25 Best Things to do in Mendocino, California

Mendocino has always been one of my favorite weekend escapes—it’s the kind of place that feels like a deep breath you didn’t know you needed. This little Northern California town is all misty cliffs, storybook cottages, and towering redwoods.

You’ll find cozy bed-and-breakfasts that could easily be in a rom-com, seafood restaurants that practically define “fresh catch,” and enough coastal charm to make you forget about endlessly scrolling through your phone.

I’ve been here more than a few times, and after plenty of exploring (and a lot of seafood), I’ve really narrowed down my favorite things to do in Mendocino.

North Mendocino

1. See the Point Cabrillo Light Station

Just three miles north of Mendocino Village, you’ll find Point Cabrillo Light Station. Built in 1909, this charming lighthouse once guided ships safely along the rugged coastline—and today, it’s guiding travelers like us straight to some of the most stunning ocean views in Northern California.

Tip: Make sure to give yourself a little extra time because it is about a half mile walk to the station. There are two paths: a dirt trail that winds through the grassy coastal prairie or a paved road that’s a bit easier on the legs. 

2. See the Pygmy Forest at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

Just off Highway One between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, you’ll find Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. The big draw here is the Pygmy Forest—a patch of teeny-tiny trees that look like they belong in a fairytale. The crazy part is that these miniature trees are actually hundreds of years old! The acidic soil has stunted their growth, so you’ll find 500-year-old cypress and pine trees that barely reach your shoulders. 

There’s a trail that winds right through the forest, giving you the perfect chance to see them up close (and feel like a giant while you do).

3. Hike to the Waterfall at Russian Gulch State Park

Just a couple miles north of Mendocino, you’ll find Russian Gulch State Park. Besides the dramatic collapsed sea cave (aka Devil’s Punchbowl), the park is home to a gorgeous 36-foot waterfall that’s totally worth the trek.

To reach it, you’ll follow a 4.8-mile round-trip trail along Russian Gulch Creek. The hike is fairly easy, about three hours depending on how many times you stop to snap photos or just stare at the scenery.

4. Ride a Rail Bike Through the Redwoods

My husband and I had such a blast riding the two-person Railbike —it’s a completely unique way to experience the famous Redwood Route. Riding side by side, we pedaled (well, we mostly let the electric assist do the work) through the towering redwoods and along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary.

The ride takes about an hour and a half, and along the way you might spot deer, birds, or even a curious fox. 

5. Enjoy the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is 47 acres of lush gardens with ocean views that never get old. The plant variety here is impressive—everything from vibrant dahlias to rare and endangered plants like the yellow Camellia chrysanthoides. And the best part? It’s beautiful year-round, so no matter when you visit, something is always in bloom. 

6. Take the Skunk Train

Step back in time on the Skunk Train, winding through towering redwoods, sparkling rivers, and the Noyo River Canyon since 1885. Ride in vintage passenger cars, cabooses, or open-air cars, and take in the scenery at a leisurely pace. 

Seasonal trips, from the Pumpkin Express to Mr. Skunk and the Giant Christmas Tree, add a festive twist, making this a Mendocino experience you won’t forget.

7. Eat Fish at Noyo Harbor

We usually hit The Noyo Fish Company first; their fish tacos are absolutely unbeatable, and if you’re in the mood for fried seafood, you won’t be disappointed. Another favorite of ours is Sea Pal Cove—their fish & chips are seriously next-level.

There are picnic tables right by the water, so you can chow down while watching the boats bobbing in the harbor. 

8. Walk Across the Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge

The Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge in Fort Bragg  stretches over half a mile, it offers pretty views of the coast and the creek below.

Built in 1915 to haul lumber on the Ten Mile Railroad, the bridge is 527 feet long and 44 feet high—perfect for a slow walk, some photos, or just soaking in the salty sea air. You can start from either side, and there’s even a short boardwalk across the creek for a slightly different perspective. 

9. Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree

What famous landmark in California has been around for 2,400 years and is still used by vehicles, especially during summer? Yes, it’s the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree.

This massive redwood is a must-see—and drive-through—attraction. At over 300 feet tall and 26 feet wide, the tree is big enough to accommodate cars, RVs, and even buses. And it’s not just a gimmick – the tree is a living, breathing organism. 

Downtown Area

10. See the Temple of Kwan Tai

The Temple of Kwan Tai was built in 1854 by Chinese immigrants who worked in the nearby lumber mills and farms. It’s actually one of the oldest Chinese temples in California.

It’s a quick visit (you can easily pop by in a few minutes), but totally worth it. And if you’re there between May and October, you can join one of their free docent-led tours to learn more about the temple’s story.

11. Shop & Stroll in Mendocino Village

Mendocino Village is a mix of rugged coastal views and perfectly preserved architecture. You’ll find elegant Victorians, cozy New England-style cottages, and lots of shopping. On and around Main Street and Lansing Street are where you’ll find everything from art galleries and bookstores to chocolatiers, cozy cafés, and boutiques that make you want to redecorate your entire house. 

A couple of my personal favorites: Den Modern, a gorgeous little shop filled with vintage and modern home goods (you’ll want one of everything), and The Study Club, which has a beautifully curated collection of women’s apparel.

12. Visit the Ford House Museum

The Ford House Museum is a beautifully preserved Victorian home built in 1854 by Jerome B. Ford—one of the town’s founding fathers. When you Step inside you will see rooms that are filled with original furnishings from the Ford family, old photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of Mendocino’s early days.

You’ll learn about everything from the area’s Indigenous people and the booming logging industry to the town’s early role in the coastal trade. Even if you’re not a total history buff, it’s one of those places that gives you a real sense of what life here used to be like.

13. Eat Local

Mendocino may be small, but it’s packed with incredible restaurants, fresh-caught seafood, and local wines. A few of my favorites: Trillium, where you can’t go wrong with the Wild Gulf Prawns and Scallops or the Crispy Duck Confit. Cafe Beaujolais, set inside a charming 1893 Victorian farmhouse, serves up elegant French-inspired dishes like Liberty Farm Duck Breast and Sous Vide Filet Mignon. And for something a little more unique, Fog Eater Cafe offers a vegetarian menu that fuses Northern California freshness with Southern comfort—don’t miss the fried cauliflower & waffles or their tofu “crabbie” cakes.

And if you want even more delicious inspiration, check out my article on the best restaurants in Mendocino for a full list of places you’ll want to add to your foodie bucket list.

14. Tour the Kelley House Museum

The Kelley House Museum is one of those spots that quietly captures everything special about Mendocino—its history, charm, and ocean views all in one place. Sitting right in the center of town, the Kelley House Museum, a beautifully restored Victorian home (built in 1854 and once gifted from one William to another—Kasten to Kelley) overlooks a peaceful pond, lush gardens, and the sparkling Pacific beyond.

Inside, the museum brings Mendocino’s past to life with fascinating exhibits about the area’s Native American communities, early European settlers, and the once-booming timber industry. 

15. Hike at Mendocino Headlands Trail at the State Park

If you’re up for a short but gorgeous walk, the Mendocino Headlands Trail is a must-do. The whole trail is about five miles long, but we went with the shorter 0.9-mile loop—and honestly, it was incredible! It starts right where Main Street ends and winds along rugged cliffs that’ll make you stop every few steps just to soak in those ocean views (and maybe snap 100 photos).

You’ll get that perfect mix of crashing waves, salty sea air, and a picture-perfect view of Mendocino’s little village. Plus, uring spring and summer, wildflowers pop up everywhere!

16. Go Glamping at Mendocino Grove

If you want to check glamping off your bucket list, then Mendocino Grove is the place to do it—it’s the perfect compromise between nature and comfort. I am typically not a lover of camping. It just seems like the level of work vs. fun doesn’t line up for me. But, this sort of glamping I can totally do! 

The property includes 60 spacious safari tents, each outfitted with a king-size bed, bedside lamps with USB ports, heated blankets, and an outdoor deck.

The communal meadow space has fire pits, hammocks, and picnic tables, plus a steam sauna and espresso bar (yes, glamping with lattes!). My favorite part? They set up a campfire right outside our tent and left us a s’mores kit—now that’s my kind of camping!

17. Paddle an Outrigger Canoe on Big River

There is really no better way to enjoy Big River’s beauty than by getting on the water and traveling its entire length. From single/double kayaks to standup paddleboards to mountain bikes, you’ll have plenty of ways to go around Big River.

The unique one, however, is on an outrigger canoe, which is a canoe with lateral floats on both sides. This makes it more stable (and virtually impossible to tip!), especially when paddling through rough water.

Catch-a-canoe provides kayak, standup paddleboard, and bike rentals in addition to stunning, handcrafted redwood outrigger canoes. 

18. Stay at a Cozy Inn

Mendocino is full of charming inns that make a getaway feel extra special. Little River Inn has been welcoming guests for over 80 years, and it’s easy to see why—ocean-view rooms, a wood-burning fireplace, and an on-site restaurant serving some of the best seafood around. Brewery Gulch Inn blends comfort with style, offering fireplaces, ocean views, a nightly “wine hour” dinner, and plenty of cozy spots for games or reading. MacCallum House is a historic Victorian boutique with luxurious rooms, hot tubs, ocean views, and a top-notch farm-to-table restaurant—all right in the heart of town.

South Mendocino

19. Go Wine Tasting

Mendocino is such a treat for wine lovers, especially if you make the short drive into Anderson Valley. The cool, foggy climate here is perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the wineries don’t disappoint. 

I’ve had some of my favorite tastings at Roederer Estate, a California outpost of Champagne Louis Roederer—if you love sparkling wine, their Brut and Brut Rosé are absolute must-tries. Pennyroyal Farms is another favorite, not just for their wines but also for their cheeses made from their own goats and sheep—sampling the pairings here is pure joy. And you can’t miss Handley Cellars in Philo, a family-owned winery with a long history of making quality wines; their Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc are standouts. 

20. Shop at the Philo Apple Farm Stand

If you’re looking for all things apple, the Philo Apple Farm Stand in Anderson Valley is the perfect quick stop. You won’t be picking your own fruit here, but you will find a delicious variety of already-picked apples and an amazing selection of apple-based goodies, like apple chutneys, dried apples, apple balsamic vinegar, and more. 

21. Stop by Anderson Brewery

If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy some beer and a game of disc golf, then you’ll want to check out Anderson Valley Brewing Company. The brewery offers a variety of different beers, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. And the disc golf course is one of the best in the area, with 18 holes that wind through the brewery’s grounds.

22. Kayak the Caves at Van Damme State Park

If you’ve ever wanted to explore sea caves by kayak, Van Damme State Park is the spot. Launch from the protected bay at Van Damme State Beach with Kayak Mendocino and spend about 90 minutes gliding through two open tunnels, winding around rocky headlands, and ending at a playful seal colony. 

23. See the Point Arena Lighthouse

If you love lighthouses (and who doesn’t?), the Point Arena Lighthouse is a must-see on the Mendocino coast. At 115 feet, it’s one of the tallest lighthouses in the U.S., and from the views from the top you can see the Pacific Ocean, Manchester Beach, and the rugged coastline of the California Coastal National Monument.

The lighthouse was first built in 1870, rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, and still shining bright today. You can tour the tower, wander the 23-acre outdoor museum with its art installations, native gardens, and bluff-top trails, or check out the Fog Signal Building Museum with its original Fresnel lens. 

24. Go Bowling Ball Beach at Schooner Gulch Beach

If you want a beach that’s totally unlike any other, you’ve got to check out Bowling Ball Beach at Schooner Gulch State Beach. Located about three miles south of Point Arena, the quirky Bowling Ball Beach  gets its name from the perfectly round rocks—actually geological formations called concretions—scattered along the sand. They formed over millions of years as the sandstone cliffs eroded, and at low tide, these “bowling balls” really pop out of the shoreline.

➞ Tips: Plan your visit around low tide to see them best, and while you’re there, keep an eye out for tide pools full of little marine critters! Parking is off Highway 1, and a short trail with a few steps (and sometimes a ladder) takes you down to the beach, so be ready for a little adventure.

25. Eat at a Michelin Starred Restaurant – Harbor House

If trying a Michelin-starred restaurant is on your bucket list, Harbor House near Mendocino is your chance to cross it off. This two-star gem sits right above the Pacific, with a tiny 20-seat dining room that offers amazing ocean views alongside inventive California cuisine. 

The menu is hyper-local and ever-changing, shaped by the seasons, the weather, and ingredients sourced from the surrounding land and tidepools. Think dishes like black cod smoked over bay laurel or red abalone with koshihikari rice—a true celebration of the North Coast’s flavors. 

26. Visit the Sea Ranch Chapel

Sea Ranch Chapel is a quirky-looking little chapel that’s made almost entirely of redwood and features huge windows that frame ocean views. Its wave-like design perfectly blends art and nature, making it feel both quirky and serene at the same time.

The chapel is tiny—seating just 20 guests—but that intimacy is part of its charm. It’s no wonder couples love it as a unique, intimate wedding spot. Even if you’re just visiting, it’s worth stopping by to admire the architecture.

Check out my video of things to do in Mendocino:

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