Welcome to the Mendocino Coast
What to do…
Hikes
Mendocino Headlands State Park – Relaxing coastal walk with dramatic ocean bluffs, wildflowers, and sweeping views.
Russian Gulch State Park – Coastal trail and a lush forest trail leading to a picturesque 36-foot waterfall.
Montgomery Woods – About 45 minutes inland, but worth the drive to see some of California’s tallest and most majestic redwoods.
Van Damme State Park – The Fern Canyon trail winds through a magical, shaded canyon lined with ferns and creeks.
Jug Handle State Reserve – Unique Ecological Staircase hike through 500,000 years of geology.
MacKerricher State Park – Tide pooling, seal watching, and a long coastal boardwalk.
Ten Mile Beach Dunes – A bit farther north, but stunning and uncrowded.
Seasonal Experiences
Whale Watching (Dec–Apr) – Boat tours out of Noyo Harbor or land-based viewing from the Headlands.
Mushroom Foraging (Fall) – Mendocino is known as the Mushroom Capital.
Crab Season (Winter) – Fresh, local Dungeness crab from Noyo Harbor or Princess Seafood.
Arts & Culture
Mendocino Art Center – Classes, exhibits, and local artist studios.
Highlight Gallery – Coastal-inspired art in Mendocino Village.
Local Live Music – Check venues like The Sequoia Room in Fort Bragg.
Activities
Horseback Riding with Tobi from Ross Ranch (Manchester) - experience one of the most stunning beach rides on the Mendocino Coast. This ride is suitable for all levels — even first-time or inexperienced riders will feel comfortable and taken care of.
Explore the quaint town of Mendocino (shops & restaurants)
Big River Beach - great for a bonfire, but please be respectful
Visit the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
Visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Kayak Mendocino (Little River) – Guided sea cave tours from Van Damme State Beach. Paddle through arches, tunnels, and around seal colonies — beginner-friendly and great for families. Great tour guides!
www.kayakmendocino.comRent a Canoe/Kayak - A one-of-a-kind spot where you can rent redwood outrigger canoes, kayaks, or SUPs to explore the calm waters of Big River Estuary. Perfect for wildlife watching — keep an eye out for harbor seals, river otters, and herons while you paddle.
Ride the Skunk Train or Rent the Railbikes
Wellness
Sweetwater Inn & Spa (Mendocino) – Wooden hot tubs and massages in the heart of Mendocino.
Orr Hot Springs – Secluded clothing-optional retreat near Ukiah with mineral soaking pools, private tubs, and a tranquil forest setting. Perfect for a restorative day trip or overnight escape.
www.orrhotsprings.org
Where to eat…
Restaurants
Little River Inn (Little River) – Classic coastal dining with an ocean ocean view bar. Tip: Eat at the ocean view bar!
Cafe Beaujolais (Mendocino) - Elegant fine dining in a historic Victorian farmhouse, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
The Harbor House (Elk) - A two-Michelin-starred experience with stunning ocean views and a hyper-local tasting menu.
The Brickery (Mendocino) – Artisan wood-fired pizzas served in the beautiful garden of Café Beaujolais.
Good Life Cafe (Mendocino) – Beloved for hearty breakfasts, fresh baked goods, and casual lunches.
Patterson’s Irish Pub (Mendocino) – Friendly Irish pub with hearty comfort food, great beer, and a lively local vibe.
Fog Eater (Mendocino) – Creative vegetarian and vegan fare with a Southern twist.
Princess Seafood (Fort Bragg)– Fresh, sustainable seafood caught by local fisherwomen.
Sea Pal’s (Fort Bragg) – Casual harbor-side spot for fish & chips and local brews.
Noyo Fish Company (Fort Bragg) – Fresh, fast, and delicious — known for crispy fish & chips, fish tacos, and clam chowder. Great for a casual bite right by the harbor.
Noyo Harbor Inn (Fort Bragg) - Serving breakfast/brunch & dinner with river views.
Los Gallitos (Fort Bragg) - Favorite local spot for Mexican food.
The Elk Store (Elk) – Iconic deli and wine shop known for gourmet sandwiches, perfect for a picnic.
Coffee Shops and Bars
Dick’s Bar (Mendocino) - dive bar in Mendocino with ocean views
Patterson’s (Mendocino) - A cozy Irish pub loved by locals and visitors alike. Great spot for hearty comfort food, fish & chips, burgers, and an excellent beer selection. It’s family-friendly, dog-friendly on the patio, and always lively after a day of exploring.
The Waiting Room (Mendocino) – Stylish café by day and bar by night, located at Café Beaujolais.
Local Markets
Harvest Market (Mendocino)– Best local grocery in Mendocino for fresh produce, organic foods, and specialty items.
Corners of the Mouth (Mendocino) – Quirky, beloved health food store inside a historic church. Perfect for bulk grains, natural remedies, and local goods.
Wineries & Breweries
Pacific Star Winery (Fort Bragg) – Stunning oceanfront winery just north of Fort Bragg.
Navarro Vineyards (Philo) – One of our favorites! Family-owned vineyard with wines, grape juice, and picnic spots.
Pennyroyal Farm (Boonville) – One of our favorites! Boutique winery in Boonville with delicious goat & sheep cheeses.
Scharffenberger Cellars (Anderson Valley) – One of our favorites for sparkling wine & champagne.
Husch Vineyards (Anderson Valley) – One of the oldest wineries in Anderson Valley with a rustic, charming tasting room.
Goldeneye Winery (Anderson Valley) – Elegant Pinot Noir and a gorgeous garden setting in Philo.
Breweries & Beer
North Coast Brewing Co. (Fort Bragg) – Legendary local brewery known for its Scrimshaw Pilsner and Old Rasputin Stout. Great taproom, brewery tours, and a lively jazz club.
www.northcoastbrewing.comAnderson Valley Brewing Company (Boonville) – Iconic craft brewery in wine country, famous for its Boont Amber Ale, sours, and a relaxed beer garden setting.
www.avbc.comTall Guy Brewing (Fort Bragg) – Small-batch brewery in downtown Fort Bragg, offering rotating seasonal beers and a friendly, coastal vibe.
Overtime Brewing (Fort Bragg) – Local microbrewery with a casual vibe, serving unique beers like jalapeño ales and fruit infusions.
www.overtimebrewing.com
Local tourism website: www.visitmendocino.com