brname

I am driving from San Francisco to Mendocino on a 2.5 day trip for my wedding anniversary.
(Saturday, Sunday, Monday)

1. Can someone suggest an itinerary with good places around there - definitely want to visit Botanical Gardens in Mendocino, Anderson Valley, Mendocino with a stay at Albion Inn on Sunday.

2. I am unable to find a reasonably priced accommodation in Mendocino or nearby places.

3. Any places for a simple hikes (with a baby)

1. Saturday drive from S.F to Mendocino (Botanical Gardens ?)
2. Sunday - Anderson Valley
3. Monday - open itinerary

MmePerdu

Lots of reasonably priced accommodations here:

https://www.airbnb.com/s/mendocino?guests=2&source=bb

indyhiker

We recently stayed at the Red Barn Retreat just outside the town of Mendocino. It's VRBO #449643. Look for my review from May. It was perfect and we paid far less than the cost of the average inn and B&B. the owners are great.

We hikes at Jug Handle, Van Damme and along the Mendocino Headlands. Russian Gulch also has a paved trail you might like.

janisj

>>2. I am unable to find a reasonably priced accommodation in Mendocino or nearby places.> Botanical Gardens in Mendocino,

NewbE

On the Saturday, I suggest you stop in Boonville for lunch. There's a nice shop called Rookie To that carries a good selection of local pottery (including the well-known Jan Hoyman stuff), and a row of cool little shops right on 128. Several lunch options. If you want to stretch your legs, Hendy Woods State Park is just past Boonville and offers easy trails amid giant redwood trees.

If I understand you correctly, you plan to stay in Mendocino on Saturday? That's fine, but then touring the Anderson Valley will require backtracking on 128. That said, I highly recommend Goldeneye (for pinot) and Roederer (for sparkling), and also Husch, Toulouse and Navarro, depending on how many wineries you want to visit. There's also an excellent brewery, Anderson Valley Brewing, which is a must if you like craft beer.

Check out a map--if the Botanical Gardens are in Fort Bragg, you may want to do that Monday, to avoid loads of driving on Sunday. North Coast Brewing is in Fort Bragg and has a restaurant that might be good for lunch. (It was closed when we were there, but we know they make great beer.)

The Albion is just a stone's throw from Mendocino town--are you sure you can't just stay there both nights? Moving both nights seems like a pain to me... or you could stay in Boonville the first night and then proceed to Mendocino and the Albion.

Whatever you decide, perhaps Sunday afternoon or Monday you could leave time for exploring the Mendocino headlands and the town itself.

brname

Thanks for all suggestions (especially Newbe)...keep 'em coming.
Still researching... will post trip report later.

orangetravelcat1

We stayed in Fort Bragg, at a place right on the river. Wish I could remember the name of it.

Enjoyed this train ride: http://www.skunktrain.com/

orangetravelcat1

Just thought of it: http://harborlitelodge.com/