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Growing up in Northern California, I visited Mendocino just once. It was really Big Sur (on the Central California Coast) that had my heart. I recently however re-discovered Mendocino on a three hour drive from San Francisco and was completely blown away by this quaint seaside town.
So what’s the big deal about Mendocino? In fact, I feel like it’s often overshadowed by Big Sur in Central California and I’m not entirely sure why. Mendocino’s rugged coastline is home to Victorian villages, Redwoods, glass beaches, and the only oceanfront botanical garden in the US. At times I felt like I was in Ireland, the cliffs were that green. In this blog I’ll share 15 marvelous things to do in Mendocino including a place to stay that will blow your mind away!
Things to do in Mendocino
Here are 13 things to do in Mendocino on your weekend getaway.
Hike Russian Gulch State Park
I love waterfalls so I chose to hike the Russian Gulch Waterfall trail at the Russian Gulch State Park. Entry into the park is $8 and you can drive in all the way to the very end (until you come to a gate) to find parking for the waterfall trailhead. From here you walk straight past the gate on a gravel path through lush surroundings with ferns all over. It’s honestly quite beautiful….and quiet. I hardly saw another soul but I also went during the weekday. The trail is fairly maintained.
You’ll soon come to a fork, stay left and soon after you’ll climb a set of stairs toward the gushing falls. The sound of the falling water was so soothing. The Russian Gulch Waterfall is 36 feet tall and is stunning when the water is flowing. I went right after a series of storms in April 2023. You can also walk down to the falls or sit on the bench at the top and take in the scene. I walked back the way same way I came because I wanted to explore more of Mendocino that afternoon. This hike was about 3.5 miles roundtrip and is a must if you love the outdoors.
Walk Downtown Mendocino
Strolling downtown Mendocino is one of the things to do in Mendocino because this area is just so utterly charming. The Victorian village of Mendocino is perched on a bluff on the ocean side of California Highway 1. The streets are lined with cute boutique shops and art galleries that are fun to pop in. My favorites are Village Toy Store, Mendocino Jams & Preserves, Village Sock Shop, Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle’s Children’s Books (even comes with a cat), and the Garden Bakery.
Explore Mendocino Headlands State Park
Don’t have the budget or time for Ireland? No problem, just head to Mendocino Headlands State Park! Walking on the cliffs transported me to another world and I felt like I was in Ireland! There are miles of easy trails along the bluffs, allowing for magnificent photo ops of the ocean and the sea caves and arches along the coastline. This is a must on your list of things to do in Mendocino.
Ford House Museum
When you visit Mendocino, the Ford House museum is nice to visit as it also serves as the visitor center. The historic house was built in 1854 by Jerome Ford, the superintendent of the first sawmill in Mendocino, for himself and his bride Martha.
Step inside to see a scale model of Mendocino as it was in 1890, built by a local craftsman, Len Peterson. You can view videos on a number of topics, and browse the exhibits, which include historical photos and other artifacts that document the town’s past.
If a docent-led tour or talk is being offered when you visit, join to learn a great deal about local history, the natural features of the region, and flora and fauna. Contact staff in advance if you are interested in a tour.
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
Hike the 5-mile out and back Ecological Staircase Trail, which will take you up from the bluffs and through redwoods along a series of three terraces into the pygmy forest, where the stunted trees are actually very old.
Get ready to see Bolander pine, dwarf manzanita, and pygmy cypress, among many other species of plants. There is also a staircase that leads down to the beach, where you can walk at low tide but know that the waves can be rough and swimming is not encouraged. There are also tables by the parking area if you decide to do a picnic lunch here!
Kayak Big River
I would highly recommend a redwood outrigger canoe with Catch a Canoe. These canoes are noted for their stability so if you’re afraid of tipping, don’t be. The outrigger floats, or the twin hulls of the catamaran, provide a measure of stability not found in other canoes or kayaks. In addition, the narrow, efficient hull and float design reduces the amount of effort typically needed for canoe propulsion.
They are available in different sizes, and handcrafted from wood repurposed from old redwood barns. This is a unique way to enjoy Mendocino on the river!
The Big River estuary in Mendocino Headlands State Park is one of those best of both worlds scenarios where dense Redwood forest and fresh, lazy river water meet rocky beaches and the mighty Pacific. Canoe up the river and pull over to explore the Redwood forest – there are plenty of small trails winding on either side of the river. About a half mile up the river there are some cool islands and channels to paddle around. Definitely an activity to add to your list of things to do in Mendocino!
Visit the Cabrillo Light House
This State Historic Park occupies a spectacular headland extending out into the Pacific. There is a parking area inside the gate off Point Cabrillo Drive, adjacent to the restored Kearn farmhouse. It’s a half mile downhill walk to the Light Station buildings.
There are two paths to the Station. The dirt path begins at the north end of the parking lot and takes you through the introduced grassland and coastal prairie. The paved access road to the south is an easier walk. Please use established trails and keep dogs leashed and under control at all times.
The main floor of the Lighthouse, the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s House and the Marine Science Exhibit are open to the public from 11am to 4pm year-round. The State Historic Park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. For those of you that have dogs, the main floor of the Lighthouse is dog-friendly.
Van Damme State Park
Three miles south of Mendocino on Highway One, Van Damme State Park is all about a scenic beach, a lush fern-filled forest, and year-round camping. The highway runs through the park, separating the campground and the Fern Canyon trail head to the east from the beach and parking lot to the west. You can even launch a kayak in a protected cove or explore a pygmy forest, hike the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail beside Little River.
Of all the park system’s units along the Mendocino coast, Van Damme is perhaps the richest in terms of historical resources connected with the redwood lumber industry. Its story is a prime example of the struggles and eventual failures of a small, independent lumber operation.
Dogs are allowed in the campground, beach and Spring Ranch but they aren’t allowed on Fern Canyon Trail, Old Logging Road Trail, or Pygmy Forest Trail
Fort Bragg
You can’t visit Mendocino and not stop by Fort Bragg! The biggest city on the Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is home to the world-famous Skunk Train, the extraordinary Glass Beach, and the spectacular Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. I walked around Fort Bragg one afternoon and it’s such a cute town just within walking distance from the Skunk Train which is a bucketlist activity in Mendocino.
Ten Mile Beach Dunes has a southern, middle, and top access point where you can go and explore the sand dunes. These are easy to access, and just a short walk from any of the parking places you might pick. Access is also free and it’s cool to see sand dunes unexpectedly in Mendocino. MacKerricher State Park is also great for abalone shells, and you may even see seals out on the rocks.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
What’s unique about this botanical garden is that it’s one of the few that gardens that front an ocean shore. Visiting hours are Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm, and Friday through Sunday 9am to 6pm. The gardens are absolutely a joy to wander through especially on the ocean view trail. I thoroughly enjoyed the Rhododendron collection and I highly encourage you to stop by this beautiful place. The on-site store has some wonderful souvenirs for purchase. Tip: On the ocean view trail, be sure to stop by the Cliff House. It provides a cozy place to view the bluffs and ocean through large picture windows and is super cute!
Ride the Skunk Train
This HAS to be on your list of things to do in Mendocino. To book, click this link. Imagine stepping back in time for a magical ride through the redwoods on a historic train. Since 1885 the Skunk train has made its way through old-growth redwood groves, over scenic trestle bridges, through spectacular tunnels, and into the heart of the Noyo River canyon. I enjoyed the same pristine views that have remained largely unchanged for well over a century on my ride through the groves. You can either ride in the open carriage or take a seat inside. Tip: The train has snacks and drinks for purchase so save your appetite.
I chose the Pudding Creek Express ride. This ride involves a scenic 7-mile round trip along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary – home to blue herons, ospreys, egrets, and more. You drive to the Fort Bragg depot, park in the parking lot, grab your tickets from the station, and embark on a one hour 15 minute round trip, with a 20-35 minute stop at the very charming Glen Blair Junction. During the stop you can relax or take a small hike to The Glen.
Ride the Pudding Creek Railbikes
If you don’t want to ride the train and are looking for an alternate or more active way to experience the redwood groves, I highly recommend the railbikes! The two person railbikes also depart from the Fort Bragg depot and is 7 miles with the same stopover at the Glen Blair Junction. This is such a fun ride and you can either choose to pedal the entire time or just let the electric bike do the work as you enjoy the spectacular nature around you.
Sunset at Glass Beach
End your trip with sunset at the most unique beach in California – Glass Beach. Yes the beach is actually strewn with glass! This might be the most searched beach in California! This site was once a trash dump and the broken bottles from garbage cans of local residents have been transformed into little treasures to be found and photographed. It is illegal to remove any glass from Glass Beach, but this hasn’t stopped people from taking what seems like a harmless amount. Over the years visitors have pilfered it piece by piece and depleted the beach of its namesake glass. Sea glass is still abundant, but nothing like it used to be. I still had a wonderful time enjoying the remaining glass and strolling along the different coves. Sunset here hits differently and is absolutely magical.
Where to Stay in Mendocino
On your visit to Mendocino you must add the Elk Forest Retreat to your list of things to do in Mendocino. It is one of the most magical places to stay. This retreat is nestled among redwood trees a few miles from the Pacific Ocean in the town of Elk, CA, a short coastal drive from the historic village of Mendocino.
You can choose from three accommodations that include the Forest Camping Hut, Camper Hide Out or a Water Tower Retreat. My recommendation is the incredible Forest Camping Hut, a cozy cabin located in the middle of the forest. There is a plush queen-size bed with soft beddings and a wonderful propane heater to keep things nice and warm if you’re going in winter. The BEST part about this place is its unique private outdoor bathtub with shower. This is absolutely magical and you have to experience it for yourself. There is a private outdoors toilet and small kitchen space as well to make basic food as well as tea/coffee (which are provided).
Where to Eat in Mendocino
Little River Inn Restaurant
This restaurant is located inside the charming Little River Inn and you can even see the ocean from their dining room. The menu is top notch and includes the Smoked Cod Rillettes, Bouillabaisse with Lobster-Saffron Broth, and Lemon Caper Petrale Sole. I’d also recommend the Flat Iron Steak. My favorites included the Beets with Goat Cheese in the small plates, the Roasted Squash Bisque, and the whole fried Rock Cod which was incredible.
The restaurant also has wines from Mendocino County in nearby Anderson Valley!
Mendocino Cafe
This restaurant is in the heart of Mendocino village and has cute outdoor seating with heaters. The restaurant prides itself in serving “organic ingredients healthy for the planet and our customers.” I loved the casual ambience and enjoyed the Healing Bowl and Asian Stir Fry so very much that I came back twice to eat here during my visit.
Trillium Cafe
Also located in Mendocino village, this cafe is known for its seafood. Travel and Leisure said “…this restaurant is beloved for its quintessential California cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood.” I have to agree! Dining in their garden is like dining someplace romantic in Paris.
Flow
If you’re looking for a place in the village to enjoy drinks and appetizers or dinner during sunset, look no further then Flow’s patio. On a good sunny day, there is nothing more charming than sipping a glass of Prosecco and dining at Flow. Check out the place and…go with the flow!
GoodLife Cafe & Bakery
One of my favorite stops here, the homemade goodies are incredible! Definitely stop by for a bite, lunch or even just a coffee! You won’t regret it.
Conclusion
Mendocino totally took me by surprise and I’ve already planned my second and third visit back this summer! It’s an easy getaway from the Bay Area and offers an unspoiled, quieter yet charming alternative to Big Sur on the Central California Coast. Next time you’re looking for a coastal getaway, think Mendocino and let it wow you. Drop me a line if you end up going or have any questions!
