Get ready to experience an incredible adventure! Our itinerary below will help you plan the best four days in Mendocino. Our charming coastal town is one of the quaintest in Northern California. Read on, take notes, and start planning your getaway today with us at Sea Rock Inn! To make your adventure even more unforgettable, download our free Vacation Guide. It features a variety of recommendations that include local restaurants, events, museums, shops, outdoor activities, and more!
Your 4-Day Itinerary to Mendocino, CA
It takes several days to explore all the wonderful aspects of Mendocino. We want you to experience it like a local, and that’s why we created this 4-day itinerary. Whether you follow the order we suggest or mix it up, you’re sure to get a complete picture of this Northern California oasis.
Day 1: Explore the Coast
On your first day in Mendocino, focus on exploring the gorgeous shoreline. The Mendocino coast is full of breathtaking vistas and natural treasures, including sea caves! You can even venture out on the water and see them up–close from your kayak. You can also visit the Mendocino Botanical Gardens to marvel at the blooming flowers and stunning ocean views.
What would a tour of the Mendocino Coast be without a stop at some of the best beaches? Some of our favorites include Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, Navarro River State Park Beach, Russian Gulch State Park Beach, and the magical Glass Beach. As the name suggests, this beach features colorful pieces of smooth glass instead of sand. It’s a must-see!
Day 2: Tour the City
For day two, step back in time and learn about Mendocino’s history. Our town is filled with historical landmarks worth exploring. The Kelly House Museum, for example, is a great starting point if you want to learn about the creation of Mendocino. It opened in 1972 and features historical objects, documents, photographs, and other artifacts that you can discover as you tour the house. Another noteworthy landmark is the Point Arena Lighthouse! This iconic attraction dates back to the 1870s and offers a unique, 360-view of the coast.
Day 3: Wander in Nature
Are you a nature lover? If so, Mendocino offers a wide range of state parks and activities for you to enjoy during your stay. Lace up your favorite hiking shoes and follow our suggestions to some of the most beautiful spots around.
Avenue of Giants
You can’t visit Mendocino without making a stop at this legendary landmark. The Avenue of Giants is a real mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s one of the most famous landscapes in the world, with its 51,000 acres of redwood forest and magnificent trees. One piece of advice: Don’t forget your camera!
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino Headlands State Park is the perfect mix of nature and history. We suggest starting your journey at the historic Ford House that serves as a visitor center. Then, walk along the coast and make your way down to the beach! It’s the ideal spot for picnics.
Big River Estuary
Catch a Canoe and Bicycle, Too is a local company we love to recommend to our guests as it offers great outings on the Big River Estuary. Go for a ride on one of their Polynesian Redwood outriggers or simply rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard! Not only is it fun, but it’s also a golden opportunity to reconnect with nature and soothe your spirit as you listen to the chirping birds surrounding you on the water.
Day 4: Relax and Unwind
Being on vacation also means stopping to take care of yourself. You don’t want to do too much and come home more exhausted than before! That’s why we saved the best for last. We mentioned earlier that Mendocino is a prime location for wellness getaways, and rightfully so! At Sea Rock Inn, we offer packages to help you relax in style. Start by enjoying a spa day with a 60-minute massage, 45-minute dry sauna session, and locally-made, gourmet fudge sampler. Then, practice your handstand by attending a 60-minute class at the Yoga Shine studio (located in the heart of Mendocino). We’ll even provide your mat!
Your Stay at Sea Rock Inn
With our itinerary, you’re sure to spend a fabulous week in Mendocino. But what if you could take it a step further? Don’t settle when it comes to your base camp, and treat yourself to the most relaxing stay possible! Sea Rock Inn is exactly what you’re looking for in a Mendocino accommodation. Did you know we’re one of the top B&Bs in Northern California? We were even named No. 5 in the nation by USA Today! Our seaside amenities and gorgeous accommodations offer splendid views of the ocean, and the blooming flowers in our garden.
Book Suite 7 for your stay, for example. This spacious king bedroom is one of our best suites if you’re looking for Pacific Ocean views. After exploring Mendocino all day, come back and snuggle up by the fireplace with a glass of California wine in the evening, take a hot bath, and dream the night away in your plush bed! The next morning, join us in the main inn where a delicious, homemade breakfast awaits you.