There’s something special about the Mendocino Coast. I’ve visited in winter, when it was foggy and moody, and also in late summer, when it was sunny and 75 degrees—and loved both. It just goes to show that Mendocino is great to visit in any season.
Only 150 miles north of San Francisco, this windswept stretch of California feels worlds away from everything, which is rare to find in such a populated state.
Whether you’re escaping for a weekend from the Bay Area or adding a stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Mendocino has some of Northern California’s best highlights. You’ll find lush redwood forests, dramatic coastal views, foggy beaches, and wine tasting.
As someone based in the Bay Area who has spent a decent chunk of time exploring the North Coast, I’m sharing the best things to do in Mendocino, plus what to skip, so you can plan the perfect trip.
1. Explore Mendocino Village
Downtown Mendocino is the perfect place to start your visit. This walkable village sits right next to the stunning Mendocino Headlands and has no chain stores, just locally owned shops and restaurants. Here are a few things to do in the compact village:
- Shop local: Browse cute boutiques like Astoria Home Store (where I found an adorable onesie for my six-month-old Julian), pick up homemade jams at Mendocino Jams & Preserves, and stop by Mendocino Chocolate Company.
- Eat: Grab breakfast at GoodLife Cafe & Bakery, lunch at Trillium Cafe, or dinner at the MacCallum House Inn (check out my complete guide to the best restaurants in Mendocino for more recommendations).
- Learn local history: Visit the Kelley House Museum to learn about Mendocino’s history. When I visited, the docent was so kind and helpful, and had a wealth of knowledge about the Kelley family, the town’s logging history, and its historic water towers. They also offer historic walking tours, which is a great way to learn local lore and familiarize yourself with the downtown area. Ford House is another place that delves into Mendocino’s past, but it functions more as a visitor center than a museum.
- Visit a 19th-century Taoist temple: Check out the Temple of Kwan Tai, a historic Chinese temple that’s one of the oldest in California.
- Browse the art galleries: Mendocino’s stunning coastal scenery has inspired a thriving arts community. Check out the Artist’s Co-op of Mendocino Gallery, the Highlight Gallery, and the Mendocino Art Center. If you only have time for one, visit the Mendocino Art Center, which features impressive works from resident artists and offers classes in various art forms if you want to try your hand at creating something yourself.
- Drink: Stop by Dick’s Place for a drink at this classic dive bar.
2. Mendocino Headlands State Park
A short walk from Main Street is the stunning Mendocino Headlands State Park, one of the prettiest spots on the entire Mendocino Coast.
This is the place for breezy coastal walks with dramatic ocean views, sea arches, hidden grottos, and colorful wildflowers blanketing the bluffs in spring.
The mostly flat Mendocino Headlands Trail winds around the village on dirt paths, taking you past Portuguese Beach, striking rock formations, and views all the way to the Big River mouth. It’s an easy walk that delivers bucket list scenery without breaking a sweat.
Whale Watching: Visit in winter or early spring to spot gray whales during their annual migration along the coast.
Local tip: Stop by the Ford House visitor center on Main Street before your walk to learn more about the headlands and pick up trail info.
3. Kayak Mendocino Sea Cave Tour
Kayaking the sea caves along Mendocino’s coastline is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines beautiful scenery, a solid workout, and the chance to see marine life and interesting geological features up close.
Sign up for the 90-minute Sea Cave Nature tour with Kayak Mendocino to explore the sea caves off the coast of Van Damme State Beach. The owner, Craig, has been running the company for 26 years and is an excellent guide (he led our tour!).
During the trip, we paddled through two impressive caves (Rumbler and Cathedral—we went through this one twice), spotted a sea lion swimming nearby, navigated through bull kelp forests and a fun rock garden, and saw a blowhole in action.
The tour is a good workout but not overly strenuous. My sister had never kayaked before and had a blast, so it’s perfect for beginners. This is one of my favorite things to do in Mendocino and not to be missed if you’re up for an adventure!
Note: If you prefer river paddling over sea kayaking, Catch-a-Canoe offers rentals to explore the Big River Estuary, a great spot for wildlife watching. Since it’s a tidal estuary, call ahead to plan your paddle around the tides.
4. Russian Gulch Waterfall Hike
Mendocino has plenty of great nature spots, but one of the best hikes in the county is the 6.2-mile Fern Canyon and Waterfall loop at Russian Gulch State Park.
It takes you deep into a lush redwood forest to a cascading 36-foot waterfall surrounded by ferns and moss-covered rocks.
The state park also features the beautiful Art Deco Frederick W. Panhorst Bridge, built in the 1930s, which can be viewed from the beach area below.
If you have more time, there’s the quick 0.5-mile Headlands Trail (Devil’s Punchbowl), which takes you out to a dramatic coastal sinkhole.
Photo op: Don’t miss the Russian Gulch Bridge viewpoint on your way out for a stunning shot of the Art Deco bridge arching over the turquoise waters from a distance.
5. Point Cabrillo Light Station
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park is one of the most popular attractions on the Mendocino Coast for good reason.
This beautifully preserved 1909 lighthouse features restored historic buildings, including the Lightkeeper homes, the Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop (now a marine science exhibit), and the lighthouse with its original Fresnel lens.
Getting There: It’s a decent walk from the parking area to get down to the lighthouse, so you’ll want proper shoes, sun protection, and water. The paved Lighthouse Road is the easiest route at 1.5 miles round trip. If you want to do the full loop, prepare to hike a little over two miles. The second half is on uneven, unpaved, and poorly marked trails that often get overgrown, but you get beautiful coastal views along the way. I did the full loop and wandered off course, assuming it’d be better marked than it was, so I was glad I had Google Maps downloaded ahead of time.
Unique Experience: Stay overnight in one of the historic on-site cottages. You can learn more about renting a cottage here.
Movie Scene Location: Point Cabrillo appears in several scenes of The Majestic with Jim Carrey. And yes, I did watch this while I was in Mendocino because I thought it was fitting.
6. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a 47-acre paradise where lush gardens meet dramatic coastal bluffs.
It’s one of the only botanical gardens in the country right on the ocean, making it extra special to wander from flower-filled paths to stunning coastal views.
When I visited over Labor Day weekend, the dahlia garden was in full bloom and absolutely gorgeous. They were also setting up for a wedding there, which isn’t surprising with how beautiful the setting is.
7. Walk Through Ancient Redwoods
No trip to Mendocino is complete without experiencing the towering old-growth redwood forests. Here are some of the best spots to immerse yourself amongst these ancient giants:
- Hendy Woods State Park: This is personally my favorite spot to see the Mendocino redwoods. Walk the easy 1.4-mile Discovery Trail through Big Hendy Grove, home to some of the most impressive and oldest redwoods in the Anderson Valley. If you have more time, you could do the 3.6-mile Grand Tour Loop, which goes by the Hermit Hutt that housed the Hendy Hermit. He was a Russian immigrant who lived in the redwoods for 18 years.
- Navarro River Redwoods State Park: One of my favorite parts of visiting Mendocino is the drive along scenic Highway 128. This is where you’ll find Navarro River Redwoods State Park, a beautiful 11-mile corridor of towering redwoods following the Navarro River. There aren’t any specific hikes I’d recommend here, but you should take advantage of the many pullouts along the highway to get out and walk in the redwoods.
- Van Damme State Park: Explore the 7.9-mile Fern Canyon Scenic Trail, a mostly shaded hike through lush, fern-filled forest with second-growth redwoods deeper into the canyon.
Bonus: While at Van Damme State Park, don’t miss the quirky 0.2-mile Pygmy Forest Trail to see rare dwarf trees stunted by poor soil conditions.
8. Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is one of the best things to do around Mendocino County. While Napa and Sonoma get all the attention, Mendocino’s wine scene is friendly, welcoming, and highly underrated—spanning Anderson Valley, Ukiah Valley, and even the coastline. Here are my top picks:
Anderson Valley (Highway 128):
- Lula Cellars: This is my favorite winery in the Anderson Valley. The property is gorgeous and dog-friendly, with a welcoming tasting room and excellent wines. I especially love their Guntly Red, a juicy blend of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
- Navarro Vineyards: Known for exceptional aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer and Riesling, plus elegant Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Their wines consistently win gold medals and the tasting room has a welcoming, unpretentious vibe.
- Roederer Estate: If you love sparkling wine, this is a must-visit. It’s the California outpost of the famous French Champagne house, producing some of the best bubbles in the state.
- Pennyroyal Farm: A unique farm-to-table experience that’s both a winery and a creamery. Taste wines paired with their delicious artisan cheeses and enjoy seasonal ingredients from their garden and farm.
Mendocino Coast:
- Pacific Star Winery: The most dramatic setting of any winery in the area. Perched on an oceanside cliff north of Fort Bragg, it’s the westernmost winery in the country with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Bring a picnic and watch for whales while you sip wines made from Mendocino’s heritage vineyards.
Ukiah Valley (Highway 101): I haven’t been wine tasting here myself yet, but I’ve heard good things about Nelson Family Vineyards, RIVINO Winery, and Saracina Vineyards.
9. Walk Around Downtown Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is Mendocino County’s largest town and offers a more touristy vibe (with a lot more chains) compared to the artsy village of Mendocino.
The historic downtown features restored storefronts, excellent restaurants, art galleries, and local museums. Here’s what to check out:
- Visit the Guest House Museum to learn about Fort Bragg’s logging and railroad history through well-curated exhibits in a beautiful Victorian home.
- Stop by the Sea Glass Museum to see over 3,000 pieces of sea glass on display and learn about Glass Beach’s unique history. I don’t recommend visiting Glass Beach itself anymore (more on that below), but this museum offers a glimpse into what it used to be like.
- Browse art galleries like Edgewater Gallery, a local artist collective featuring watercolors, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and sculpture with new exhibitions every First Friday.
- Grab a drink at North Coast Brewing Co. to sample their excellent craft beers. The food is just meh here, but the beer is great (especially Scrimshaw!). If you’re into craft beer, Overtime Brewing is another brewery to check out, a little north of the downtown area.
- Stop for ice cream at Cowlick’s Ice Cream, a local favorite. Just avoid busy times. I waited in line for 20 minutes during Paul Bunyan Days and only made it halfway through before giving up.
- Enjoy a meal at Egghead’s Restaurant for breakfast or Cucina Verona for lunch or dinner.
10. Ride the Historic Skunk Train
The Skunk Train is a Fort Bragg institution that’s been running for over a century.
While it’s a popular outing for families with young ones and has nostalgic charm, I’ll be honest—this is the most touristy thing you can do in Mendocino County.
The train ride itself passes mostly through brush and stagnant ponds with a dose of redwoods and ferns. If you’ve done Roaring Camp in Santa Cruz, the Skunk Train leaves a lot to be desired in terms of what a scenic train ride should be.
And the prices have skyrocketed in recent years as they’ve added trendier experiences, clearly targeting Bay Area visitors willing to pay a premium. That said, if you’re looking for a quirky historic experience or traveling with kids, it can still be fun.
A few experiences offered (and you can find more on their website):
- Pudding Creek Express (90 minutes, $63): This is the classic family-friendly journey departing year-round. Though the scenery is less impressive than you’d expect, it’s still a fun ride with a stop to explore and play games.
- Christmas Train (Nov/Dec only, 2 hours, $86): Features hot cocoa, Christmas carols, sugar cookies, festive decorations, and Santa sightings. This is one of my favorite Skunk Train experiences that also happens to be the best value, and it’s still fun for adults.
- Glen Blair Bar (Fri & Sat evenings, ~25 min each way, $60): A trendy train ride experience to a hidden bar in the redwoods. The ride is pricey for what it is, but once you arrive, drinks are reasonable (stick to wine, beer, or mulled wine—the cocktails are hit or miss). The setting with firepits, live music, and games is fun and dog- and kid-friendly. I just wish they’d include one drink in the ticket price, given how much you’re paying for the experience.
- Railbikes (2.5 hours, $255+ per railbike with additional fees): Two-person electric bikes that you pedal down a railroad track. This is very overpriced for what it is IMO. See my “Things to Skip” section below for the full breakdown on why I don’t recommend these.
11. Fresh Seafood at Noyo Harbor
Noyo Harbor is Fort Bragg’s working fishing harbor, and there’s no better place to enjoy fresh-caught seafood straight from the source. Watching the fishing boats come in while you eat is part of the charm. These are my two favorites, depending on your vibe:
- Sea Pal Cove: The best spot for casual fish and chips right on the river. It’s perfect for a quick, no-fuss meal.
- HarborView Restaurant at Noyo Harbor Inn: One of my favorite places to eat in Mendocino County. I highly recommend the pan-seared scallops and the Candy Cap Old Fashioned. The views overlooking the harbor and Noyo River are stunning, and the seals are known to put on quite the show while you eat (my sister and I were entertained).
12. Enjoy Mendocino’s Rugged Beaches
Along the Mendocino Coast, you’ll discover tide pools, sea lions, sea caves, and windswept beauty unique to Northern California. Here are the best beaches for beachcombing, picnicking, and exploring:
- Jug Handle State Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in the area with unique rock formations and aquamarine water on sunny days. Don’t miss the 5.2-mile Ecological Staircase Trail showcasing half a million years of geological history and a rare pygmy forest.
- Portuguese Beach: A secluded sandy beach accessible from Mendocino Headlands right near downtown, perfect for a peaceful picnic during low tide with driftwood-scattered shores.
- Big River Beach: A popular white sand beach where the Big River meets the Pacific Ocean, ideal for swimming in the calm river waters and scenic picnics.
- Ten Mile Beach: A wild preserve featuring one of California’s longest dune systems and incredible wildlife viewing, including over 90 bird species, seals, and river otters, and some seasonal whale watching.
If you’re looking for tide pooling, the best place in Mendocino County is Laguna Point at MacKerricher State Park (next to Ten Mile Beach), which is also an excellent spot to watch the sunset.
13. Rejuvenate at a Local Inn or B&B
Sometimes the best way to spend a weekend in Mendocino is simply relaxing at one of the many charming, locally-owned inns and bed & breakfasts.
It’s kind of a thing here. The area is known for its cozy accommodations that have personality and excellent hospitality. Here are my top picks:
- MacCallum House Inn: My top choice right in downtown Mendocino and walking distance to everything. I stayed in the unique Water Tower Suite, which featured a private sauna and was converted from an actual historic water tower, and loved it. The on-site restaurant serves excellent farm-to-table cuisine for dinner as well.
- Brewery Gulch Inn: I’ve also stayed here and really enjoyed it, especially over the holidays when the inn is beautifully decorated and feels extra cozy. The intimate setting makes it perfect for a romantic getaway. See my review.
- Little River Inn: A Mendocino staple that’s been family-owned for five generations. Set on 225 acres with stunning ocean views, it features a great restaurant, nine-hole golf course, day spa, and the Whale Watch Bar.
Read my complete guide to the coziest hotels in Mendocino.
Experiences to Skip in Mendocino #
Skunk Train Railbikes
I try to find value in most experiences, but the Skunk Train railbikes are very overpriced for what they are.
At $255+ per two-person railbike (plus at least ~$28 in additional fees), you’re paying over $280 for less than an hour of actual railbiking.
The “2.5-hour experience” includes 50 minutes at Glen Blair Bar Junction, 30 minutes of setup and watching an explainer video, and only 40 minutes on the bikes.
The Pudding Creek route isn’t very scenic until the very end. It’s mostly brush and stagnant ponds with some fern-covered sections.
You’re also stuck going as slow as the bike ahead of you, the electric bikes require minimal effort, and there’s no guided commentary, fun facts, or real interaction beyond setup. You get pastries and coffee at the midway stop, then it abruptly ends once you’re back.
I reached out to the Skunk Train to understand their pricing better, but never received a response. It’s essentially an expensive Instagram moment. For that price, do sea cave kayaking or wine tasting instead.
Glass Beach
Glass Beach is one of Fort Bragg’s most hyped attractions, but it’s not worth the crowds and chaotic parking situation. While it’s a beautiful beach on its own, there are equally pretty beaches nearby without the hassle.
The main draw—the sea glass—is pretty underwhelming in person. You have to search hard to find small pieces, and it’s nowhere near as impressive as Instagram photos make it seem.
The colorful sea glass you see online is mostly gone after decades of visitors pocketing pieces (which is illegal).
If you want a nice beach day, skip Glass Beach and head to one of the less crowded alternatives like Ten Mile Beach or Portuguese Beach instead.
Watch my Mendocino vlog below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi McFadden
Founder & Editor-In-Chief
Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making comprehensive travel guides. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 30 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (7 years), where she currently resides.
Need help planning your trip to Northern California? Check out my other articles below!
11 Best Restaurants in Mendocino
7 Cozy Boutique Hotels in Mendocino (That Are High-Value)
9 Best Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco
15 Things to do in Point Reyes
50 Things to Do in San Francisco
35 Things to Do in Redwood National Park
