Ukiah

Day Trips

Start your day with a handcrafted espresso from The Pour House and head to the Ukiah River Trail as the sun rises over the water. The winding path takes you through oak woodlands and lush riparian habitat alive with birdsong. A brisk walk or gentle jog provides a refreshing and immersive introduction to Mendocino County’s natural beauty.

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch from Grace’s Table Deli under a towering sycamore by the riverbank. Watch kayakers drift lazily downstream and keep an eye out for trout near shallow pools. Spend some time sketching or journaling in your nature journal beneath the dappled light of the canopy.

Dine at Patrona Restaurant Kitchen + Bar for a farm-to-table meal featuring local produce and Mendocino County wine. As dusk falls, take an easy stroll back along the trail to experience the river under a blanket of stars. The quiet of the night punctuated by frogs and owls creates an enchanting finale to your first day.

Begin with a hearty breakfast at Egghead’s Restaurant before making your way to the Grace Hudson Museum. Explore exhibits showcasing local Pomo art, world-renowned photography, and the historic Sun House. Curator-led tours reveal fascinating insights into early 20th-century Northern California life.

Wander downtown Ukiah to browse independent boutiques and art galleries. Pop into Brickerville Fudge for a sweet treat before mingling with friendly shop owners. Admire street murals that depict the town’s railroad and timber heritage.

Reserve a tasting flight at the Mendocino Brewing Company Taproom and sample handcrafted ales. Enjoy casual pub fare while catching live acoustic music on their patio. Cap the night with a leisurely walk down Main Street, absorbing the dim glow of vintage street lamps.

Fuel up with avocado toast and fresh juice at The Love Apple before heading west into Redwood Valley. Your first stop is Bonterra Organic Vineyards, where the terraced vineyards offer panoramic views. Take a guided tour to learn about sustainable farming and organic winemaking.

Continue on to nearby McFadden Organic Vineyard & Winery for a rustic barrel-cellar tasting experience. Savor chilled rosé and vibrant sauvignon blanc paired with herbed goat cheese. Stroll among olive trees before capturing photos of the surrounding hills cloaked in grapevines.

Dine at Vin Envy, a cozy wine bar in downtown Ukiah, and sample small plates inspired by regional cuisines. Pair your meal with rare varietals sourced from local boutique producers. Later, savor a nightcap at The Pour House, sharing stories of the day’s wine discoveries.

Grab a latte from Sweetheart Café then head to Nishida Gardens to experience the historic Ohtani Japanese Garden. Wind through the winding pathways, koi ponds, and blooming camellias as sunlight filters through bamboo groves. Pause at a stone lantern to practice mindful breathing and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Drive a few minutes south to Ukiah Valley Farmers Market for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Sample heirloom tomatoes, local cheeses, and artisan bread while chatting with growers. Pick up picnic ingredients for an impromptu lunch by the garden’s koi pond.

Return downtown for dinner at Campo Fina, where regional Italian dishes highlight local vegetables and poultry. Sip a glass of zinfandel as you dine alfresco under string lights. Conclude the evening with a scoop of seasonal gelato from Brickerville Fudge.

Early start with breakfast burritos from Taco Lingo before heading up to Lake Mendocino. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide across the crystalline water framed by pine-clad hills. Spot herons along the shoreline and savor the solitude of the lake at dawn.

Pull over at a lakeside picnic area for grilled chicken sandwiches and fresh fruit. Spend the afternoon swimming, fishing, or hiking a short section of the Mendocino Ridge Trail for sweeping views. Don’t forget sunscreen and water to stay comfortable under the warm sun.

Descend back to Ukiah and treat yourself to a wood-fired pizza at Mendo Bistro and Pizzeria. Sample their local beet salad and craft beer offerings. Wind down the night with live music or trivia at the Mendocino Brewing Company Taproom.

Start with chia-pudding parfaits and French press coffee from The Produce Stand Café. Journey to McFadden Organic Vineyard for an exclusive morning tasting among olive groves and vines. Learn about organic farming methods as you tour the sunlit vineyards.

Enjoy a farm-style lunch prepared by a visiting chef, featuring produce harvested onsite. Savor dishes like heirloom tomato salad and rosemary focaccia paired with estate wines. Relax in the tasting room’s courtyard, shaded by live-oak trees.

Drive back to town for tapas and local brews at Hopland Tap House. Try one of the rotating cask-conditioned ales alongside artisanal cheese plates. Chat with locals about their favorite hidden gems around Ukiah.

Pick up a protein-packed smoothie from Power Up Juice Bar before heading to Fort Hill Recreation Area. Hit the single-track trails that wind through chaparral and mixed hardwood forest. Take in views of the valley floor from rocky overlooks.

Refuel with hearty sandwiches from The Stand Café before exploring the neighboring Stuhlmuller Vineyards for a quick tasting. Cool off with a crisp chardonnay and tour the hillside vineyard. Enjoy the contrast between rugged trails and manicured rows of grapes.

Indulge in gourmet burgers and craft cocktails at Farm Fresh Grill in downtown Ukiah. Sample seasonal specials made with locally sourced ingredients. End the day with a stroll down a moonlit River Trail to ease tired limbs.

Grab fresh pastries and cappuccinos at Espresso Peddler before checking in at Ukiah Valley Golf Course. Tee off on the lush fairways with panoramic views of rolling hills and vineyards. The crisp morning air and quiet surroundings create a meditative start.

Settle on the course’s patio for a charcuterie lunch featuring local meats and cheeses. Watch golfers navigate the greens as you sip on chilled sauvignon blanc. Take a leisurely walk around the landscaped ponds and bunkers after eating.

Head back to town and enjoy seafood pasta at Mendo Bistro and Pizzeria. Pair your dish with a zinfandel from a nearby winery. Later, unwind at The Pour House with craft cocktails and live open-mic performances.

Start with avocado-egg toast and a mimosa at Union Hotel Watering Hole and Grill. Drive out to Poncho Fields for a tranquil stroll through wildflower meadows and rolling prairies. Photograph the dramatic landscape dotted with grazing cattle and grazing herds of deer.

Continue to Lavender Spring Vineyard for an aromatic tasting in fragrant purple fields. Sip lavender-infused wine and sample lavender ice cream under a shady pergola. Learn about distillation processes and pick fresh sprigs to take home.

Return to Ukiah and savor a three-course farm-to-table dinner at Sabor Latino. Choose fresh ceviche, grilled local fish, and seasonal desserts. Conclude the evening with a handcrafted mezcal cocktail at The Pour House.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast bowl at Sweetheart Café before indulging in a spa day at Espere Spa. Treat yourself to a hot-stone massage and vineyard-inspired body scrub. Unwind in the sauna and outdoor whirlpool overlooking manicured gardens.

Sip herbal tea and nibble on dark-chocolate-dipped strawberries while lounging in the spa’s relaxation room. Opt for a customized facial using local botanicals for a rejuvenating glow. Take a final dip in the whirlpool before getting dressed for dinner.

Celebrate your Ukiah adventure with a reservation at The Quandary Restaurant for a gourmet multi-course meal. Pair each plate with premium Mendocino County wines selected by an in-house sommelier. End the night with a starlit walk along the Ukiah River Trail, reflecting on your immersive experience.