The Mendocino Botanical Gardens at 18220 North Highway One is a seaside garden on 47 acres. It is open daily and admission is $7.50.

The Skunk Train [1] is a train that goes into the redwood forest. It is a fun family trip.

Since 1962 Gallery Bookshop (& Bookwinkle's Children's Books, added in 1988) has been one of the main attractions of this town for visitors and locals alike. The bookstore has earned its reputation for great service and selection -- something for everyone. Under new ownership from September, 2006, the store continues to prosper and serve as a meeting place. There are children who found their first books here now bringing in their own children to enjoy the space. There is a fantastic view of Mendocino Bay from the front windows, and Mendocino Headlands State Park (complete with picnic benches for reading and eating) is only steps away.

• 955 Ukiah, +1 707 937-1955. Mendocino chic, next door to Cafe Beaujolais and equally good
• Albion River Inn, +1 707 937-1919. Ocean views, piano music
• Café Beaujolais, +1 707 937-5614. International reputation, Italian-leaning menu in an intimate setting
• Ledford House, +1 707 937-0282. Sunset dining, mellow jazz
• Little River Inn Restaurant, +1 707 937-5942. Ocean view bar, fine dining
• MacCallum House Restaurant, +1 707 937-5763. Café, bar & fine dining set in an old in with lots of atmosphere
• Mendo Bistro, +1 707 964-4974. Eclectic menu, reasonable $
• Moosse Cafe, +1 707 937-4323. Great soups & salads, with a full dinner menu
• Ravens, +1 707 937-5615. Vegetarian
• Rendezvous Inn, +1 707 964-8142. Intimate, attention to detail (www.rendezvousinn.com)
• Restaurant at Stevenswood Lodge, +1 707 937-2810. Exceptional cuisine
• Sharon’s by the Sea, +1 707 962-0680. A harbor-side dining treat
• Victorian Gardens, +1 707 882-3606. Worth the drive

• A favorite pastime from February-April is whale-watching. Pods of Grey Whales are visible off the coast, migrating to and from their winter home in Mexico.

By plane

The closest international airports are in San Francisco, Oakland, and now Santa Rosa.

By car

From the Bay Area, the most scenic drive to Mendocino is on coastal Highway 1, winding through western Marin County and Sonoma County. A faster but less impressive alternative is to take highway 101 to the junction with tiny state Highway 128 just north of Cloverdale, then 128 to 1, about 2 miles south of the town proper. This route takes you through the Anderson Valley, which is one of Mendocino County's main wine-growing regions. Mendocino is about 165 miles north of San Francisco.

From the north, it's easiest to take Highway 1 south from highway 101 at near Garberville, through Fort Bragg. An alternate is taking state highway 20 west from Willits to Fort Bragg, then south to Mendocino.

The town is easily walkable, but you will want a car for visiting nearby beaches and sights. The Headlands, the bluffs on the west end of town, are only a half-mile from the eastern part of town, which is only several blocks from north to south. Mountain bikes are another fun option.

• Mendocino Wine Co., +1 800 860-3347. 45070 Main St. Pleasant tasting room right in town, featuring the various wines of the Parducci Winery.