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Now that my daughter is married, we don’t get nearly as much one-on-one time together as we used to. I was a dance mom for years, and we used to travel all over together, so getting the chance to catch up, laugh and explore somewhere new is always a treat. I’m sure some of you sports and dance moms can relate!
That’s why we try to plan at least one mother-daughter trip every year. This year, we headed to California’s beautiful Mendocino Coast for a late-summer getaway filled with colorful dahlias, Highland cows, gorgeous coastal scenery and, most importantly, plenty of time together.
Mendocino turned out to be such a fun choice for a mother-daughter weekend. With its foggy coastline, charming small towns, beautiful gardens and towering redwoods, there’s plenty to experience while still keeping the pace relaxed. And if you visit in August or September, you’ll have the added bonus of seeing the dahlias in bloom, which was one of my favorite parts of our trip.
Here’s exactly how we spent our weekend, along with my favorite stops and practical tips to help you plan your own mother-daughter getaway to Mendocino.
Our Mother-Daughter Mendocino Weekend At A Glance
Day1: Road trip to Mendocino Coast + Girly pink dinner in Santa Rosa
Day 2: Flowers, Coastline + a Lighthouse
Where to Stay?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Seafoam Lodge
Clean, cozy room with breakfast and a patio overlooking the ocean
Day 1 Mendocino Itinerary: Travel & Dinner
Mendocino is about a 3.5-hour drive from San Francisco and roughly 4 hours from Sacramento, making it an easy weekend getaway from either city. The scenic drive winds through wine country, redwood forest and charming small towns before reaching the beautiful Mendocino Coast.
Part of the fun of our mother-daughter trip was making the journey part of our getaway. Our first stop was Cafe Carrusel in Santa Rosa, a brand-new cafe with the cutest pink carousel horse theme. It was such a fun way to kick off our girls’ weekend and a great halfway point from Sacramento to stretch our legs.
📍630 3rd St., Santa Rosa
🕛Hours: Daily from 7 AM – 2 PM & 4 PM -10 PM
The pancakes definitely caught our attention, but we ultimately decided on the croissant sandwiches. The drinks were almost too pretty to drink. My daughter ordered the pink lemonade, while I went with the strawberry matcha.
Then, we spotted the cotton candy machine. Of course, we had to have the freshly spun pink cotton candy for dessert!
After dinner, we got back on the road and continued toward the Mendocino Coast. We checked into the Seafoam Lodge and our annual girls’ trip had officially begun.
Where to Stay in Mendocino?
📍6751 N. Hwy 1, Little River
We stayed at Seafoam Lodge, a mid-range budget option and I would definitely recommend it for a Mendocino Coast girls’ getaway.
The beds were comfortable, and they served a simple breakfast in the morning. My favorite part was relaxing on our patio with views of the ocean and gardens. Waking up on the coast and watching the morning fog move over the mountains, through the redwoods and along the coastline was really special.
After a day of driving, Seafoam Lodge gave us a comfortable place to relax before heading out for our full day of exploring the Mendocino Coast.
Day 2 Mendocino Itinerary: Flowers, Highland Cows & the Coast
Day 2 Morning: Earthspoke Farms
📍13501 Point Cabrillo Dr., Mendocino
🗓️Seasonal Dahlia U-pick runs from August through September, then they switch to pumpkins in October (be sure to reserve your tickets online in advance)
We started our morning at Earthspoke Farms, where rows of colorful dahlias stretched across the fields beneath the misty Mendocino mountains. Morning fog covered the forested slopes behind the farm like a blanket, creating a dreamy backdrop for blooms in nearly every color.
One of the owners showed us around the fields and told us how their family started the farm. Hearing the story while standing among the flowers made the visit feel even more personal and we really enjoyed it.
Then we met two other members of the farm, the cute Highland cows!
After that, it was our turn to create our own dahlia bouquets. Because the farm follows a strict harvesting protocol to protect the plants and ensure the dahlias are cut properly, visitors aren’t able to cut blooms directly from the dahlia fields. Instead, we choose our favorite freshly cut dahlias from the flower stand before heading into the surrounding gardens to gather filler flowers like snapdragons, zinnias and Bells of Ireland.
I opted for an orange-and-yellow themed bouquet, while my daughter gravitated toward bright shades of pink. We had such a fun time choosing different color combinations and textures and arranging our bouquets before taking pictures in the dahlia fields.
As a photographer, I could have spent the whole day there. The fields were filled with stunning dahlias in every color, from soft pastels to bright oranges, pinks, purples, reds, and yellows. With so many shapes and layers of petals, there was something beautiful to capture everywhere I looked. It was definitely one of the most photogenic places we visited that weekend.
Day 2 Lunch: The Brickery
📍961 Ukiah St., Mendocino
🕛 Open Wednesday- Sunday 11:30 AM – 5 PM
After our wonderful morning at Earthspoke Farms, we headed to The Brickery for lunch and ate a really tasty wood-fired pizza.
The Brickery’s setting is part of its charm. We ordered pizza at a small outdoor window and ate in the beautiful garden. After a morning among flowers, having lunch outside felt like the perfect way to keep our relaxed day going.
Pro Tip for finding The Brickery– We actually had a little trouble finding it at first because Google Maps directed us to an address for Cafe Beaujolais and we weren’t sure we were in the right place. It turns out we were! The Brickery is located in the garden at Cafe Beaujolais, so if your directions bring you to the Cafe, walk through the garden to the outdoor ordering window.
Day 2 Afternoon: Explore Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
📍18220 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg
🕛 Open April through October 9 AM – 5 PM Daily & November through March 9 AM – 5 PM Daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Allow 1.5 – 2 hours to explore the gardens and coastline
After lunch, we headed to the Botanical Gardens and honestly loved it all.
Apparently, we hadn’t gotten our fill of dahlias yet because one of our first stops was the beautiful Dahlia Garden, where we found even more colorful blooms. I also especially loved the rhododendrons, the wispy heathers and the beautiful fuchsias.
But one of my favorite parts was walking through the various gardens on our way to the coast.
As you walk through the property, the gardens open up to the gorgeous coastal scenery. Reaching the edge and looking out over the Pacific made the walk feel even more special. It reminded me of the West Coast of Ireland.
Late Afternoon: Glass Beach
📍Elm Street at Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
Our next stop was Glass Beach and I’m going to set your expectations right away, don’t come expecting a beach covered in colorful pieces of sea glass.
It’s surprising to think that Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach used to be a dumping ground. For years, people threw household trash along this part of the coast until the dump closed in 1967. Over time, the Pacific waves broke down the glass and smoothed it into the colorful sea glass the beach is known for.
Now, Glass Beach is part of MacKerricher State Park and is shows how nature can slowly take back places changed by people. There isn’t as much glass as there used to be, but you can still find small pieces among the rocks and tide pools.
Pro Tip: The main parking area was busy when we arrived, so we waited for someone to leave before we could find a spot. There is also street parking farther away, but if you’re up for a little bit of a walk, this is a great option.
Day 2 Early Evening: Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
📍13800 Point Cabrillo Drive, Mendocino
🕛 The park is free and is open from sunrise to sunset. The Lighthouse museum, Lightkeeper home, marine exhibit and gift shop are open from 11 AM – 4 PM daily. You can also tour the lens room at the top of the Lighthouse on certain days (check the website for more information).
Our final stop of the day was at the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and I ended up loving it more than I expected.
We walked about half a mile from the parking area to the lighthouse. What made it special was seeing the lighthouse light shining through the coastal fog in the distance. As we got closer, we watched it become clearer ahead of us, just like the ships would.
End of the Night: Take the Scenic Drive Through the Redwoods
Our mother-daughter weekend didn’t end when we left the Mendocino Coast. Instead of rushing home, we made the scenic drive back to Sacramento part of our adventure. As we followed Highway 128, we watched the coastal fog fade behind us and the landscape change as we drove inland.
Before long, we entered the affectionately known “Tunnel to the Sea” drive through the Redwoods, with enormous trunks rising on either side of the narrow road and branches stretching overhead to form a leafy canopy. Sunlight streamed through in soft golden beams, flickering across the windshield as we drove.
After the salty ocean air, the forest smelled fresh with hints of damp soil, leaves and redwood bark. Around every curve, we saw more towering trees. There are miles and miles of them. There are lots of pull-outs along the road, and we stopped a few times to admire the huge trees up close.
Eventually, the thick forest opened up, and the redwoods gave way to the rolling vineyards, orchards and farms of Anderson Valley, The sunlight felt warmer and suddenly we were driving in wine country.
Watching the scenery change was one of my favorite parts of the drive home. In a just a few hours, we went from the foggy Mendocino coast to the tall redwood forests, then into the golden hills and vineyards of Anderson Valley before heading to Sacramento.
It was the perfect way to end our mother-daughter trip and a good reminder that the adventure doesn’t have to stop when you leave your destination.
Travel Tip
One thing I wish we had known before our drive is that Highway 128 is incredibly scenic, but also very windy in certain sections. My daughter is more sensitive to motion sickness than I am, and all turns eventually left her feeling pretty nauseous.
I still think the drive is worth experiencing, but if you or someone you’re traveling with is prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider an alternative route.
From Sacramento: take I-5 north to Williams, CA-20 west toward US-101, continue north toward Willits, then take CA-20 west to Fort Bragg before following Highway 1 south to Mendocino.
You’ll still encounter some curves as you cross the mountains toward the coast, but it is a little less windy than Highway 128.
FAQ on Planning a Mother-Daughter Weekend in Mendocino
What makes Mendocino a good Girls Weekend Destination?
For us, it was the mix of flowers, food, gardens, coastal views, and a slower pace. There was plenty to do, but our weekend never felt rushed or packed with too many activities.
Mendocino was far enough from Sacramento to feel like a real getaway, yet close enough that the drive wasn’t too long. Most of all, it gave my daughter and me the time together we were hoping for.
How many days do you need in Mendocino?
A weekend gave us enough time to enjoy a variety of experiences without feeling rushed.
What are the best things to do on a Mother-Daughter trip to Mendocino?
For our trip, the best moments were the ones we shared. Picking flower bouquets at Earthspoke Farms, exploring Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, walking the trail at Glass Beach, and visiting Point Cabrillo Lighthouse were all highlights.
I’d suggest picking a mix of activities you both enjoy, rather than trying to fit in every popular spot in one weekend.
Can you visit Mendocino and Fort Bragg in the same weekend?
We did! Our itinerary included experiences around the Mendocino Coast as well as Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and Glass Beach in Fort Bragg.
Combining the two worked well for our mother-
What should I pack for a weekend in Mendocino?
The most important thing to remember when packing for Mendocino is to bring layers. The weather on the Northern California coast can change quickly. You might need a jacket or sweatshirt in the morning, enjoy sunshine by the afternoon, and want something warm again by sunset.
Here’s what I packed for our weekend getaway:
- Lightweight layers you can easily add or remove throughout the day
- A warm sweatershirt or fleece for chilly mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes with good traction for trails, gardens and rocky coastal area
- Jeans or comfortable pants for exploring town
- A casual outfit for dinner- Mendocino is relaxed, so you don’t need anything overly dressy
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- A small crossbody bag for exploring
- A portable phone charger for photography days
My top Mendocino packing tip: Don’t let a sunny weather forecast convince you to leave your jacket behind. Coastal fog, wind and changing temperatures are part of the Mendocino experience and having an extra layer in the car will make your weekend more comfortable.
Is Glass Beach worth visiting?
I think it’s worth a visit, as long as you have realistic expectations. We didn’t find much sea glass, and the pieces we saw were small. Parking was also crowded when we went.
But the beach and coastal walking trail were beautiful. I’d visit for the scenery and treat finding sea glass as a bonus.
Final Thoughts on a Mother-Daughter Trip to Mendocino Worth Taking
Our mother-daughter weekend in Mendocino gave us everything I hoped for: good conversation, laughter, beautiful places to explore and most importantly, time together without distractions.
As our kids grow up and start building lives and families of their own, the way we spend time together changes. That’s why these annual girls’ trips mean so much to me. We may not have as much time together every day, but we can still make new memories.
Mendocino gave us some wonderful memories. From walking through dahlia fields and meeting Highland cows to watching the lighthouse shine through the fog and driving under huge redwoods, there were so many moments I’ll never forget.
