With everything from romance to adventure, there is plenty of fun things to do in Mendocino County. Check out our blog for more information on the best activities in Mendocino.
Mendocino Wineries
Dotting the coastline and inland valleys, wineries in Mendocino County span an impressive range of micro-climates allowing them to produce a variety of excellent wines, including award-winning Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We recommend taking an afternoon to enjoy a leisurely drive along Highway 128 through Anderson Valley and explore the charming vineyards and towns of Yorkville, Boonville and Philo. Some of our favorite wineries in Anderson Valley include Navarro Vineyards, Roederer Estate and Brutacao Cellars. Plan your Mendocino winery tour with this helpful Tasting Map.
Hiking & Biking
Mendocino County offers outdoor enthusiasts nearly endless trails and opportunities to explore, including lush redwood forests, coastal bluffs, tide pools, and waterfalls. The Mendocino Coastal Trail offers 130 miles of breathtaking ocean views, and some of our most popular parks include MacKerricher State Park, Russian Gulch State Park, and Van Damme State Park here in Little River. The Hiker’s Hip Pocket Guide is an excellent resource for finding new trails, (there is a copy for your reference in the parlor), and if you are looking to rent bicycles Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too! can also provide trail recommendations, as well as guided tours.
Beaches & Lighthouses
Our guests can enjoy access to a secluded cove and beach, a beautiful spot to relax and watch the waves that is only a five minute walk from our Mendocino bed and breakfast. There are also many more public beaches along the coast offering a variety of unique experiences, whether you are looking to spot harbor seals and wildlife, take a long walk, or see local legends like Glass Beach or Bowling Ball Beach. You also will not want to miss visiting our two beautiful lighthouses in Mendocino. The Point Cabrillo Light Station is a quick 10 minute drive up the coast and the Point Arena Light Station allows you to climb to the top of the tallest Pacific Coast lighthouse, and is excellent destination for a day trip down the coast.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Mendocino has a water adventure perfect for everyone. Rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy a relaxed float up Big River or experience exciting guided tour with Kayak Mendocino through the sea caves at Van Damme State Park. Our innkeepers are happy to help make recommendations and reservations for your trip.
Horses & Golf Courses
Whether you are looking for a day on the links or in the saddle during your getaway you are in luck. We are only ¼ mile away from the only golf course on the Mendocino Coast, which offers fun and challenging holes with stellar ocean views. For unforgettable horseback riding trips we recommend Ross Ranch for guided rides along stunning Manchester beach or through lush redwood forests. Our innkeepers are happy to assist you with tee times and reservations.
Whale Watching & Fishing
Starting at the end of December through April, we are fortunate to have a front row seat to the annual migration of over 20,000 California Gray Whales. Mendocino whale watching can be enjoyed from the shore, but there is nothing like boat excursion to see them up close and personal. We partner with Anchor Charter Boats for whale watching and fishing tours, which has the largest boat in Noyo Harbor with a heated cabin so you have a safe and comfortable trip. You may also want to consider coming up to experience one of our Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals. Our innkeepers will be happy to help with tour reservations.
Arts & Culture
Enjoy theatre productions, art exhibitions, musical performances from local, regional and international artists. The Village of Mendocino and Fort Bragg have several excellent art galleries, and The Mendocino Art Center is a renowned artistic and educational institution offering over 200 classes and retreats every year. There are also several local museums worth a visit, including the Ford House Visitor Center, Kelley House Museum, and The Temple of Kwan Tai in the Village of Mendocino, as well as the unique Triangle Tattoo Museum in nearby Fort Bragg.
Attractions & Gardens
The Mendocino Coast boasts numerous unique attractions and gardens. Two popular activities include taking a scenic trip through the redwoods on the California Western Railroad’s Skunk Train or a visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the first of only two public gardens in the Continental United States fronting directly on the ocean. There are also several specialty nurseries in the area, including Digging Dog Nursery which has received a lot of press around their selection of unusual and rare plants.
Top Restaurants
For a small coastal community, Mendocino offers a wonderful variety of restaurants. From a casual lunch spot to a five-star experience for a special occasion, our innkeepers are happy to recommend some of their personal favorites. See VisitMendocino.com’s restaurant guide to help you narrow down the options.
Events & Festivals
Mendocino host numerous annual events throughout the year to celebrate our rich culture of food, wine, art… and of course the sea. Some of our favorites include the Mendocino Crab & Wine Festival, Mendocino Whale Festivals, and the Wine and Mushroom Festival. See a full list of Mendocino festivals and events here.
Mendocino Breweries
Mendocino Country features several local microbreweries and taprooms, as well as an award-winning distillery. Each brewery has unique character and style, much like our wineries, but some offer the added enjoyment of ‘pub grub’. Check out the tasting map to plan your Mendocino brewery tour.