I recently took a long weekend getaway to Mendocino, as I like to do every year. If you haven’t been to Mendocino you MUST pay this cozy little ocean side town a visit!

Mendocino is the only town on the California coast that is designated as an Historical Landmark. Established in the 1850′s the architecture is reminiscent of Maine with its grand Victorians and quaint Saltbox cottages.  Mendocino is a photographers paradise, everywhere you look there is another picture postcard waiting to be snapped! 

Mendocino is best known for spectacular scenery, seaside villages and wonderful wineries. I particularly love the Redwoods, the glass bottom beaches, and the only oceanfront botanical garden in the country. (Hint: The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are a BEAUTIFUL place to get married!)

Mendocino Village is surrounded on three sides by beautiful ocean bluffs, known as the Mendocino Headlands. With walking trails that afford incredible views of the ocean and the 1850′s New England-style Victorians that have been lovingly restored into romantic Mendocino bed and breakfasts, specialty shops and vacation rentals.

Just south of Mendocino, you’ll discover the quaint hamlet of Little River. Here you can beach-comb, kayak or snorkel off Van Damme State Park (a very popular dive spot for abalone divers), stroll along sandy beaches and Buckhorn cove, or enjoy a round of ocean view golf at the Little River Golf Course.

Mendocino is the ideal backdrop for a wedding. Some of the most popular locations for Mendocino weddings are oceanfront gazebos, Victorian gardens, a redwood grove or in a picturesque vineyard! Many Mendocino inns specialize in all inclusive Mendocino weddings, offering wedding, reception, honeymoon and lodging all in one place!

In years past, we’ve camped in Menocino to get back to nature and enjoy the outdoors. This year, we decided to go for a little luxury by staying at the dog-friendly Bed and Breakfast, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek. We stayed in the old Water Tower room which was great! It was cozy, with a fireplace, fenced in courtyard, and our very own private hot tub located on the first floor of the water tower. During the day, we were able to climb the sprial staircase that led to the top of the water tower, for nice views of the property and the ocean! Every day we enjoyed a complimentary breakfast, as well as a wine and horderves hour, where we were introduced to a local winery called Husch Vineyards. (Great stuff…check them out!) Best of all, the Inn at School House Creek is pet-friendly, and this allowed us to bring our very attached pug, Otis!

During our stay, we decided to visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to shoot some macro photography (something my partner Andris is great at, and something I’m coming to appreciate!). While we were there, they were setting up for a wedding in the main garden area. Further back on the property, closer to the ocean, was a tent and dance floor set up for the reception. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is an incredibly peaceful and beautiful place to hold a wedding. If you’re interested in having your wedding in Mendocino, definitely consider this venue (and me as your wedding photographer, of course)!

Now, for a look at my attempt at macro photography from the Mendocino Botanical Gardens, with a point and shoot camera no less!

And, of course, I have to add in a few photos of my dog, Otis, as we played in the tall grass along the Mendocino coast.

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