Scenic view of California Coast in Mendocino

Things to do in  Mendocino

Into the redwoods

With its wild coastal headlands, gorgeous old forests, cute Victorian inns, and lovely beaches, Mendocino is a great place for a Northern California getaway. This county combines the best of forest and coastline, and while the scenery alone is reason enough to visit, there are also plenty of things to do in Mendocino for travelers looking for a bit more activity. You can go wine tasting, hike through groves of ancient redwoods, ride on the historic Skunk Train, or head out to a quiet viewpoint to watch the sun set into the Pacific Ocean.

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Top activities in Mendocino

Skunk Train: Wolf Tree Turn from Willits

Skunk Train: Wolf Tree Turn from Willits

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$70.15
Frenzy Scavenger Hunt in Fort Bragg

Frenzy Scavenger Hunt in Fort Bragg

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$27.00
Skunk Train: Pudding Creek Express from Fort Bragg

Skunk Train: Pudding Creek Express from Fort Bragg

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108
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$53.95
Redwoods Railbike Along Pudding Creek

Redwoods Railbike Along Pudding Creek

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$286.20
per group
Fort Bragg Bash Scavenger Hunt

Fort Bragg Bash Scavenger Hunt

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$27.00
Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Mendocino

Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Mendocino

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$216.89
Glen Blair Bar Late-night Watering Hole

Glen Blair Bar Late-night Watering Hole

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$53.95
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All about Mendocino

When to visit

Mendocino is a year-round attraction, with cool winters and summers that range from mildly warm to hot. Winter is the best time of year for whale-watching, while spring brings colorful blooms. Although the summer months tend to be warm, they also get sizeable crowds, mainly when area kids are on summer vacation. Consider an early-fall visit for great temperatures and fewer crowds.

Getting around

Although the Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA) does have bus service throughout the county, it's way easier to get around the region by car or as part of a guided tour. If you're outside road-tripping distance of Mendocino, your best bet is to fly into the Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa or the San Francisco or Oakland airport in the Bay Area and rent a car.

Traveler tips

Travelers who like to cook should stop at the Boonville Barn Collective in Boonville, a short drive from Ukiah. Here, you can pick up locally grown piment d'ville*, ground espelette pepper popularized in France’s Basque region, where it’s called piment d’espelette. While Espelette peppers are the main product produced here, they also sell poblano, sugar rush, comapeño, and guajillo chili powder.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PDT (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
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Tours
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Reviews
388
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People Also Ask

Is Mendocino County worth visiting?

Yes, Mendocino is worth visiting. This Northern California county offers beautiful coastlines, vast expanses of forests—many with redwood groves—great wine, and a fantastic dining scene. There’s also lots to see, from the colorful pebbles at Glass Beach to the offshore sea stacks at Mendocino Headlands State Park.

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What is Mendocino known for?

Mendocino is known for its beautiful stretches of cliff-fringed beaches, massive forests filled with coniferous trees (including redwoods), and wineries specializing in cool-climate varietals. Its best-known attraction may be the Skunk Train, a historic tourist train connecting Fort Bragg and Willits.

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What is the best time of year to visit Mendocino?

The best time of year to visit Mendocino is in the autumn. Early autumn is ideal when the weather is warm, but there are fewer crowds than in the peak summer months. Come in November to attend the Harvest Mendocino festivities, which celebrate the food and wine of the region.

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Does Mendocino have redwoods?

Yes, Mendocino has redwoods. While you won’t see as many of these glorious giants in Mendocino as you would further north, you can see redwoods at the Montgomery Woods State Reserve, located about a 30-minute drive from Ukiah, and in the Jackson Demonstration Forest, a 20-minute drive inland from Fort Bragg.

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Is Fort Bragg worth a visit?

Yes, Fort Bragg is worth a visit. It's the site of Glass Beach, where you can see tiny pebbles of colorful sea glass on parts of the shore. Fort Bragg has many hotels, making it an excellent base to explore the rest of the county.

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When can you see whales in Mendocino?

The peak whale-watching season in Mendocino runs from November through April when you can spot California gray whales migrating between Alaska and the Baja Peninsula. Head to Point Arena Lighthouse or the Mendocino Headlands State Park, or hop aboard a whale-watching cruise to get a glimpse.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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