Mendocino CA is a stunning destination on the rugged Northern California coast, about a 3-hour drive north of San Francisco. It’s known for its natural beauty and coastal charm. With a diverse array of activities to suit anyone, this Mendocino County California guide has the best things to do in this enchanting region. From hiking along coastal trails to indulging in local wines, and more, Mendocino, California has something for every visitor to enjoy.
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Where to Go in Mendocino | Towns in Mendocino
Mendocino County is made up of various towns and areas. From the village of Mendocino, known for its quaint and charming downtown area and home of Mendocino Headlands, to Fort Bragg, the city of the famous Glass Beach. Here’s a breakdown of where to go in Mendocino County.
Mendocino Village
For a quaint and charming coastal experience, make sure to visit Mendocino Village during your Mendocino County adventure. This picturesque town is in the Mendocino downtown area and is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and stunning ocean views. Stroll along Main Street lined with unique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Take in the natural beauty of the Mendocino Headlands State Park, which surrounds the village.
Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley, a charming wine region in Mendocino County, is known for its picturesque landscapes and boutique wineries. Explore the stunning Anderson Valley wineries trail along Highway 128, indulge in wine tastings, and savor farm-to-table cuisine at local restaurants. This is the best spot to enjoy Mendocino County wineries.
Fort Bragg
When exploring Mendocino County, don’t miss Fort Bragg, a vibrant coastal city with lots of adventure to offer. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline and be sure to visit the famous Glass Beach, known for its colorful sea glass. There are so many fun things to do in Fort Bragg, CA.
Point Arena
Point Arena is in southern Mendocino County and should not be missed. This picturesque town is home to the iconic Point Arena Lighthouse, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Point Arena is a hidden gem with its stunning natural beauty and laid-back coastal vibes, perfect for a memorable adventure on your California travel itinerary.
Mendocino, California Things To Do
Here are all the best Mendocino to do activities to add to your itinerary.
Russian Gulch State Park
Russian Gulch State Park offers an array of outdoor activities and stunning Mendocino hiking trails. Hike amongst redwoods, to a waterfall, and even along the coast. Adventurous visitors can also explore the park’s beaches and go kayaking or paddle boarding the park’s namesake gulch.
There is a day-use fee of $8, and there is also a seasonal campground.
Skunk Train and Rail bikes in Fort Bragg
One of the coolest Mendocino attractions is the Skunk Train and the Fort Bragg railbikes.
The rail bikes are a new way to explore the Mendocino redwoods. You’ll sit in custom-built, two-person electric rail bikes and ride through the redwoods to the Glen Blair Junction where you’ll stop for a 50-minute break to explore the area.
And if you rather not peddle your way you can opt to take the Skunk Train. It goes along the same route and you even have snacks and beverages available for purchase inside the train. This is one of the coolest things to do in Fort Bragg!
Mendocino Headlands
Mendocino Headlands State Park is free and open to the public for day use only. There are miles of trails wind along the cliffs where you can admire the rugged coastline. You can also visit the Ford House Visitor Center & Museum open 11 am-4 pm, every day.
There is ample parking at different sections of the state park, overlooking the coastline, perfect for taking in the views.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a nature lover’s paradise located in Mendocino County, California. Visitors can explore miles of scenic trails that wind through lush gardens, showcasing a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and trees.
The gardens are open daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
State Parks and Best Hikes Mendocino
If you like hiking Mendocino County has tons of trails to choose from. There are various state parks, coastal trails, waterfalls, and more. Here are some of the best hikes in Mendocino.
Russian Gulch Waterfall Hike
There are various trails at Russian Gulch State Park but the waterfall hike should definitely be added to your itinerary if you enjoy hiking. There are a few trails that lead to the waterfall and they are between 3.9 – 6.3 miles out and back (depending on the route), and have a 250–350 foot change in elevation.
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve boasts a unique ecological staircase, featuring five different terraces that showcase diverse ecosystems, from headlands to forests to wetlands. The park offers multiple hiking trails, including the popular Ecological Staircase Trail, which provides stunning views.
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
You can find towering ancient redwoods, lush ferns, and the serene Navarro River at Navarro River Redwoods State Park. The park features multiple trails of varying difficulty levels.
Navarro Point Preserve
The trails at Navarro Point Preserve are well-maintained and offer stunning vistas and an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Mendocino County.
Navarro Point Preserve is a coastal area known for its scenic vistas, meadows, and bluffs, while Navarro River Redwoods State Park is a park known for its redwood trees and scenic river. Both offer great hiking opportunities, but they are distinct locations with different features.
Mackerricher State Park
If you’re looking for coastal hiking adventures head to Mackerricher State Park. Enjoy ocean vistas, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs! Mackerricher State Park offers a range of scenic trails for hikers of all levels. Explore the Ten Mile Beach Trail, which follows the coastline, or venture into the park’s dense forests on the Inglenook Fen-Ten Mile Dunes Natural Preserve Trail, where you can spot diverse wildlife.
Goat Rock State Park
Goat Rock State Park takes hikers along the coastal bluffs with vistas of the rugged coastline, sea stacks, and sandy beaches. For a shorter hike, the Goat Rock Overlook Trail offers epic views of the iconic Goat Rock, a massive offshore sea stack.
Hendy Woods State Park
Hendy Woods State Park has a variety of scenic hiking trails. The Big Hendy Grove Loop Trail is a popular 2.4-mile loop trail through ancient redwoods. For a shorter option, the Little Hendy Grove Loop Trail offers a gentle 1-mile loop.
Van Damme State Park
Van Damme State Park is known for its lush fern-filled canyons and dense forests. The Fern Canyon Trail is a must-visit, taking hikers on a magical journey through a picturesque canyon draped in ferns and redwood trees. The Pygmy Forest Trail is another uniqu
