Discover
THE TOWN
Discover The Mendocino Coast
The greatest thing about the Mendocino Coast is its stunning, rugged natural beauty. It combines dramatic ocean bluffs, redwood forests, unique beaches like Glass Beach, and diverse state parks – such as Mendocino Headlands and Russian Gulch - with charming Victorian villages like Mendocino and Fort Bragg. Featuring a thriving arts scene, local wineries, and historic lighthouses, the area offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxed, artistic coastal charm near Seafoam Lodge.
California gray whales humpback whales, blue whales and occasionally orcas off the coast of Mendocino, California. Boats go out late December through April aligning with the peak gray whale migration.
See the best of Mendocino, Go on Sea Cave kayaking tours, taking you on a guided, 90-minute paddle through protected marine tunnels, rocky coves, and sandstone arches starting from Van Damme State Beach.
Mendocino, Ca is a premier birdwatching destination on the Pacific Flyway, boasting nearly 400 documented bird species due to its rich tapestry of coastal bluffs, ancient redwood forests, riparian wetlands, and unique pygmy habitats.
Mendocino offers a multi-environment fishing experience that spans dramatic ocean bluffs, pristine coastal rivers, and massive inland reservoirs. From deep-sea charters, pier to shore fishing – among all these to do here, fishing is one you don’t want to miss.
Explore and experience the stunning 47-acre public garden situated directly on the ocean bluffs in Mendocino County, just south of Fort Bragg offering an exquisite blend of manicured displays, vibrant plant collections, coastal pine forests, and dramatic clifftop views.
Experience the world-famous, historic rail journey that has been winding down through the majestic redwood forests of Mendocino since 1885. From scenic train rides, guided excursions, and specialized tours.
Historical Museums can be found right in the heart of Mendocino. You’ll find Kelley House museum Located at 45007 Albion St, this museum occupies a restored 1861 Victorian home and features local artifacts, photographs, and rotating exhibits on the town's founding families Ford House Visitor Center and Museum
Situated at 45035 Main St, this coastal building functions as both a state park visitor center and a museum displaying local pioneer history alongside a detailed scale model of early Mendocino.
Recreation on the Mendocino Coast
Visitor Guides | Resources | Planning Packets
Free to the Community
Great for Connecting with Local Business Network
https://www.mendocinocoast.comTrain Rides | Excursions | Electric Railbike Tours
Prices Vary
Great for Kids, Families, Hikers
https://www.skunktrain.comKayaks | Canoes | Outriggers- Bicycles
Prices vary based on Kind of Rental and Hours
Perfect for Wildlife Viewing, Guided Tours, Pet-Friendly Outings, Exploring the Big River
https://catchacanoe.comHikes | Nature Walks | Biking
Free to Enter the National Park sections Or Drive through the Scenic Highways
Great for Nature Lovers and Hikers, Travelers and Families
https://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htmState Parks and Hiking Trails
Walk Trails | Tidepools | Bluffs | Ocean Views | Creek
Free admission and free Parkin in the lot of Hwy 1
Dog-Friendly, Great for Hikers, Nature Lovers, Day-Trippers, Photographers, Budget-Friendly Travelers / Families
https://www.parks.ca.gov/Whale Watching | Laguna Point Boardwalk | Hike the Sand Dunes & Trails of 10 mile Beach & Dunes Natural Preserve | Birdwatching | Camping | Biking | Jogging
Free for pedestrian day use , Specific fees apply if you drive Or stay overnight.
Pet-Friendly, Great for Nature Lovers, Campers, Hikers, Tidepool Explorers, Joggers, Bicyclists, & RVers.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/Walk Trails | Coastal Bluff Path | View Specialized Plant Collections Bird and Wildlife Watching | Family Activities | Wellness Sessions | Annual Events | Garden Store | Rhody’s Garden Café
Admission ranges from free to $24.
Pet-Friendly, Perfect for Nature & Flower Lovers, Birdwatchers & Photographers, Families & Casual Walkers
https://www.gardenbythesea.orgScenic Walk Trails | Horseback Riding | Panoramic views of Pacific Ocean, sea arches, & Hidden grottoes | Secluded Beaches | Day Use only park
Free Admission
Enjoy and Capture the Scenic Wonders. Great for Wildlife Watchers | Families
https://www.parks.ca.gov5 mi. Round-trip hike | Scenic 36-foot waterfall | Sea Cave | 15 mi of trails | Swimming | Tide pooling & Diving | Kayaking & Fishing | Camping Biking | Horseback riding | Picnicking
Day use Fee - $ 7-$10 Camping - $45 per night
Perfect place for Day-trippers, Families, Hikers, Nature Photographers, Divers, Kayakers, Tent & Equestrain Campers & Dog owners
https://www.parks.ca.govCoastal Beach Cove | Inland Redwood forest | Hiking & Exploring – Fern Canyon Scenic Trail & Pygmy Forest Trail | Camping | Jogging | Biking
Day use Fee - $10 per vehicle Camping - $45 per night Beach parking free Other specific fees apply
Great spot for Outdoor enthusiasts | Water sport lovers, hikers and campers
https://www.parks.ca.govArt & Culture
Local artists | Mix of Fine Art and Craft | Monthly Exhibitions
No General Admission or Entrance Fee
Exhibition – Entry Fee - $25- $35
The Perfect Spot for Tourists and Day-Trippers
https://www.edgewater-gallery.comWatch Artists work live | Artworks & Products | Custom Hand-blown glass lighting and other
No General Admission Fee
Great for Beginners, First Time Makers, Families, Kids, Groups, and Communities
http://glassfiregallery.comFine Art Landscape | Wildlife | Coastal & Abstract Photography | Offers Prints
Free Admission for visitors and art buyers
Great for Nature and Coastline Art lovers
https://mcpgg.comDiverse Original, Handcrafted works | Paintings Ceramics | Jewelry | Textiles | Sculpture Exhibitions | First Friday Reception Events
Free Admission
This Place is Perfect for Art Collectors & Enthusiasts | Mendocino Coast Travelers & Tourists
https://www.northcoastartists.orgExtraordinary plays year-round | Comedy | Drama
DFor Standard single admission shows ranging from $21.25 - $37.50
Perfect for viewers who love classic dramas, Contemporary plays, comedies, & Radio-style holiday performances
https://mendocinotheatre.org5 or 6 Classical Concerts a year
Advance tickets - $20 | At the Door $25
Perfect for Classical Music Lovers, Local & International Talent Fans, Mendocino Coast Culture Seekers
(707)-937-1018Amazing musical theater, Showcase & Concert Performances
AAdvance tickets - $20 | At the Door $25
Perfect for Classical Music Lovers, Local & International Talent Fans, Mendocino Coast Culture Seekers
https://www.gloriana.orgFestival in Pavilions on the Seacliff’s | World Music | Classical | Jazz | Latin | Opera | Musicals | Each July
$15 - $75 per event
Great for Classical Music & Symphony Fans, Diverse Music Lovers, Scenic Travelers & Weekend Getaway Seekers
Phone: (707) 937 – 2044 info@mendocinomusic.orgTHE OCEAN and BEACHES
Read these charts to learn on tides For Abalone diving and other water sports
Great for Fisherman, boaters, surfers, Tide Poolers and Marine Explorers
Ca.usharbors.comWhale Watching | Sport Fishing | Salmon | Crab | Tuna | Rock Cod
Prices based on Activity
Perfect for Beginners and Families, Deep sea sport fishermen, Wildlife & Bird enthusiasts.
https://anchorcharterboats.comExplore the Sea Caves & Coastlines around Van Damme | Guided Ocean kayak tours
$80 per adult / $40 per child Package - $350 1-day | $600 2-day
Perfect for Beginners & First – Timers Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts | Families | Groups | Adventure -Seekers and Couples
https://www.kayakmendocino.comHiking | Mountain Biking | Scuba Diving Water recreation – kayaking, canoeing Stand up paddleboarding, swimming | Enjoy scenery | Relax and Play
Family and Dog-Friendly
This Place is Perfect for Art Collectors & Enthusiasts | Mendocino Coast Travelers & Tourists
https://www.californiabeaches.com/Scenery | Picnic | Tide Pools | Fort Bragg Coastal trail connected To Beach – Walk, Run, Bike
This Spot is perfect for Families, Kids, Casual Travelers & Roadtrippers, Nature & Coast Walkers, History Curiosities
https://visitfortbraggca.com/glass-beach/Scenic & Picturesque little cove | Sandy shores | Dramatic Sea stacks | Rock arches | World’s most Beautiful Sunsets | Picnic | Sea Caves
This Spot is great for Family, Dog-Friendly
https://www.parks.ca.gov/Restaurants
Over the Moon Italian Cuisine
$30-60 per person
Reservations Required Vegetarian Options | Live Music
https://www.lunatrattoria.comDelicious & Unique homemade Food for Breakfast, & Lunch | Family Portions Available
$20 – 30 per person
Outdoor / Indoor Seating Vegan Options | Don’t accept reservations
https://www.lunatrattoria.comDrinks, Full Bar | Mendocino County Wines | Irish pub | Burgers | Salads | Chicken strips | & More.
$20 – 30 per person
Outdoor / Indoor Seating Great Cocktails | Don’t accept Reservations | Live Music
https://www.pattersonspub.comElegant mainstay features Seasonal French-inspired cuisine & local wines in a Victorian Farmhouse
$20 – 30 per person
Indoor | Outdoor Seating Vegan Options
https://www.cafebeaujolais.comFine Cuisine & Fine Dining Offering Ocean & Garden Views
$31 – 50 per person for a Full Meal.
Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
https://www.littleriverinn.comAt Noyo Harbor | Fresh Seafood & American Food
$20-60 per person
Casual Waterside spot with Outdoor seats, Great Cocktails, Waterfront Indoor Dining
https://thewharffortbragg.comAuthentic Mexican Food
$10-20 per person
Classic Mexican Comfort Dishes & Cocktails Family-friendly setting Indoor Dining Room
https://www.laplayamex.comThai-Inspired | Seafood | California & American Fare
$20 – 30 per person
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free & Dairy Free options. Outdoor Seating option
https://www.mendocinocafe.comNature and the Wild
MacKerricher State Park, Russian Gulch State Park, Jug Handle State Reserve, Mendocino Headlands State Park
Coastal Bird Walks, Mendocino Coast Audubon Society, National Audubon Society, The California Audubon Society, Peregrine Audubon Society, The American Birding Association, Birding on the Net Towhee.net
Birdwatching with the Audubon Society Early Bird Walks 3rd Wednesdays 8:30am Beginning Birding Walks 1ST Saturdays 9am
Mendocino has a variety options of good food. Here are some restaurants we recommend and send our guests to:
Luna Trattoria - 707-937-3093
Pattersons Pub - 707-937-4782
Cafe Beaujolais - 707-937-5614
Little River Inn - 707-937-5942
The Wharf Restaurant Sports Pub - 707-964-0569
Los Gallitos - 707-964-4519
Cucina Verona - 707-964-6844
Asian Fusion - 707-200-4744
Mendocino Ca. - 2.0 miles
Mendocino Headlands National Park - 0.9 miles
Mendocino Kayak and Sea Tours - 2.0 miles
Van Damme State Park - 0.9 miles
Russian Gulch State Park - 5.6 miles
California Western Railroad Skunk Train - 14.0 miles
MacKerricher State Park - 15.9 miles
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse - 7.0 miles
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens - 10.1 miles
Glass Beach - 13.2 miles