25 Greatest Issues to do in Mendocino, California

Mendocino has at all times been considered one of my favourite weekend escapes—it’s the type of place that seems like a deep breath you didn’t know you wanted. This little Northern California city is all misty cliffs, storybook cottages, and towering redwoods.

You’ll discover cozy bed-and-breakfasts that would simply be in a rom-com, seafood eating places that virtually outline “contemporary catch,” and sufficient coastal allure to make you overlook about endlessly scrolling via your telephone.

I’ve been right here quite a lot of occasions, and after loads of exploring (and quite a lot of seafood), I’ve actually narrowed down my favourite issues to do in Mendocino.

North Mendocino

1. See the Level Cabrillo Mild Station

Simply three miles north of Mendocino Village, you’ll discover Level Cabrillo Mild Station. Inbuilt 1909, this charming lighthouse as soon as guided ships safely alongside the rugged shoreline—and at the moment, it’s guiding vacationers like us straight to a number of the most gorgeous ocean views in Northern California.

Tip: Be certain to provide your self a bit of further time as a result of it’s a couple of half mile stroll to the station. There are two paths: a dust path that winds via the grassy coastal prairie or a paved street that’s a bit simpler on the legs. 

2. See the Pygmy Forest at Jug Deal with State Pure Reserve

Simply off Freeway One between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, you’ll discover Jug Deal with State Pure Reserve. The large draw right here is the Pygmy Forest—a patch of teeny-tiny bushes that appear to be they belong in a fairytale. The loopy half is that these miniature bushes are literally tons of of years previous! The acidic soil has stunted their progress, so that you’ll discover 500-year-old cypress and pine bushes that hardly attain your shoulders. 

There’s a path that winds proper via the forest, providing you with the right probability to see them up shut (and really feel like a large when you do).

3. Hike to the Waterfall at Russian Gulch State Park

Only a couple miles north of Mendocino, you’ll discover Russian Gulch State Park. Moreover the dramatic collapsed sea cave (aka Satan’s Punchbowl), the park is house to a beautiful 36-foot waterfall that’s completely definitely worth the trek.

To succeed in it, you’ll observe a 4.8-mile round-trip path alongside Russian Gulch Creek. The hike is pretty simple, about three hours relying on what number of occasions you cease to snap pictures or simply stare on the surroundings.

4. Journey a Rail Bike By the Redwoods

My husband and I had such a blast driving the two-person Railbike —it’s a unique method to expertise the well-known Redwood Route. Using facet by facet, we pedaled (effectively, we largely let the electrical help do the work) via the towering redwoods and alongside the gorgeous Pudding Creek Estuary.

The trip takes about an hour and a half, and alongside the way in which you may spot deer, birds, or perhaps a curious fox. 

5. Benefit from the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is 47 acres of lush gardens with ocean views that by no means get previous. The plant selection right here is spectacular—every little thing from vibrant dahlias to uncommon and endangered vegetation just like the yellow Camellia chrysanthoides. And the perfect half? It’s stunning year-round, so regardless of whenever you go to, one thing is at all times in bloom. 

6. Take the Skunk Practice

Step again in time on the Skunk Practice, winding via towering redwoods, glowing rivers, and the Noyo River Canyon since 1885. Journey in classic passenger automobiles, cabooses, or open-air automobiles, and take within the surroundings at a leisurely tempo. 

Seasonal journeys, from the Pumpkin Categorical to Mr. Skunk and the Big Christmas Tree, add a festive twist, making this a Mendocino expertise you received’t overlook.

7. Eat Fish at Noyo Harbor

We normally hit The Noyo Fish Firm first; their fish tacos are completely unbeatable, and if you happen to’re within the temper for fried seafood, you received’t be upset. One other favourite of ours is Sea Pal Cove—their fish & chips are critically next-level.

There are picnic tables proper by the water, so you possibly can chow down whereas watching the boats bobbing within the harbor. 

8. Stroll Throughout the Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge

The Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge in Fort Bragg  stretches over half a mile, it provides fairly views of the coast and the creek under.

Inbuilt 1915 to haul lumber on the Ten Mile Railroad, the bridge is 527 ft lengthy and 44 ft excessive—good for a sluggish stroll, some pictures, or simply soaking within the salty sea air. You can begin from both facet, and there’s even a brief boardwalk throughout the creek for a barely totally different perspective. 

9. Chandelier Drive-Via Tree

What well-known landmark in California has been round for two,400 years and continues to be utilized by automobiles, particularly throughout summer time? Sure, it’s the Chandelier Drive-Via Tree.

This huge redwood is a must-see—and drive-through—attraction. At over 300 ft tall and 26 ft large, the tree is large enough to accommodate automobiles, RVs, and even buses. And it’s not only a gimmick – the tree is a residing, respiratory organism. 

Downtown Space

10. See the Temple of Kwan Tai

The Temple of Kwan Tai was in-built 1854 by Chinese language immigrants who labored within the close by lumber mills and farms. It’s really one of many oldest Chinese language temples in California.

It’s a fast go to (you possibly can simply pop by in a couple of minutes), however completely value it. And if you happen to’re there between Could and October, you possibly can be part of considered one of their free docent-led excursions to study extra in regards to the temple’s story.

11. Store & Stroll in Mendocino Village

Mendocino Village is a mixture of rugged coastal views and completely preserved structure. You’ll discover elegant Victorians, cozy New England-style cottages, and many buying. On and round Major Road and Lansing Road are the place you’ll discover every little thing from artwork galleries and bookstores to chocolatiers, cozy cafés, and boutiques that make you wish to redecorate your total home. 

A few my private favorites: Den Fashionable, a beautiful little store full of classic and fashionable house items (you’ll need considered one of every little thing), and The Examine Membership, which has a superbly curated assortment of ladies’s attire.

12. Go to the Ford Home Museum

The Ford Home Museum is a superbly preserved Victorian house in-built 1854 by Jerome B. Ford—one of many city’s founding fathers. While you Step inside you will note rooms which are full of authentic furnishings from the Ford household, previous pictures, and artifacts that inform the story of Mendocino’s early days.

You’ll find out about every little thing from the realm’s Indigenous folks and the booming logging business to the city’s early position within the coastal commerce. Even if you happen to’re not a complete historical past buff, it’s a kind of locations that provides you an actual sense of what life right here was like.

13. Eat Native

Mendocino could also be small, however it’s full of unimaginable eating places, fresh-caught seafood, and native wines. Just a few of my favorites: Trillium, the place you possibly can’t go fallacious with the Wild Gulf Prawns and Scallops or the Crispy Duck Confit. Cafe Beaujolais, set inside an enthralling 1893 Victorian farmhouse, serves up elegant French-inspired dishes like Liberty Farm Duck Breast and Sous Vide Filet Mignon. And for one thing a bit of extra distinctive, Fog Eater Cafe provides a vegetarian menu that fuses Northern California freshness with Southern consolation—don’t miss the fried cauliflower & waffles or their tofu “crabbie” muffins.

And if you would like much more scrumptious inspiration, try my article on the finest eating places in Mendocino for a full listing of locations you’ll wish to add to your foodie bucket listing.

14. Tour the Kelley Home Museum

The Kelley Home Museum is a kind of spots that quietly captures every little thing particular about Mendocino—its historical past, allure, and ocean views multi function place. Sitting proper within the heart of city, the Kelley Home Museum, a superbly restored Victorian house (in-built 1854 and as soon as gifted from one William to a different—Kasten to Kelley) overlooks a peaceable pond, lush gardens, and the glowing Pacific past.

Inside, the museum brings Mendocino’s previous to life with fascinating reveals in regards to the space’s Native American communities, early European settlers, and the once-booming timber business. 

15. Hike at Mendocino Headlands Path on the State Park

In case you’re up for a brief however beautiful stroll, the Mendocino Headlands Path is a must-do. The entire path is about 5 miles lengthy, however we went with the shorter 0.9-mile loop—and truthfully, it was unimaginable! It begins proper the place Major Road ends and winds alongside rugged cliffs that’ll make you cease each few steps simply to soak in these ocean views (and possibly snap 100 pictures).

You’ll get that good mixture of crashing waves, salty sea air, and a picture-perfect view of Mendocino’s little village. Plus, uring spring and summer time, wildflowers pop up all over the place!

16. Go Glamping at Mendocino Grove

If you wish to verify glamping off your bucket listing, then Mendocino Grove is the place to do it—it’s the right compromise between nature and luxury. I’m sometimes not a lover of tenting. It simply looks as if the extent of labor vs. enjoyable doesn’t line up for me. However, this kind of glamping I can completely do! 

The property consists of 60 spacious safari tents, every outfitted with a king-size mattress, bedside lamps with USB ports, heated blankets, and an outside deck.

The communal meadow house has fireplace pits, hammocks, and picnic tables, plus a steam sauna and espresso bar (sure, glamping with lattes!). My favourite half? They arrange a campfire proper outdoors our tent and left us a s’mores equipment—now that’s my type of tenting!

17. Paddle an Outrigger Canoe on Massive River

There may be actually no higher method to get pleasure from Massive River’s magnificence than by getting on the water and touring its total size. From single/double kayaks to standup paddleboards to mountain bikes, you’ll have loads of methods to go round Massive River.

The distinctive one, nonetheless, is on an outrigger canoe, which is a canoe with lateral floats on either side. This makes it extra secure (and just about inconceivable to tip!), particularly when paddling via tough water.

Catch-a-canoe gives kayak, standup paddleboard, and bike leases along with gorgeous, handcrafted redwood outrigger canoes. 

18. Keep at a Cozy Inn

Mendocino is stuffed with charming inns that make a getaway really feel further particular. Little River Inn has been welcoming visitors for over 80 years, and it’s simple to see why—ocean-view rooms, a wood-burning hearth, and an on-site restaurant serving a number of the finest seafood round. Brewery Gulch Inn blends consolation with fashion, providing fireplaces, ocean views, a nightly “wine hour” dinner, and loads of cozy spots for video games or studying. MacCallum Home is a historic Victorian boutique with luxurious rooms, sizzling tubs, ocean views, and a top-notch farm-to-table restaurant—all proper within the coronary heart of city.

South Mendocino

19. Go Wine Tasting

Mendocino is such a deal with for wine lovers, particularly if you happen to make the brief drive into Anderson Valley. The cool, foggy local weather right here is ideal for rising Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the wineries don’t disappoint. 

I’ve had a few of my favourite tastings at Roederer Property, a California outpost of Champagne Louis Roederer—if you happen to love glowing wine, their Brut and Brut Rosé are absolute must-tries. Pennyroyal Farms is one other favourite, not only for their wines but in addition for his or her cheeses constructed from their very own goats and sheep—sampling the pairings right here is pure pleasure. And you may’t miss Handley Cellars in Philo, a family-owned vineyard with a protracted historical past of constructing high quality wines; their Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc are standouts. 

20. Store on the Philo Apple Farm Stand

In case you’re in search of all issues apple, the Philo Apple Farm Stand in Anderson Valley is the right fast cease. You received’t be selecting your individual fruit right here, however you will discover a scrumptious number of already-picked apples and a tremendous number of apple-based goodies, like apple chutneys, dried apples, apple balsamic vinegar, and extra. 

21. Cease by Anderson Brewery

In case you’re in search of an amazing place to get pleasure from some beer and a sport of disc golf, then you definitely’ll wish to try Anderson Valley Brewing Firm. The brewery provides a wide range of totally different beers, together with IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. And the disc golf course is likely one of the finest within the space, with 18 holes that wind via the brewery’s grounds.

22. Kayak the Caves at Van Damme State Park

In case you’ve ever wished to discover sea caves by kayak, Van Damme State Park is the spot. Launch from the protected bay at Van Damme State Seashore with Kayak Mendocino and spend about 90 minutes gliding via two open tunnels, winding round rocky headlands, and ending at a playful seal colony. 

23. See the Level Area Lighthouse

In case you love lighthouses (and who doesn’t?), the Level Area Lighthouse is a must-see on the Mendocino coast. At 115 ft, it’s one of many tallest lighthouses within the U.S., and from the views from the highest you possibly can see the Pacific Ocean, Manchester Seashore, and the rugged shoreline of the California Coastal Nationwide Monument.

The lighthouse was first in-built 1870, rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, and nonetheless shining shiny at the moment. You possibly can tour the tower, wander the 23-acre outside museum with its artwork installations, native gardens, and bluff-top trails, or try the Fog Sign Constructing Museum with its authentic Fresnel lens. 

24. Go Bowling Ball Seashore at Schooner Gulch Seashore

If you need a seashore that’s completely in contrast to another, you’ve acquired to take a look at Bowling Ball Seashore at Schooner Gulch State Seashore. Situated about three miles south of Level Area, the quirky Bowling Ball Seashore  will get its identify from the superbly spherical rocks—really geological formations referred to as concretions—scattered alongside the sand. They shaped over tens of millions of years because the sandstone cliffs eroded, and at low tide, these “bowling balls” actually come out of the shoreline.

➞ Suggestions: Plan your go to round low tide to see them finest, and when you’re there, maintain an eye fixed out for tide swimming pools filled with little marine critters! Parking is off Freeway 1, and a brief path with a number of steps (and generally a ladder) takes you all the way down to the seashore, so be prepared for a bit of journey.

25. Eat at a Michelin Starred Restaurant – Harbor Home

If making an attempt a Michelin-starred restaurant is in your bucket listing, Harbor Home close to Mendocino is your probability to cross it off. This two-star gem sits proper above the Pacific, with a tiny 20-seat eating room that provides superb ocean views alongside ingenious California delicacies. 

The menu is hyper-local and ever-changing, formed by the seasons, the climate, and components sourced from the encircling land and tidepools. Assume dishes like black cod smoked over bay laurel or pink abalone with koshihikari rice—a real celebration of the North Coast’s flavors. 

26. Go to the Sea Ranch Chapel

Sea Ranch Chapel is a quirky-looking little chapel that’s made virtually completely of redwood and options large home windows that body ocean views. Its wave-like design completely blends artwork and nature, making it really feel each quirky and serene on the identical time.

The chapel is tiny—seating simply 20 visitors—however that intimacy is a part of its allure. It’s no surprise {couples} find it irresistible as a novel, intimate marriage ceremony spot. Even if you happen to’re simply visiting, it’s value stopping by to admire the structure.

Take a look at my video of issues to do in Mendocino:

Save this Publish to Pinterest