Picture It with Priscila

How to Spend 3 Days in Mendocino

I’ll be honest. I honestly had no idea about this place (aside from Mendocino Farms) until my friend suggested it as a potential destination. And honestly, we used this trip to also just relax and bond so I edited our actual itinerary into a more action-packed long weekend if you want to see as much as you can! 

Why Go?

Like I mentioned, I didn’t really have the highest expectations, but after having gone, seeing the coastal cliffs, eating the freshest seafood, and enjoying the small town charms, I can see why it’s such a gem of a place. Just be prepared for a long drive to and from the Bay Area although driving through Anderson Valley is a highlight in itself. 

Where to Stay?

My friend found a fantastic AirBnb and it became my first “glamping” stay. She’ll say it’s not, but I like to think it is! Take a look for yourself and book a stay if it strikes your fancy. The hosts were lovely and it was in a great location.

How to Get Around?

A car is definitely needed. Not only is it a drive from the airport through Anderson Valley to Mendocino, but the towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg are also separated by a 20 minute drive. There was no public transportation that we saw and I doubt Uber/Lyft is a convenient option given how small the towns were.

Day 1

For the first day, the itinerary is shorter since it includes the drive from the airport in the Bay Area. Depending what time you fly in and start the drive, there are wineries in Anderson Valley to stop at. If you have even more time, I recommend visiting Glass Beach at Fort Bragg. Sure, it’s touristy but collecting sea glass is always fun and relaxing. If the beach isn’t your thing, there’s also a Sea Glass Museum in Fort Bragg that’s donation-based for entry.

For dinner, I recommend Cafe Beaujolais in the town of Mendocino. The special mussels that we had that day were the best mussels I’ve ever had in my entire life! They were sweet and fresh, unlike any other mussel I’ve had before. Afterwards, I recommend walking around the town – there’s an ice cream place for dessert, Frankie’s (mushroom flavor anyone?), or you can enjoy the view of the ocean from the various paths leading out from town.

Day 2

For the second day, head back up to the Fort Bragg area again for a really great seafood brunch in the Noyo Fishing Village! We started at the Princess Seafood Restaurant. The oysters were fresh, the crab sandwich was stuffed full of crab, the clam chowder was creamy and not too salty, and there was a great dessert selection as well! I think you can definitely find something for everybody here. Just a few steps away, there’s Sea Pal Cove which has fantastic fish and chips that are also not to be missed! My friend said it was the best fish and chips she ever had and she’s not even a fan of fish and chips normally so I think that says something! We also had their clam chowder and while it was chock full of clams, it was a bit salty for my taste.

After eating so much, a walk or hike might be nice! We got really lucky with our AirBnb where it had its own trails that we took advantage of. However, we were also looking at trails at the Russian Gulch State Park or the Van Damme State Park. For dinner, I recommend Ledford House – they have a daily 3 course meal that changes daily for $35. Hard to find a deal like that anywhere! The day we went, we had salad, fish cakes, and a crumble. Delightful! 

Day 3

Before leaving, enjoy one last brunch/lunch in Mendocino. I recommend Trillium Cafe. They rotate their California-centric menus to the season so you’ll always get something different. They also have a pastry chef so their desserts are top notch! My friend and I got 3 of them since they all sounded so good and they all were – the semifreddo and the “Dubai Bar” were our favorites though! 

On your way out of Mendocino County, if you’ve got time and didn’t have time on your way in, definitely spend some time at the wineries in Anderson Valley. We saw a lot of beautiful estates/wineries, but unfortunately didn’t have time for a visit aside from one place. I think we got really lucky though with Gowan’s. It’s a family owned business (on their sixth generation!) and they definitely treat you with family warmth! To boot, they also have award winning ciders that are refreshing and so easy to drink. And if you’re not a drinker, they also have a non-alcoholic cider and slushie! 

Extra Things To Do

I don’t have much in this section for Mendocino since I had a lovely time and felt like I did everything that I wanted. If you’re a bigger nature fan than me, you might want another day to hike, camp, or just be outdoors. If I were to go back, I would only want more time earlier or later to spend time in Anderson Valley and visit wineries. 

Final Thoughts

While it’s full of small town charm and coastal mountain views, I do think it bears a similar vibe in that sense with San Luis Obispo, which is 3.5 hours from Orange County. Therefore, instead of flying up to the Bay Area and then driving 3.5 hours, I would personally just drive to San Luis Obispo. However, if I were to go again, I would recommend flying into Sonoma for a shorter drive and spending more time in the area (i.e. combining a trip to Wine Country with Mendocino).

How to Spend 3 Days in San Francisco

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One of the best things about California is the number of different sceneries you can experience in a single day. SoCal may have Disneyland and Hollywood, but NorCal has redwoods and the state capital. San Francisco is a great weekend destination for SoCal residents to escape for a change in scenery and cooler temps!

Why Go?

I think San Francisco is a must-do for any city lover. It has iconic landmarks, fantastic museums, and a rich history. Think of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and cable cars!

Where to Stay?

I normally visit San Francisco to visit friends, but when I went with my family, we stayed at Hotel Nikko which was in a great central location with ample room space. It also had an indoor pool which was a really nice amenity. 

How to Get Around?

San Francisco is walkable but can get pretty hilly. For major attractions, there is normally a form of public transportation for a more economical option. However, if you don’t want to wait for a bus, Uber is the next best option. I wouldn’t recommend a car since the city can get pretty congested and parking is difficult to find (or pricey). 

Day 1

The first day is focused on the most iconic landmark in San Francisco – the Golden Gate Bridge. My favorite way to see it was to sign up for a free walking tour (but make sure to tip your guides!). Taking in the bridge while learning stories about its creation definitely made the visit more meaningful and educational. The tour I took was with San Francisco City Guides, and it was great! We also got to visit the gift shop before the tour and ended up on the bridge when the tour was done to walk a bit on the bridge. My favorite fact that I learned is that one end of the bridge is in the water while the other is on land. For some reason, I just never really paid attention to that! 

Afterwards, I would recommend continuing walking through the Presidio. My personal recommendation would be to walk towards the Walt Disney Family Museum. You’ll get to see a lot of archived artifacts from Walt Disney and his family and go through his life from moving to Hollywood, making movies, enduring studio struggles, and of course, creating Disneyland. My favorite piece was the Oscar bracelet he gave to his wife Lillian after winning for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. The final room with the big model of Disneyland though is jaw droppingly beautiful and fun to hunt for specific effects that are hidden within. However, if you’re not a Disney adult like I am, you can also aim to go see the Palace of the Fine Arts, hike or bike the trails, or hang out in Crissy Field and enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge beach views.

Day 2

Get ready to explore Chinatown in the morning on the second day! I recommend getting some dim sum for brunch before visiting the Cable Car Museum. It’s a free, short museum (30 minutes if you’re not a big museum person and about an hour to an hour and a half if you are since there are a lot of detailed placards), but it is a fun visit since cable cars are symbolically associated with San Francisco. 

After exploring the history of cable cars, head your way to Pier 39 or the Embarcadero area to board a boat to Alcatraz Island. Unfortunately, I don’t have fun facts for this place since I have yet to visit. It’s constantly on the list, but something else always comes up!

Day 3

For the third day, get ready to explore Golden Gate Park. It’s kind of like Balboa Park in San Diego where in addition to grassy areas, it is surrounded by museums such as the California Academy of Sciences or the deYoung Museum. The California Academy of Sciences is great if you have kids and if you don’t have kids because it has a planetarium AND an aquarium AND a rainforest! They’re also known to house an albino alligator, Claude, who’s pretty cool. The deYoung Museum is an art museum that I have yet to go to, but it looks like they focus on American art as well as international textile arts and costumes, African art, Oceanic art, and arts of the Americas. If museums are not your thing, they also have gardens such as the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. 

 

Afterwards, you can take a quick look at the Painted Ladies on your way over to Mission District for murals, dinner, and drinks!

Where to Eat?

You may have noticed I didn’t include places to eat since I always have a growing list of places I want to try. Some of these get long lines so sometimes, the food is the destination. A few on the list…

  • Arsicault Bakery – known for the best croissant in the US
  • Brenda’s French Soul Food – if you’re craving some soul food
  • Garden Creamery – classic flavors and unique Asian-inspired flavors. I’ve actually had this one and can attest that it is delicious and in a great location to other restaurants.
  • Golden Boy Pizza – for when you want pizza
  • House of Prime Rib – it’s in the name! I’ve also been here and can say it’s always busy (you need a reservation like 6 months in advance) but you do get delicious prime rib and fantastic martinis!
  • Swan Oyster Depot – long line and cash only but a pretty iconic spot on social media

Extra Things To Do

If you’re intrigued, Lombard St is a famous windy road but I wouldn’t prioritize it as I rank it similar to the Painted Ladies. An attractive sight and a fun picture to take, but not much to do when you’re there. 

San Francisco is also filled with many other museums, filming locations (any Princess Diaries fans out there?), and LGBTQ+ history so I do recommend doing additional research if any of these subjects sound interesting. I tried to highlight the major attractions in my 3 day itinerary, but of course, edits are always encouraged! 

Final Thoughts

San Francisco definitely has a unique culture made of new tech and a rich history that is worth experiencing. It’s also a place to get great food and visit some iconic landmarks! What’s your favorite fun fact, experience, or memory in San Francisco? Mine is of my friends and family and the memories we made exploring this city together.

My Favorite Things at Disneyland

Disneyland just had its 70th birthday on July 17 and she’s never looked so good! As an homage, here are my 2 cents on the best things to do in Disneyland. As a native Orange County girl, I went to Disneyland as often as other kids went to their local park. It was back when Annual Passes were only ~$100 and Fastpasses were still free. IYKYK. It felt so much like my second home that as soon as I turned 18, I started applying to become a Cast Member. All in all to say, I like to think I know the 2 parks fairly well. 

Let’s talk rides first! Because unless you’re a local, the thing you’re probably most looking forward to if it’s your first visit are the rides! My perspective for these ride rankings comes from someone who loves a good adrenaline rush, fantastic theming, and a sucker for nostalgia as well. 

  1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Whether or not you’re a fan of Star Wars, the experience immersion and the technology advancements definitely should make it number 1 on anybody’s list. For the more sensitive readers, the physical adrenaline rush on this attraction is very minimal (just one little drop) so motion sickness should not be an issue! 
  2. Indiana Jones Adventure – This attraction is just the most fun and has been since I was a kid! I know that Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom gets compared to it, but honestly, I think Indiana Jones is way more fun (although dinos are awesome) and definitely should not be missed. 
  3. Space Mountain – What can I say? An absolute icon, a classic roller coaster, and a must do. Still one of the best dark ride roller coasters ever!
  4. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – If I wasn’t an adrenaline junkie, I think this would be my favorite ride. You’ve got Mickey and Minnie (so what’s not to love about that?) and each ride through is a little different since it’s trackless. There’s also a great soundtrack and it’s always fun to try to find a new hidden Mickey!
  5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Another classic and nostalgic roller coaster. Overall, I love this attraction and all of its alternative versions in the other parks. In my experience, they’re also a great introductory roller coaster for kids. 
  6. Matterhorn Bobsleds – Fun but also likely a bit more chiropractic for adults haha. I love the animatronic Yetis – they’re definitely scarier than my childhood Yetis – but another reason that I love this attraction so much is that it’s the only one you can find in any Disney park.
  7. Haunted Mansion – While a classic, I did not ride this often growing up because I had always thought it was scarier than it actually was. Now, I just know it as a classic Disney attraction and one not to be missed. If it had the holiday overlay (mid Sept – early Jan), this would also rank a lot higher on the list! 
  8. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – I love the new story for this attraction. Great animatronics and music! Only rough thing is that you really do get soaked on this so bring a poncho! 
  9. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Even though I was sad to see Rex go, I do appreciate the new format of this attraction of having a randomized build up of scenes. It’s always fun to see a new scene or character! Note that if you’re prone to motion sickness, this one might be best reserved for last.
  10. Pirates of the Caribbean – A classic Disney boat ride and the last attraction that Walt worked on. It’s not the most thrilling, but it also tends not to have a long wait and it’s uniquely Disney.
  11. “It’s a small world” – Did you know that the small world song is always playing somewhere in the world? While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a thrill attraction, this is the original version and has cute Disney characters added in. 
  12. Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – An opening day attraction that has now had its story changed from a darker version to a lighter version with updated special effects. It’s my favorite classic story dark ride and a lovely homage to the very first animated film. 
  13. Peter Pan’s Flight – Another opening day attraction and probably the most popular one of the classic story dark rides. Unfortunately, due to its slow loading and capacity, this one will always have a 40+ minute wait time so my recommendation is to do this early in the morning or late at night. 
  14. Mr Toad’s Wild Ride – This is the last opening day attraction of the classic story dark rides. This one has less nostalgia for me since I wasn’t as familiar with the original story, but I still have a fondness for it because of its notorious ending.
  15. Alice in Wonderland – This is closely tied to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, rank-wise, since I love the tech updates on this attraction and the fact that you get a lovely bird’s eye view of Fantasyland. 
  16. Pinocchio’s Daring Journey – Not an opening day attraction, but I still consider it a classic. Pinocchio is my least favorite movie of all the dark rides so unfortunately, it’s ranking is linked to that! 
  17. Storybook Land Canal Boats – Another opening day attraction although it was a very different version compared to what it is now. I’m a big fan of miniatures so if you are too, I think you would really like this. It’s also one of its kind even amongst all the Disney Parks! 
  18. Casey Jr. Circus Train – Not worth a long wait – I would wait a max of 15-20 minutes, but otherwise, it is really cute. You get a different perspective of what you would see on the Storybook Land Canal Boats and a different narration as well. 
  19. Astro Orbiter – While still a Dumbo-style attraction, I think this one is more exhilarating since you go up higher! You’ll also get a Tomorrowland view compared to a Fantasyland view. 
  20. Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Your experience will likely vary depending on what position you get. The best seats in the pod are undoubtedly the pilots. However, if you’re not a pilot, you still have a role as well as less responsibilities so you can sit back and watch the story unfold more easily.
  21. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin – This was a lot longer than I remembered! The structure of it is a combination of Tea Cups and a classic dark ride. However, if you’re not a fan of the Roger Rabbit movie, this might not necessarily be a priority. The standby queue is immersive, but I personally wouldn’t wait more than 30 minutes for this attraction.  
  22. Disneyland Railroad – This one is for the Disney nerds! The best parts of this attraction (for me) are the fact that they exist because Walt loved trains and there’s literal Disney history with the dinosaurs when you go from Tomorrowland back to Main St. USA.
  23. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – I always thought this attraction was ok, but depending on the day, you can get quite a different experience. I went more recently in the morning, and the water was so clear and blue, it felt like you were snorkeling. At night, you get a more dark ride experience. I personally prefer the daytime experience! 
  24. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – Classic shooter style attraction – a friendly round of competition is always fun amongst family and/or friends!
  25. Jungle Cruise – Another opening day attraction, but I wish they updated the audio equipment. Sometimes, I can’t always hear the pun jokes very clearly. 
  26. Dave Crockett’s Explorer Canoes – If you’re in the mood to do some arm workouts, do I have the attraction for you! Unfortunately, it does close early, but paddling a canoe in the Rivers of America is quite a unique experience. Not something you have to do, but fun if you have time for it! 
  27. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – My least favorite story dark ride since I think the other versions of Winnie the Pooh are better in the other parks. Good for small children if they can’t go on Tiana’s but otherwise, it’s definitely not a must-do.
  28. Mark Twain Riverboat/Sailing Ship Columbia – This is the less exciting version of seeing the Rivers of America. There is a cool story of the Mark Twain Riverboat and Walt Disney for Disney nerds, but otherwise, it’s definitely not a must-do. 
  29. Autopia – An opening day attraction and a family favorite during my childhood, but no longer a current favorite as I’m now an adult who can drive. 😛 I also prefer the previous story, back when Chevron was the sponsor. Excited to see the fully electric version in the future! 
  30. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster – This is likely every Disney kid’s first roller coaster. Short ride, long line, but probably a favorite for kids experiencing a roller coaster for the first time. 
  31. Mad Tea Party – Classic spinning attraction. You know what you’re going to get. Fun if you’ve got time and it’s a short line.
  32. Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Another classic spinning attraction. This one is definitely more popular with kids and families (thank you 90s Disney commercials). Great for the ‘gram, but obviously, not the most innovative attraction.  
  33. King Arthur Carousel – Classic carousel. You know what you’re going to get. Fun if you’ve got time and it’s a short line. 
  34. Disneyland Monorail – Enjoyable ride around the resort, but mostly a means of transportation from Tomorrowland to Downtown Disney, rather than an attraction. 

Now, besides rides, there are a few other things worth noting (i.e. shows and characters) to include in your planning. 

  • Other Attractions
    • Adventureland Treehouse inspired by Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson – A treehouse walkthrough. Never really a line but also not too much to see. Great if you have a kid who needs to burn energy by climbing up and down stairs! 
    • The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln – A Disneyland original and there’s AC! But, unless you’re a big fan of Walt Disney or Disneyland, this might not be worth the time for you. 
    • Main Street Cinema – A quick stop that is just constantly playing old Mickey Mouse cartoons. Fun if you’ve got people shopping on Main Street and want to take a quick peek. 
    • Main Street Vehicles – A fun ride on classic Disney vehicles but not worth the waiting time to save time or steps going from Main Street to Sleeping Beauty Castle. 
    • Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – An island with exploratory trails and shade but not a must do. Great space for kids to run out their energy though!
    • Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – A castle walkthrough. Not a must do but it’s cute and quick especially if you’ve got little princesses in your party. 
    • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Another Disneyland original and there’s AC! Unlike Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln though, I do think this attraction is entertaining and a great choice for some rest. You can even eat a Dole Whip while watching the show!  
  • Shows
    • Royal Theatre – It’s either a Rapunzel or Beauty and the Beast retelling. It’s about 20-25 minutes and has live music and a dash of comedy. If you’re in the area at the right time, do it! To amp up the experience more, Maurice’s Treats is super close and also sells amazing snacks that you can munch on while watching the show! 
    • Fantasmic! – I actually love this show more than fireworks. I just have so much nostalgia for it and while it’s not as great without the dragon, it’s still a fantastic show. I recommend the 2nd showing for less crowds (…typically). Also, that way, you can watch the fireworks from Main Street or even Small World! 
    • Fireworks – A classic but not a guarantee since city ordinances and winds can cause cancellations. However, the latest shows have had accompanying projections so even with a fireworks cancellation, there is still a show to watch that’s paired with a great soundtrack.
  • Characters
    • The two major locations are Toontown (Mickey and Minnie at their houses) and Fantasyland (princesses at the Royal Hall). Both close earlier than the park so be sure to double check hours the day of your visit.

While there are always limited time foods and treats at Disneyland, there are definitely core staples that one should consider trying if it’s your first visit! 

  • Beignets – Anything Mickey shaped is delicious, but these beignets are exclusively at Disneyland only and satisfies the sweet tooth every time. 
  • Cold Brews – Lucky for coffee lovers, seasonal flavors of cold brew pop up throughout the parks throughout the year. I think the most popular one (not seasonal) is the Black Caf in Galaxy’s Edge, but I always find a seasonal one that I like a bit more than that fan favorite so I encourage you to try the one that sounds yummiest to you! 
  • Cream Cheese Pretzel – Better than a regular pretzel – it’s a more substantial snack that’s sweet but not too sweet. 
  • Dole Whip – I think this is probably the most iconic Disney treat and it’s worth the legendary connotation it’s garnered over the years. There are multiple soft serve flavors, but for me, a traditional pineapple dole whip float on a hot day is always incredibly refreshing and delightful!
  • Plaza Inn Fried Chicken – This is a solid meal choice for a first time visitor. Is it the best fried chicken you will ever have? No, but it’s good for theme park fried chicken and very iconic to Disneyland.
  • Matterhorn Macaroon – Probably best to be a coconut fan to enjoy this little sweet treat but if you are, you will be a BIG fan! 
  • Popcorn – I never understood how popcorn was so popular at Disneyland, but I’m officially a convert. It’s the perfect amount of buttery and salty! 
  • Turkey Leg – Nothing like holding a giant turkey leg at Disneyland. Salty, meaty, what’s not to love?