A trip up the California coast simply isn’t complete without a stop at Hill House Inn in Mendocino, California. It is a charming destination and a lovely inn. Located approximately 3 hours north of San Francisco, it is reached either by the spectacular US 1, the more scenic coastal route, or Interstate 101 which is inland, and a little faster. Once there, you’ll fall in love with Mendocino’s particularly scenic coastline - a dream setting for photographers, amateur and professional alike!We were greeted by Mary Jo, with a warm welcome and a pleasant check-in experience. The inn has a cozy feel to it and offers some nice amenities, including select pet-friendly rooms. They offer wi-fi connection in their lobby lounge which is only a matter of a few steps from most of the rooms. My favorite room is #29.
The Inn has a "sister" property in town, The Mendocino Hotel, which also exudes a lot of character and charm. We stopped in the evening we arrived to have a drink and a light snack. We sat in the bar section on their cozy sofa and chairs and enjoyed some fine wine along with hot French Onion Soup.
But I was captivated by the walk along the coast, early in the morning. The sun coming up over the water is just magnificent and watching the activity of the birds will keep you busy. So, make sure you bring a camera memory disc with plenty of space because there are endless shots to be had.
Before you head out and hit the run when you leave, make sure you stop by their darling and friendly local market. It is well-stocked with everything you might need – either for the road or if you decide to stay a little longer in beautiful Mendocino!