May 18th to 20th, 2024, was a weekend my wife and I will cherish. We decided to escape San Francisco and head north to the picturesque town of Mendocino, CA. Armed with my Fujifilm XT-5 and the versatile XF 16-80mm lens, we set out to capture the beauty of this coastal town.
The town of Mendocino
Mendocino is a photographer’s paradise. The quaint town, with its charming Victorian homes and stunning coastal views, offers endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking images. We spent our first day wandering through the streets, snapping photos of the unique architecture and the vibrant spring flowers in full bloom. The mostly clear, cool weather provided perfect lighting conditions, and the gentle breeze added a dynamic element to my shots.
One of many water towers in Mendocino.
Golden Hour in Mendocino
One of the highlights of our trip was a scenic drive along Highway 1, stretching from Mendocino down to Point Arena. This stretch of road is renowned for its dramatic ocean vistas and rugged cliffs. We made several stops along the way to capture the sweeping views and the waves crashing against the shore. The clear skies allowed for stunning panoramas, while the cool, windy conditions added a sense of adventure to our journey.
Dramatic coastline along Hwy 1
Dramatic coastline along Hwy 1
During our journey, we spent an hour in the small town of Point Arena for lunch. After lunch, I took the opportunity to capture some photographs of the town. The historic buildings and colorful storefronts provided wonderful subjects.
Point Arena Mural with California Poppies in Front
Downtown Point Arena
Our drive culminated in a visit to the iconic Point Arena Lighthouse. Standing tall against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse is a beacon of history and beauty. We took a guided tour to learn about its rich heritage and climbed to the top for a panoramic view that was nothing short of spectacular. The wind at the top was strong, so we couldn’t go outside, but it only added to the experience of capturing the ocean and rugged coastline from such a unique vantage point.
Point Arean Lighthouse
Point Arena Lighthouse Stairs
View from the Point Arena Lighthouse
Throughout our weekend, my camera and lens combination proved to be the perfect companion. The versatility of the 16-80mm lens allowed me to switch seamlessly between wide-angle landscapes and detailed close-ups, ensuring that I could capture every moment just as I envisioned. From the charming streets of Mendocino to the awe-inspiring views from the Point Arena Lighthouse, every shot was a testament to the beauty of Northern California’s coast.
Downtown Mendocino
Our weekend in Mendocino was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The stunning scenery, combined with the joy of exploring it with my wife, made for an unforgettable experience. If you’re a photography enthusiast looking for your next destination, I highly recommend Mendocino and the surrounding areas. The clear, cool weather and the dramatic landscapes provide endless opportunities for creating stunning images.
Town of Mendocino