How to Plan Your Road Trip From Oakland to Mendocino
Say goodbye to city life for a week of relaxation, nature, and memories, and make the short trip from Oakland to Mendocino, CA. The best way to make the journey is by stopping at the best wineries in wine country, treating yourself to the local flavors of California with the best farm-to-table restaurants, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean!
Before you pack the car, plan out your entire week with our complimentary Itinerary to Mendocino. It includes everything you need to know before arriving in Mendocino County!
Oakland to Mendocino Road Trip Overview and Travel Times
You can expect a three-hour road trip, but the driving distance between cities is much more bearable when you make stops at some of the gorgeous California attractions along the way. Mendocino is about 160 miles north of Oakland, CA.
The best way to get from the San Francisco area to Mendocino County is by starting on 580 to Highway 101. This leads you to Highway 128 between Point Arena and Mendocino National Forest.
Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa
In the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, discover Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. This shopping and dining area has an extensive selection of restaurants, including Mediterranean, Asian, and, of course, Californian cuisine!
Stop at a coffee shop for energy to last you the whole drive, or put together a vacation outfit at the cutest Santa Rosa clothing boutiques!
Toulouse Vineyards and Winery
Stretch your legs and entice your palate with a little wine tasting in Anderson Valley. Stop by Toulouse Vineyards and Winery in Philo for captivating landscape views of the valley and the Navarro River. You’ll never forget the sights you experience at Toulouse Vineyards, and a trip to a wine tasting room is exactly what you need on your road trip (as long as you aren’t the one driving!)
The Bewildered Pig
For a delicious gourmet meal, make a stop at The Bewildered Pig in Philo, CA, on Highway 128. There’s nothing bewildering about the flavors at this rustic eatery. After you enjoy your meal, head outside, and hang out by the fire pit before hitting the road to your final stop!
Arrive in Your Charming Mendocino Cottage
Once you see the rugged coastline and gorgeous rolling waves of the Pacific, you know you’ve arrived in beautiful Mendocino. Unpack your bags in the best pet-friendly Mendocino rentals, Cottages at Little River Cove. Our property is in a fantastic location and is close to amazing restaurants, attractions, and outdoor recreation such as Mendocino Headlands State Park!
Book our Gualala Cottage for a bright accommodation with gorgeous garden views from your living room! For optimal serenity, wake up each morning in your comfortable queen bed to fairytale-like views of the forest. Then, enjoy a hot cup of coffee on the ocean view deck or a delicious breakfast at our sister property’s restaurant, Circa ‘62!
All of this and more awaits in beautiful Mendocino, California! So what are you waiting for? Check our availability and book a peaceful escape from reality on the CA coast.