Every so often, it’s worth pulling out an old map and following in the footsteps of family members who came before you. I recently visited the Northern California city Ukiah, CA — where my Dad and grandparents once roamed and where my extended family still lives. As I explored this charming spot, I felt a special connection to those who had walked these paths before me. Ukiah isn’t just about retracing history, it’s a place where you can truly unwind. From lounging by the pool and hiking through towering redwoods to sipping on exquisite local wines, Ukiah offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. This journey was all about savoring the past while making new memories.
Destination Insights
Ukiah, CA is a charming city nestled in Northern California’s Mendocino County that is brimming with character, arts, and natural beauty. The scenic location and a myriad of outdoor spaces offers the opportunity to hike through the majestic redwood mountains or stroll through the 20 wineries. And a short drive away, you’ll hit Santa Rosa, a wine lover’s paradise where you can sip on some of California’s finest vintages, or a longer day trip you can explore coastal towns like Fort Bragg.
Weather
The weather in Ukiah is perfect for any adventure, especially in spring and fall when you get warm days (70s-80s°F) and cool nights (40s-50s°F). We visited in mid-July, which brought hot days (90s°F) and warm nights (70s-80s°F) that was ideal for cooling off in the pool.
History
Ukiah’s city name comes from the Pomo word “yokoyo,” meaning “deep valley,” reflecting its lush landscape. In the early 1800s, Mexico granted the Ukiah Valley to European-American Settlers. In 1889, the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad turned the city into a bustling hub. By 1899, the Ukiah Latitude Observatory put the town on the scientific map. In the 1920s, the Redwood Highway brought a surge of tourists eager to see the majestic redwoods. Following the cannabis-loving Hippie era of the 1960’s, Ukiah emerged as a vibrant cannabis scene in the Emerald Triangle. Today, Ukiah is known for its rich agricultural heritage, including wine, hops, and lumber, all set against the backdrop of its stunning redwood surroundings.
Lifestyle
Ukiah is known for laid-back vibes. The surrounding vineyards and wineries offer the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. Plus, Ukiah is known for its high-quality cannabis, with shops like Cookies (definitely a dispensary, not a bakery—so maybe skip this one if you’re with kids).
So, whether you’re up for hiking, wine tasting, or just soaking in the chill atmosphere, Ukiah is a perfect spot that promises a memorable getaway.
Travel Guide
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | • Flight from SNA to STS (Approx. 1.25 hours): Nonstop plane ride was a jiffy! Insider tip: Make sure to bring a carry-on that can stow in the small overhead cargo otherwise you’ll have to check your luggage. |
| Evening | • Dinner at Taco Loco Restaurant: Savored delicious potato tacos with chips and salsa. • Night at our Extended Family’s House: Enjoyed a homemade caramel banana pie and local white wine. |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at our Extended Family’s House: Enjoyed toast with home-grown peaches. • Downtown Ukiah Thrifts Shopping: Got a steal on books and activewear top at Hospice and Goodwill shops. |
| Afternoon | • Dip in the Community Swimming Pool: Cooled off from the hot sun in pool surround by redwoods and picked fresh blackberries growing along the fence. |
| Evening | • Night at our Extended Family’s House: Enjoyed salad with margaritas. |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at our Extended Family’s House: Enjoyed a slow morning sipping on some black loose leaf tea. |
| Afternoon | • Hike at Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve: The two-mile loop with its lofty redwood giants was perfect for the kiddos and adults. Insider tip: Place car sick prone people in the front seats because the windy roads from Ukiah can be a bit much. •Wine tasting at Parducci Wine Cellars: Offers sustainably produced wines with stunning views of the surrounding rolling hills. My favorite sip was the 2021 True Grit Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by the 2022 Parducci Small Lot Merlot. |
| Evening | • Night at our Extended Family’s House: Enjoyed pasta and bottles of wine. |
Day 4
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Sunday Morning Running Club: Hit the ground running 4-miles through vineyards and along the Masonite Industrial Road. • Breakfast at our Extended Family’s House: Enjoyed lemon blueberry coffee cake. |
| Afternoon | • Flight from STS to SNA (Approx. 1.25 hours): Nonstop plane ride back to Orange County, CA. |
Next Time Must Do’s
Would love to travel towards the coast and hike Old Logging Road along Fern Canyon loop (4.6 miles) or Spring Ranch from Gordon Lane (2.6 miles) (2.6 miles). Will definitely have to sip wine at Coppola winery, Navarro Vineyards, and Greenwood Ridge Vineyards. Also, would like to check out the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas and the Saturday Ukiah Farmers Market.
Wilderness Wisdom
During our time in Ukiah,CA a wildfire started nearby in Humboldt County. Overnight, the air filled with smoke, like waking up to the smell of a campfire—but not the cozy kind! It was a bit rough for some of us sensitive folks to be outside for too long without coughing. It was a stark reminder that fresh air isn’t always a given and being ready to pivot during unexpected environmental situations is important.
If you ever find yourself near a wildfire, here are some tips to stay safe and healthy:
1. Check local air quality reports. When we checked, the air quality was on the border of moderate, moving towards unhealthy for sensitive groups. We wanted to spend some time outdoors, so we chose to travel further away to an area that had better air quality reports.
2. If outdoor air quality is unhealthy, stay indoors. Also make sure to limit indoor population by making sure to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your accommodation.
3. If indoor air quality is affected too, use HEPA air filters and air purifiers if available.
4. If you must go outside during a wildfire, use N95 or KN95 respirator masks to filter out smoke particles and limit the time you are outdoors.
5. Most importantly, have an evacuation plan ready and follow local authorities’ advice.
Wildfires are a serious threat. In 2017, the nearby city Santa Rosa, CA, was devastated by wildfires that took several lives and destroyed over three thousand homes. With proper precautions, you can stay safe and enjoy your adventure!
Trailside Ties
One of the most heartwarming moments of our trip was flipping through the old family album, filled with photos of our grandparents’ adventures. Seeing my paternal grandparents in Ukiah brought a sense of nostalgia, but what really struck a chord were the snapshots of all their adventures such as their travels in Europe. I enjoyed reliving the joy and happiness of their travel experiences through those black-and-white photos. The smiles, the landmarks, and the candid moments captured their spirit of adventure and love for family. It was a beautiful reminder of the timeless joy of exploring new places and the deep connections that travel can forge.
Photo Journal
Summary
This trip wasn’t just about visiting beautiful places, it was about reconnecting with family history, appreciating the simple joys of life, and taking things at a slower pace. This travel journey has been a time to laugh, explore, and savor every moment of our journey from hiking through redwoods to sipping wine in vineyards overlooking the rolling ridges.
