Stanford Inn by the Sea

See the Masonic Hall built in...

by worldtrekker

See the Masonic Hall built in 1866. The statue on the roof is carved out of a giant Redwood trunk and is Mendocino's best known landmark. The true meaning of the statue is kept secret by the Mason's. The lodge master, Wilber Wade, stated in a LA Times article that 'The figures depicted are used by the Masons' in their ritual work and thereby unknown to person's except Masons.' Another Mason stated that all parts of the statue together mean 'time, patience, and perserverance will accomplish all things.' In the same LA Times article, Assistant Grand Secretary of the Grand Masonic Lodge stated 'That statue really should not be there. It should never have been done. Technically, according to our beliefs, it is something that should not be publicly displayed.' Makes you wonder...

Redwoods

by richiecdisc

The California Coastal Redwood is the tallest tree in the world. These incredible trees are in the same family as Sequoias. This variety can live up to 2200 years, can reach heights of up to 380 feet (115 meters) and are only found along the northern part of the California coast and southwestern Oregon where the damp temperate climate is perfect for their preservation. National and State parks constitute 45% of all the remaining old growth forests so please help these parks to ensure these amazing living things remain just that for a long time to come.

Relax on California’s Northern Coast

by SteveOSF

"Nice Place for a Getaway"

Mendocino, located on California’s northern coast, is a great place for a weekend getaway. Mendocino was founded in the mid-nineteenth century as a logging town. However, today it is more known as a tourist destination. The town enjoys a high percentage of artists among its residents.

Mendocino is just over a three hour drive from San Francisco, in good traffic. If you get caught in the Friday evening commute between San Francisco and Marin, the drive can be a bit longer. However, it is close enough to the San Francisco Bay Area to make for a nice getaway. The drive to the coast through the Anderson Valley is quite scenic.

Mendocino

by Callavetta

"Tiny Coastal Artist Town"

This charming coastal town is probably the most famous of the towns along the north coast of California. Filled with book stores, music shops, antique stores, cafes, shops, restaurants, and even a theater where you can catch a play, this is worth your time to stroll the streets, poke through the shops and spend a day.

There's a wonderful coast trail at the western most point of the peninsula where you can stretch your legs and meet some of the local dogs.

MENDOCINO or CABOT COVE??

by worldtrekker

Mendocino started out in 1852 as a mill town supplying lumber to build San Fransisco, 150 miles to the south. The lumber came from abundant Redwood forests in the area. Settlers came here from all over the world but the majority came from New England. With them, they brought their heritage and style of building and this has left a lasting impression on the town. During the 1870's, nearly 700 Chinese lived in the Mendocino area but most had left by the early 1900's because of the lack of work. Mendocino's Taoist Temple Kwan Tai is the oldest surving of its kind in California. Today, Mendocino is known as an artsy community but also for its beautiful location on the coast of California. It's also known as Cabot Cove in the TV series, Murder She Wrote (See accommodations). Here is a pic of Main Street. Lucky for me there was some unusual weather while I was here... lots of sun! Across the street from this row of houses is already part of the Mendocino Headlands State Park and you have some great views of the ocean and bluffs.