Bay Area Getaways: Discovering Fort Bragg, Healdsburg, Zip-lining and hidden gems.

The goal of this itinerary is to discover Mendocino, Sonoma, Healdsburg, and also uncover some hidden treasures during the journey.

Having visited these areas on several occasions, I will now attempt to outline a multi-day itinerary that covers the main attractions within a span of 2-3 days. If you reside in or near the Bay Area, you can also divide this itinerary into multiple trips.

Now, let's proceed with our itinerary suggestions for a 2-3 day trip starting from the Bay Area. On this occasion, we will travel north of San Francisco towards Mendocino.

Day 1:

If your work schedule allows, you have the option to begin the trip either on Saturday morning (potentially taking Monday off) or on Friday morning.

Tip time!:

For a long weekend, we would recommend to first drive straight to the farthest point of the journey and then stop at various points on the way back.

We began our journey Friday morning towards the beautiful Mendocino coast.

The first place we will visit on this drive is the delightful town of Healdsburg.

The town provides a mix of charming wineries, high-end restaurants, and cozy stores, all situated around a historic town square. It also serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the Russian River, neighboring vineyards, and the picturesque landscapes of Northern California.

Make sure to stop by Nobel Folk for some ice cream, pie, or both while you're there!

After getting a good break there we continue our drive to out next stop today, Ukiah.

Our next stop is the serene, City of Ten Thousand Buddhas.

Located in Talmage, California, near Ukiah in Mendocino County, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is a prominent Buddhist community and monastery. Affiliated with the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association, it stands as one of the most significant Buddhist communities in the Western Hemisphere.

Established in 1974 by Venerable Master Hsuan Hua, a Chinese Chan Buddhist monk, the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas functions as a spiritual and educational hub. Located on a 488-acre land that formerly housed a state hospital, the monastery has been converted into a peaceful setting conducive to meditation, learning, and spiritual exercises.

If you plan to visit the monastery, it is recommended to verify the current visiting hours by checking their official website or contacting them directly, as the hours may change.

General visiting hours are Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Key Areas to Visit while there are:

• Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall

• Jin Kuo Memorial Hall

• Dharma Realm Buddhist University

• Vegan Dining Hall (typically serves lunch around midday)

Tip Time!:

• Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.

• Silence is encouraged, especially in temple areas.

Following a period of reflection and tranquility at the monastery, we proceed to our lodging for the day.

We chose to stay in Fort Bragg for our trip, close to the renowned Glass Beach.

Day 2:

Our day begins with a stroll along the Glass Beach.

The shore is known for its vibrant sea glass, which has been naturally smoothed by the ocean over numerous years, creating a colorful display.

After having some satisfying breakfast/brunch at one of the many close by cafes, we decided to explore the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens covers 47 acres of land, extending from Highway 1 to the cliffs that provide a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean. As one of the rare botanical gardens in the United States located directly on the coast, it presents a distinctive combination of natural splendor, varied plant displays, and stunning ocean vistas.

Exploring the gardens typically takes 2 to 3 hours, providing ample time to appreciate the main plant collections, stroll along the trails to the coastal bluffs, and admire the picturesque views.

For those with a keen interest in photography, bird watching, or joining a guided tour, it is advisable to allocate around 4 hours for the visit.

After visiting the Ten Mile Beach, we made a stop at Laguna Point in MacKerricher State Park on our way back to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

Day 3:

We set off early for our journey back today.

During our trip back, we intended to make a stop at the Sonoma Zip line adventure.

Sonoma Canopy Tours provides thrilling zip line experiences among the redwoods in Sonoma County, California. These tours usually consist of multiple zip lines, sky bridges, and rappel stations, offering an exciting opportunity to immerse oneself in the stunning natural surroundings of the region.

We decided to do the Forest flight tour.

Should you find yourself with extra time, you may opt to stay overnight at their treehouse accommodations.

Here is a Google map showing the journey.

As another fantastic weekend comes to a close, we wish you a great time and safe travels!