Mendocino, California Honeymoon Destinations, You’ll Both Love!

So many of the couples who elope at San Francisco City Hall come from far and wide around the world. Because of this, they often plan an extended honeymoon trip to make the most of the energy they’ve put forth getting here in the first place. I love talking to my couples about the exceptional locations one can visit to celebrate their newfound marital status. In this blog post, I will share a little about one of our favorite places.

We’ve probably visited four of five times, and always found new adventures, whether we snuggled up in front of a fireplace in the wonderful pubs, or walking hand in hand along the rugged coastline, THIS place has it all. This quaint off-the-beaten-path town is Mendocino, California. The first thing you’ll notice as you drive on the California 1 highway is the VIEW! You can’t miss it, and it’s spectacular. Depending on the time of year, you might see seals and even baby seals! Then you come upon this colorful little town, nestled cliffside, and you’ll know it was worth the drive. Founded in 1850 and known for the famous Mendocino Music Festival, this artist’s colony is three hours from San Francisco. To get here, you’ll travel the windy roads, past vineyards, organic farms, and wooded areas that are all worth the drive. You’ll be deposited on the coast and find this little town there. It’s perfect for your romantic retreat.

Mendocino was put on the radar in the 1950s with the opening of the Mendocino Arts Center. We’ve been there, and it’s a fascinating and eclectic place. The hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s was in full swing here, and you’ll still see influences today not only with the art and music, but the restaurants have plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Strolling around the open artist’s studios with a hot drink on a foggy day is fun. Many artists will be working while you’re there; others have their pottery, sculpture and painting for sale just feet from where they created it. You can meander to your heart’s content and still not see everything. The fun part is that you’re just a few blocks from the heart of town, so you can turn around and hit all the great shops and restaurants when you’re done. The downtown area is very walkable, and the shoreline cliffs are also accessible from town, which is unusual. If you two are outdoorsy and love hiking through the woods or along the stunning coastline, you will never be disappointed with this area.

Check out Caspar Headlands State Reserve, or just up the road is Jackson State Forrest. This is the largest state-owned forest in all of California. Picture 50,000 acres of old-growth redwood trees! Oh, be still my heart. Did I mention that there are rivers and waterfalls? No proper honeymoon is complete without a waterfall selfie. Am I right? Camping is also available in this area, so check online to see what’s open. Of course, if you want the whole Mendocino experience, the only way to do that is by staying in one of the more unique properties in the area. There are plenty of vintage B and B’s, restored captain’s houses and fancy Inn’s….but the Andiron Inn and Cabin’s won us over. It is owned by Scott and Madeline’s husband and wife team, plus various rescue greyhounds. On its 50th birthday in 2009, they took over the Inn and set about creating a space with a central meeting building that features scrumptious coffee and made while- you- wait- buffet breakfast. In the afternoon, they have tea time/wine tasting, and it’s fun to meet the other guests, read the newspaper, and play board games with total strangers. A lot of the guests show up and socialize, which is nice. We’ve met the most interesting people there. If that’s not enough, step outside the door and visit the corral with their two goats, Peanut Butter and Jelly. They love it when guests pop into their enclosure to brush them. Just don’t wear your good shoes. Trust me on that one. The cabins are all lovingly curated with a retro, shabby, chic vibe; each is 100% unique. Many features salvaged or re-purposed items that you won’t find anywhere else. The cabins each have their names, such as Here, There, Curious, or Make. The names of each little house will correlate with what you might find inside. I think of them as little treasure chests.

Since you are on your honeymoon, only one cabin fits the bill just right. It’s the William and Mildred suite, and while those names might not evoke a romantic encounter….you’ll have to trust me on this one. By far the largest cabin, boasting a 1940s camel bar, a huge Jacuzzi tub, and organic toiletries made locally in Napa, this cabin is a love letter. You see, Madeline’s parents met in London during World War 2. He was a U.S. flyboy, and she was a nurse with the RAF. They fell in love but were separated for two years as the war raged on, but they always wrote to each other. This cabin is covered with their actual framed love letters! As far as wedding Feng Shui goes, you’ve hit the jackpot. If you were worried, they both returned safely to the United States, married, and had nine children. Madeline is the youngest, and she assured me they did live happily ever after. The cabin has everything you’d expect. An adorable kitchen, deck, BBQ, two bathrooms, a spacious living room with a fireplace, and a large dining room. If your honeymoon includes friends or relatives, this is an excellent cabin for everyone to gather. There is also a sleeping loft if you have any kids with you. Pets are very welcome. If you’d like more information, call them at 1-800-955-6478 or hello@theandiron.com.