Can anyone recommend a nice play to stay in Mendocino. Having an ocean view is a must.
How long a drive is it from San. Fran.?

A few years ago we stayed at the Little River Inn, just out of town. We loved it. It's right next to the Van Damme State Park, which has trails and programs and across the road from a lovely beach. Beautiful views. You have to drive to town, though (just a few minutes away).

Here's the url:

http://www.littleriverinn.com/

I've stayed at 3 places in the Mendocino area--the Joshua Grindle, the Stanford Inn and the Albion River Inn. All are great in their own way, but of the 3, the Albion River Inn was my favorite--really nice rooms, and it has amazing views since it's right on the bluff overlooking the water. It's a few miles south of Mendocino.

How long it takes from SF depends on how you go. If you drive Hwy 1 all the way, it can take 5-6 hours (but it's a spectacular drive along the coast). If you go 101 to 128 (which takes you through the Anderson Valley wine area), it takes about 3.5 hours.

The Little River Inn looks great. Thank you!
It has great reviews on tripadvisor.

I definitely second the Little River Inn. Great views, good service, a wide range of rooms/rates all w/ full ocean views, decks/patio furniture, decent food in the restaurant and in the bar -- all w/o the inflated prices of places in Mendocino.