Looking for some tips for your Mendocino Coast visit? You came to the right place. 
Do you remember the TV show Murder, She Wrote starring Angela Lansbury as the clever detective Jessica Fletcher? The setting was Cabot Cove, Maine. But guess what! Her darling little 1888 Victorian home with a white picket fence is nowhere near the East Coast. In fact, it sits in the charming town of Mendocino, California and if you are so inclined, you can stay there during your romantic getaway. The home is a bed and breakfast called The Blair House Inn (no relation to the TwinCitiesFamily but we did pose by the sign during our visit).
Another place for a romantic getaway, or your family trip, is the Little River Inn a spectacular location with stunning views, golf, a spa and the best hotcakes ever!
Looking for family fun? Fort Bragg is only a few miles north of the Mendocino Coast and is full of fun activities for the children. Between the two towns is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This place alone is worth the journey. The 47-acres pop with colors, scents and scenery out of a calendar. The kids can run and burn off energy and play in an area designed for children to create things with twigs from the surrounding trees. Cowlick’s in the Garden serves light lunch and homemade ice cream. My kids and hubby enjoyed blackberry and chocolate chunk while I indulged on a strawberry cone. Yum! During our stay we took a ride on the Skunk Train. The train departs daily from Fort Bragg and offers spectacular scenery of redwoods, streams and wildlife. There is a snack bar on board complete with $2 bags of popcorn; my son devoured his bag. At the turn around point passengers can hop off and enjoy grilled burgers, hot dogs and more. If you have little ones be sure to bring a few activities for the ride (coloring books, books, etc.) in case they get antsy.
The Emerald Dolphin Inn is as family-friendly as they come with the only miniature golf in town right next door. Surf Motel and Gardens is another location worth mentioning for families. Both locations offer free continental breakfasts. Travel Tip: Try and score lodging that offers a free breakfast. The Tradewinds Quality Inn and Suites further north on Main Street is another family-friendly location, complete with an indoor swimming pool, fitness room and a free sit down breakfast at the Tradewinds Restaurant.
