Mendocino, CA, boasts the stunning beauty and natural allure of the northern California coast. If you’re wondering what to do during your visit, our scenic region offers a variety of options. From exploring the majestic Avenue of Giants—one of the must-see places to visit on the Golden Coast—to attending seasonal events, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach, you’ll find plenty of things to do. Enjoy sightseeing, shopping, dining, and more as you experience the laid-back lifestyle of our seaside community during your next Mendocino getaway!
Gift Shops & Galleries
Local Shops
Downtown Mendocino is full of interesting treasures. Shop for one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, jewelry, unique gifts and more.
- Mendocino Sandpiper: Jewelry and Gifts
- Out of This World: Binoculars, Cameras, Games, Puzzles
- Gallery Bookshop: Books, Mugs, Shirts
- Village Sock Shop: Socks and more.
- Mendocino Jewelry Studio
- The Outdoor Store, Mendocino, CA
Galleries
Explore the galleries of Mendocino, which reflect the unique beauty and culture of the surrounding area and Mendocino’s status as one of California’s most beloved art epicenters.
Hiking & Biking
Hiking
Reconnect with nature among the peaceful landscapes of Mendocino. Our area offers hikes of all skill levels for everyone to enjoy. For an excellent introduction, visit: Mendocino Area Parks Association, Mendocino Land Trust
- Hendy Woods State Park
- Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
- MacKerricher State Park
- Mendocino Headlands State Park
- Russian Gulch State Park
- Van Damme State Park
- Montgomery Wood State Reserve
- Point Arena Stornetta Public Lands
Biking
Mendocino offers endless trails and routes for mountain biking or cycling. Check this out: Mendocino Outdoor Guide
- Fort Bragg Coastal Trail
An easy ride but also along the coast, near MacKerricher State Park & Glass Beach. - Jackson State Forest
Multiple trails designed to teach you a bit about the area, the forest, the ecology, the history, and more. - Big River State Park
Attached to Mendocino Headlands State Park, the trail follows the river and is several miles long. - Rail Bikes
For a unique experience, ride on the Skunk Train’s old rails on Rail Bikes! - Bike Rental
- E-Bike Rental
Whale Watching & Fishing
Set sail and enjoy the magic of a whale watching cruise, or experience the excitement of a coastal crabbing or fishing excursion.
Restaurants
When it comes to dining, you couldn’t pick a better place than Mendocino’s restaurants. Northern California has some of the freshest and most organic products in the country. No matter where you go, you can enjoy delicious seafood caught off the shore, juicy vegetables and fruits grown locally, and of course high-quality wine made in the nearby Anderson Valley. Take a look at some of our favorite local spots and let your palate taste the flavors of California!
- Luna Trattoria: Italian Cuisine
- Frankie’s Pizza: Quaint, Family-Friendly Pizzeria
- MacCallum House Restaurant: Regional Fine Dining
- Cafe Beaujolais: California French
- Flow: Organic Fresh Food and Full Bar
- Mendocino Cafe: International Cuisine
- North Coast Brewing: Taproom and Grill
- Patterson’s Mendocino: Irish Pub
- Trillium Cafe: Modern California Cuisine
- The Wharf: Seafood, Steaks, Lighter Fare
- Good Life Cafe: Organic Cafe and Bakery
- Fog Eater Cafe: Vegetarian Cafe
- Noyo Harbor Bistro: California Cuisine
Kayaks, Canoes & Paddleboards
Take to the water and go on a kayaking adventure in the beautiful area of the northern California coast. Cruise the rivers or venture out to the ocean for a unique experience of boating in Mendocino.
Museums & Lighthouses
- Mendocino Visitor Center & Museum
The Ford House Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your exploration of our lovely coastal town. Browse their in-house collection to learn more about the history of Mendocino and don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations. - Kelley House Museum
In the heart of Mendocino, the Kelley House Museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Mendocino Coast. Founded in 1972, the museum is the only museum-quality storage and research facility on the coast and provides access to thousands of artifacts, photographs and documents. - Noyo Center for Marine Science
A unique natural history museum that converges science, art, and technology with interactive exhibits, and the largest killer whale skeleton in the world. Their Crow’s Nest location is perched on a cliff along the Coastal Trail and is full of natural history, a tide pool aquarium with lots of aquatic life, and a great deck for whale watching. - Point Cabrillo Light Station
Comprised of the lighthouse and three original lightkeepers’ houses and outbuildings, this fully restored lighthouse is open 365 days a year. - Point Arena Lighthouse Station
No other lighthouse offers such a fully interactive experience in the exchange between history, science and natural beauty. It’s also a great spot for spotting whales. - Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are best known for their large collection of Rhododendrons, heath and heathers and bird watching opportunities across 47 acres of canyons, wetlands, coastal blooms and pine forest.
Unique Area Attractions
Check out these wonderfully unique attractions that can only be found on California’s northern coast!
- Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are best known for their large collection of Rhododendrons, heath and heathers and bird watching opportunities across 47 acres of canyons, wetlands, coastal bluffs and pine forest. - Skunk Train
Northern California’s historic passenger railway, the Skunk Train, travels through majestic redwood forests and scenic mountain meadows. Choose from multiple trip options including half-day, evening, and overnight adventures. - Redwood Forest ATV Tour
Guided tour offering a scenic ride through the Usal Redwood Forest along the rugged Lost Coast. Experience a blend of outdoor adventure and ecological insight with a visit to the unique Candelabra Tree and a catered lunch with coastal views. - Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree
This 276-foot tall redwood tree is an absolute must-see. It’s not only impressive, but a lot of fun to go through with your car! Thrills are guaranteed. - B. Bryan Preserve A preserve for the preservation of African hoof stock. Including zebra, giraffe and antelope.
- Glass Beach This well-known beach and former dump site in Fort Bragg gets its name from the smooth colorful glass pieces that you can find mixed into the pebbly beach.
- Mendocino Art Center Offering workshops, exhibitions, gallery store and Helen Schoeni Theatre.
Wineries & Breweries
Wineries & Vineyards
You can’t visit Mendocino without exploring the wineries. Our proximity to Anderson Valley allows us access to some of the best wines in Northern California and it would be a shame to miss out! Sip, savor, and socialize at an assortment of stunning Mendocino wineries and vineyards. Each of these wine lovers’ destinations boasts grapes pressed to perfection, rows of loaded vines, and an upscale yet laid-back tasting experience.
- Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association is comprised of a unique group of vineyards and wineries in the rolling hills of Mendocino County. The association produces a wide variety of wines including world class Pinot Noir and Alsace varietals. - Navarro Vineyards & Winery
In 2014, Navarro Vineyards was named Best Winery in California at the California State Fair. This family-run vineyard has been growing grapes, making wine and producing non-alcoholic grape juices in coastal Mendocino since 1974. - Husch Vineyards
Husch Vineyards is the oldest winery in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino. This small, family owned and operated vineyard produces 22 different wines, of which six are distributed nationally. - Toulouse Winery
A beautiful rustic winery nestled at the heart of the Anderson Valley. Toulouse Winery produces delicious, handcrafted wines that capture the spirit of Northern California in their taste. - Handley Cellars
Handley Cellars produces 12,000 cases of wine a year. The vineyard is located 10 miles from the Pacific Coast and has a climate perfect for the 13.4 acres of Pinot Noir, 12.2 acres of Chardonnay and 3.2 acres of Gewürztraminer planted there. - Goldeneye Winery
Goldeneye Winery was grown from a desire of Dan and Margaret Duckhorn to expand their Merlot-producing Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley to include best-in-class California Pinot Noir. Established on the cool-climate edges of Mendocino, California, Goldeneye wines are now considered among the world’s finest Pinot Noirs. - Roederer Estates
To experience excellence in sparkling wine production, visit Roederer Estate. Roederer’s unique winemaking style is based on complete ownership of its vineyards and the skillful addition of oak-aged reserve wines to each year’s blend. The result is a cuvée known for its body, finesse and depth of flavor. - Pacific Star Winery
- Meyer Family Cellars
- MendoVino Wine Bar
- Ukiah Valley Wineries
Breweries & Cideries
Horseback Riding
Equestrians of all skill levels can enjoy a horseback ride in Mendocino California. Ride along spectacular beaches, around ranches, or through a beautiful redwood forest.
