was a spacious suite adorned with luxurious furnishings, with spectacular views of the city and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. It was a perfect blend of modern comfort and classic elegance.

The hotel’s dog-friendly policy was a massive plus for us, and the staff went above and beyond to make Barbara feel like the queen she is. From a warm welcome to a photo session for the VIP (Very Important Pet) wall and yummy treats, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel truly understood the importance of making every family member feel special.

No visit to the Mark Hopkins is complete without visiting Top of the Mark, a legendary rooftop lounge on the hotel’s 19th floor. Note: You don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit Top of the Mark.

Our Stays in Mendo

With under 1,000 people, one could call Mendocino a hidden gem in California. Known for its rugged cliffs, walking trails, active sea life and expansive beaches, it was the heaven we needed and the Shangri-La we sought.

Nestled along the enchanting Mendocino Coast, Little River Inn emerges as a timeless gem, offering a warm embrace to travelers seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For over 80 years, Little River Inn has welcomed guests to its coastal paradise, creating a haven that is a testament to the region’s rich history and commitment to hospitality.

Our two-night stay at Little River Inn began with settling into a cozy room featuring a welcoming fireplace. The sound of waves crashing and seals barking in the distance provided a soothing backdrop as we relaxed on our porch, absorbing the breathtaking views.

The evenings at Little River Inn were nothing short of magical. Opening a bottle of wine from Lula Vineyards in Philo, a delightful stop on our way to Mendocino, we witnessed the sun dipping below the ocean horizon.

A culinary journey awaited us at the Little River Inn restaurant, where the menu boasted freshly caught fish and locally sourced vegetables. The meal, service and overall vibes were exceptional, providing a gastronomic experience highlighting the region’s commitment to quality and flavor.

The Little River Inn also offers spa treatments, a golf course with incredible views and tennis—a great spot also for family celebrations from weddings to reunions.

For our next two-night stay, we chose the magical Brewery Gulch Inn, a true hidden gem, inviting travelers to indulge in a tranquil retreat surrounded by natural beauty. This charming 11-room inn captivated us with its unique character and warm hospitality.

Situated just a few minutes outside of town, Brewery Gulch Inn is a well-kept secret offering an intimate and secluded getaway. One of the highlights of Brewery Gulch Inn was its stunning porches that overlook the bay. Spending moments on these porches, whether sipping on a morning coffee or enjoying the evening breeze with a glass of local wine, became integral to our experience.

One unique aspect of our stay was the evening happy hour with the best of locally sourced wine and beer, where the Inn served light meals in bento boxes featuring worldly cuisine using sourced local produce and meats.

Beaches and Walks

Just below the Little River is Van Damme Beach, a peaceful beach with a beautiful cove. Babs loved strolling off-leash on the beach and meeting other dogs. This is a smaller beach than others in the area, and even though it’s next to Highway 1, it’s still a fantastic beach and an incredible stop.

One of the more popular beaches in the area is Glass Beach, which is 15 minutes north of Mendocino, just outside of the town of Fort Bragg. Glass Beach is named for the abundant sea glass created from years of dumping garbage into an area of coastline near the northern part of the town. There’s an effortless walk from the parking lot to gorgeous, expansive beaches with tons of sea glass to pick.

Our favorite beach on Mendocino coast was Jug Handle Beach—a short walk down a path surrounded by trees and lush greenery. Once you’re on the beach, it feels like a secluded paradise.

Returning Home

Our recent escapade along the enchanting Mendocino coast left us spellbound, and we’re convinced you’ll feel the same. California never fails to surprise and delight, offering endless possibilities for unforgettable getaways even if you call this state home.

Born and raised in Marquez Knolls, Mike Schibel is the host
of the Travel With Meaning podcast and a travel journalist. For help planning your next meaningful adventure, reach out to Schibel via hello@travelwithmeaning.com.