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Things to Do in Mendocino County
The list of fun things to do in Mendocino County could go on forever, so to narrow it down, we created an agenda of can’t-miss activities in the region. Add these trips to your weekend getaway and discover what makes Mendocino County the crown jewel of the California coastline.
10390 Kasten St.
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-3200
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 179 Reviews
This is the perfect lunch spot to try a delicious meal crafted using flavorful Mendocino ingredients. Snag a seat on the back patio for a view of the ocean and the restaurant’s colorful flower garden. Insider tip: Visitors rave about the housemade fettucini and the fresh fish tacos.
10450 Lansing St.
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-3140
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 45 Reviews
For a quick bite to eat before you set out for the day, stop by Garden Bakery. Fluffy pastries are baked in-house daily and the restaurant offers plenty of healthy breakfast options, including a gluten-free menu section. Insider tip: Leave the credit cards at home. The bakery is a cash-only breakfast spot.
2800 Guntly Rd.
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-3737
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 9 Reviews
Reservations: Not required
Take a scenic tour of the wine trail along Anderson Valley. First stop, Lula Cellars. Their handful of gold medal winners, including the 2012 Pinot Noir and 2013 Zinfandel, will impress even the most discerning tastebuds. Insider tip: If you’re a dog owner, bring them along. Lula Cellars allows visitors to bring pets along, even inside the tasting room.
3151 Highway 128
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-3876
TripAdvisor: 5 Stars, 33 Reviews
Reservations: Not required
Next up on the wine tour is Handley Cellars, a lush country vineyard overgrown with gorgeous vines and bright flowers. The family-owned winery uses only organically farmed fruit to create red, whites, and even sparkling wines. Insider tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour guides will take you on an expansive walking tour of the grounds.
1252 Airport Park Blvd.
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707)467-2337
TripAdvisor: 3.5 Stars, 7 Reviews
Are you a beer fanatic? Stop by Mendocino Brewing Company to try one of the more than 20 craft ales. This local brewery has grown to become the 30th largest craft brewer in the United States. Insider tip: Try their flagship beer, the Red Tail Ale.
5101 Highway 128
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-2209
Reservations: Not required
Phillips Hill Winery focuses on producing quality Pinot Noirs. Tastings are held in the historic apple dryer barn, originally built in the 1880s. Although updated for modern comfort, the tasting room retains all the former charm. Insider tip: The vineyard also contains an apple orchard and gives guided tours of the on-site apple drying facility.
18220 Highway 1
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-4352
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 666 reviews
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is famous for their Rhododendrons, heathers, and succulents. Walk these gorgeous gardens to discover a variety of exotic plants and over 150 species of birds. Insider tip: Bring along Fido on your trip to the gardens. Pets on leashes are welcome and will love to take in all the exciting smells of the botanical gardens.
45500 Lighthouse Rd.
Point Arena, CA 95468
(707) 882-2809
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 67 Reviews
The tallest Pacific Coast lighthouse and closest spot in the continental U.S. to Hawaii, the Point Arena Lighthouse should definitely be on your list of places to visit near Mendocino. Take a guided tour all the way to the top of the lighthouse and learn about the interesting history of the building. You can even plan a horseback riding expedition on the beach right beside the lighthouse. Too tired to drive home afterwards? Stay at the one of the lighthouse vacation rentals and see the sunset from one of the most breathtaking spots around. Insider tip: To see the lighthouse in action, visit in the evenings for a guided night tour.
45035 Main St.
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-5397
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 42 Reviews
Immerse yourself in Mendocino history at this museum located inside the Mendocino Headlands State Park. Learn about the earliest settlements in the area, including the indigenous people of the region, the Pomo Native Americans. Seasonal exhibits highlight the local plants and wildlife. Insider tip: Plan your visit to the Ford House Museum in March for a guided whale watching tour.
7751 Highway 1
Little River, CA 95456
(707) 937-5942
The Little River Inn has the only golf course located directly on the Mendocino coast. These 18 holes wind through redwood trees along the Pacific Ocean, providing you with stunning scenery during your golf game. Insider tip: Keep an eye out for an abundance of wildlife on the course. The inn’s golf course is one of only 35 golf courses in California to be designated as an Audubon-certified cooperative sanctuary.
28300 Philo Greenwood Rd.
Elk, CA 95432
(707) 877-1834
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 30 Reviews
Ross Ranch brings country living to the West Coast. Go for a ride along the famous Mendocino beaches or take your horse for a guided tour through the towering redwood forests. You may even get to see dolphins and other sea animals as you ride along the coast. Insider tip: Write down directions before heading to the ranch. Cell phone service in the area can be spotty at best.
Mendocino Headlands State Park, CA 95460
Spend New Year’s in Mendocino to experience the annual whale migration. Thousands of California Grey Whales travel from the icy Alaskan waters down to Baja California from January to the beginning of March. Insider tip: Boat rentals in the Mendocino area allow you to get front row seats for this amazing view of nature at its best.
15501 North Highway 1
Caspar, CA 95420
(707) 964-4630
TripAdvisor: 5 Stars, 69 Reviews
This naturally crafted staircase winds along the coastline, forming a 2.5 mile trail that is open to the public. Stroll along the five terraces, created from erosive, glacial, and tectonic movements. The Jug Handle Ecological Staircase shows a clear successive timeline of the constantly evolving landscape. Insider tip: Bring your beach gear. The trail ends at a secluded beach that is open to visitors.
Van Damme Beach State Park, Highway 1
Little River, CA 95456
(707) 937-0700
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 41 Reviews
Get out on the water and explore the sea caves that line the Mendocino coastline. Take the sea cave nature tour to see harbor seals, sea stars, and vibrant algae. These guided tours require no prior experience and is a great way for beginners to learn the interesting sport of kayaking. Insider tip: Try the paddle boarding lessons for more of a challenge.
12301 North Highway 1
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-5804
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 118 Reviews
Hike the roughly 7.5 miles of coastal trails in Russian Gulch State Park. With over 7,600 feet of the trail bordering the coast, the trails provide a scenic exercise route that even boast a 36-foot high waterfall. If biking is more your speed, there is a three-mile paved trail open year-round to bikers. Insider tip: Visit the “Blow Hole”, a formation created by the waves pounding along the coast for hundreds of years.
Mendocino Headlands State Park, CA 95460
Held annually since 1986 in July, the Mendocino Music Festival provides guests with a medley of classical, jazz, swing, folk, and bluegrass bands. Insider tip: Although the festival costs around $50, you can attend the rehearsals for free and get a behind-the-scenes peek at how orchestras and bands put together these impressive events.
The Water Tower at Ukiah Street
Mendocino, CA 95460
Ukiah St.
(707) 937-0171
This weekend film festival takes place every year in June at venues throughout Mendocino County. The festival hosts a unique collection of independent films, documentaries, foreign films, and local student entries. Insider tip: Purchase tickets well in advance. This festival is popular in the region and film screenings often sell out.
Looking to spend more than a weekend on the Northern California Coast? Use our Complete Guide to Mendocino County and plan an unforgettable trip to this picturesque region.
The Tastiest Meals in Mendocino
Image Source: Yelp
Trillium Cafe & Inn10390 Kasten St.
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-3200
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 179 Reviews
This is the perfect lunch spot to try a delicious meal crafted using flavorful Mendocino ingredients. Snag a seat on the back patio for a view of the ocean and the restaurant’s colorful flower garden. Insider tip: Visitors rave about the housemade fettucini and the fresh fish tacos.
Image Source: Yelp
Garden Bakery10450 Lansing St.
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-3140
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 45 Reviews
For a quick bite to eat before you set out for the day, stop by Garden Bakery. Fluffy pastries are baked in-house daily and the restaurant offers plenty of healthy breakfast options, including a gluten-free menu section. Insider tip: Leave the credit cards at home. The bakery is a cash-only breakfast spot.
Where to Wine (or Beer)
Image Source: Yelp & Lula Cellars
Lula Cellars2800 Guntly Rd.
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-3737
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 9 Reviews
Reservations: Not required
Take a scenic tour of the wine trail along Anderson Valley. First stop, Lula Cellars. Their handful of gold medal winners, including the 2012 Pinot Noir and 2013 Zinfandel, will impress even the most discerning tastebuds. Insider tip: If you’re a dog owner, bring them along. Lula Cellars allows visitors to bring pets along, even inside the tasting room.
Image Source: Yelp
Handley Cellars3151 Highway 128
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-3876
TripAdvisor: 5 Stars, 33 Reviews
Reservations: Not required
Next up on the wine tour is Handley Cellars, a lush country vineyard overgrown with gorgeous vines and bright flowers. The family-owned winery uses only organically farmed fruit to create red, whites, and even sparkling wines. Insider tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour guides will take you on an expansive walking tour of the grounds.
Image Source: Yelp
Mendocino Brewing Company1252 Airport Park Blvd.
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707)467-2337
TripAdvisor: 3.5 Stars, 7 Reviews
Are you a beer fanatic? Stop by Mendocino Brewing Company to try one of the more than 20 craft ales. This local brewery has grown to become the 30th largest craft brewer in the United States. Insider tip: Try their flagship beer, the Red Tail Ale.
Image Source: Yelp
Phillips Hill Winery5101 Highway 128
Philo, CA 95466
(707) 895-2209
Reservations: Not required
Phillips Hill Winery focuses on producing quality Pinot Noirs. Tastings are held in the historic apple dryer barn, originally built in the 1880s. Although updated for modern comfort, the tasting room retains all the former charm. Insider tip: The vineyard also contains an apple orchard and gives guided tours of the on-site apple drying facility.
Must-See Mendocino Museums & Gardens
Image Source: Yelp
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens18220 Highway 1
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-4352
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 666 reviews
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is famous for their Rhododendrons, heathers, and succulents. Walk these gorgeous gardens to discover a variety of exotic plants and over 150 species of birds. Insider tip: Bring along Fido on your trip to the gardens. Pets on leashes are welcome and will love to take in all the exciting smells of the botanical gardens.
Image Source: Yelp
Point Arena Lighthouse45500 Lighthouse Rd.
Point Arena, CA 95468
(707) 882-2809
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 67 Reviews
The tallest Pacific Coast lighthouse and closest spot in the continental U.S. to Hawaii, the Point Arena Lighthouse should definitely be on your list of places to visit near Mendocino. Take a guided tour all the way to the top of the lighthouse and learn about the interesting history of the building. You can even plan a horseback riding expedition on the beach right beside the lighthouse. Too tired to drive home afterwards? Stay at the one of the lighthouse vacation rentals and see the sunset from one of the most breathtaking spots around. Insider tip: To see the lighthouse in action, visit in the evenings for a guided night tour.
Image Source: Yelp
Ford House Museum45035 Main St.
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-5397
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 42 Reviews
Immerse yourself in Mendocino history at this museum located inside the Mendocino Headlands State Park. Learn about the earliest settlements in the area, including the indigenous people of the region, the Pomo Native Americans. Seasonal exhibits highlight the local plants and wildlife. Insider tip: Plan your visit to the Ford House Museum in March for a guided whale watching tour.
Enjoying The Great Outdoors
Image Source: Yelp
Golf at Little River Inn7751 Highway 1
Little River, CA 95456
(707) 937-5942
The Little River Inn has the only golf course located directly on the Mendocino coast. These 18 holes wind through redwood trees along the Pacific Ocean, providing you with stunning scenery during your golf game. Insider tip: Keep an eye out for an abundance of wildlife on the course. The inn’s golf course is one of only 35 golf courses in California to be designated as an Audubon-certified cooperative sanctuary.
Image Source: Yelp
Ross Ranch28300 Philo Greenwood Rd.
Elk, CA 95432
(707) 877-1834
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 30 Reviews
Ross Ranch brings country living to the West Coast. Go for a ride along the famous Mendocino beaches or take your horse for a guided tour through the towering redwood forests. You may even get to see dolphins and other sea animals as you ride along the coast. Insider tip: Write down directions before heading to the ranch. Cell phone service in the area can be spotty at best.
Image Source: Yelp
Annual Whale MigrationMendocino Headlands State Park, CA 95460
Spend New Year’s in Mendocino to experience the annual whale migration. Thousands of California Grey Whales travel from the icy Alaskan waters down to Baja California from January to the beginning of March. Insider tip: Boat rentals in the Mendocino area allow you to get front row seats for this amazing view of nature at its best.
Image Source: Yelp
Jug Handle Ecological Staircase15501 North Highway 1
Caspar, CA 95420
(707) 964-4630
TripAdvisor: 5 Stars, 69 Reviews
This naturally crafted staircase winds along the coastline, forming a 2.5 mile trail that is open to the public. Stroll along the five terraces, created from erosive, glacial, and tectonic movements. The Jug Handle Ecological Staircase shows a clear successive timeline of the constantly evolving landscape. Insider tip: Bring your beach gear. The trail ends at a secluded beach that is open to visitors.
Image Source: Yelp
Kayak MendocinoVan Damme Beach State Park, Highway 1
Little River, CA 95456
(707) 937-0700
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 41 Reviews
Get out on the water and explore the sea caves that line the Mendocino coastline. Take the sea cave nature tour to see harbor seals, sea stars, and vibrant algae. These guided tours require no prior experience and is a great way for beginners to learn the interesting sport of kayaking. Insider tip: Try the paddle boarding lessons for more of a challenge.
Image Source: Yelp
Hiking at Russian Gulch State Park12301 North Highway 1
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-5804
TripAdvisor: 4.5 Stars, 118 Reviews
Hike the roughly 7.5 miles of coastal trails in Russian Gulch State Park. With over 7,600 feet of the trail bordering the coast, the trails provide a scenic exercise route that even boast a 36-foot high waterfall. If biking is more your speed, there is a three-mile paved trail open year-round to bikers. Insider tip: Visit the “Blow Hole”, a formation created by the waves pounding along the coast for hundreds of years.
Image Source: Yelp
Mendocino Music FestivalMendocino Headlands State Park, CA 95460
Held annually since 1986 in July, the Mendocino Music Festival provides guests with a medley of classical, jazz, swing, folk, and bluegrass bands. Insider tip: Although the festival costs around $50, you can attend the rehearsals for free and get a behind-the-scenes peek at how orchestras and bands put together these impressive events.
Image Source: Facebook
Mendocino Film FestivalThe Water Tower at Ukiah Street
Mendocino, CA 95460
Ukiah St.
(707) 937-0171
This weekend film festival takes place every year in June at venues throughout Mendocino County. The festival hosts a unique collection of independent films, documentaries, foreign films, and local student entries. Insider tip: Purchase tickets well in advance. This festival is popular in the region and film screenings often sell out.
Looking to spend more than a weekend on the Northern California Coast? Use our Complete Guide to Mendocino County and plan an unforgettable trip to this picturesque region.
Author
WineCountry Collective
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