Things to Do
We begin every Mendocino trip with a walk around the headlands. The Mendocino Headlands State Park trail is free and encircles the village with views of blowholes, sea caves, and crashing surf that feel almost violent in their beauty. On clear days, you can see for miles up and down the coast. In spring, the headlands explode with wildflowers. Bring binoculars — from December through April, gray whales are frequently visible from shore as they make their annual migration.
Glass Beach in Fort Bragg (10 miles north, free parking) is unlike anywhere else we have visited. For decades, residents dumped trash over the cliffs, and the ocean ground it all into smooth, colorful sea glass that now covers the beach. The glass has diminished over the years but remains beautiful, especially at low tide when it sparkles in the sun. While there, the Skunk Train ($50-$90) offers a scenic ride through the redwood forest along the Noyo River — the name comes from the original gas-powered engines that locals said you could smell before you could see.
For outdoor adventures, Russian Gulch State Park ($8 parking) has a spectacular waterfall trail (3 miles round trip) and a dramatic collapsed sea cave called the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Van Damme State Park ($8 parking) features the unique Pygmy Forest, where acidic soil produces full-grown trees only a few feet tall. Sea cave kayaking tours from Van Damme ($60-$85) are incredible on calm days — paddling into sea caves carved into the base of sheer cliffs is truly exhilarating.
Where to Stay
Mendocino specializes in intimate B&Bs and inns. The Brewery Gulch Inn ($300-$500) south of the village is our top pick — every room has ocean views, the gourmet breakfast is included, and the evening wine and hors d’oeuvres hour is a lovely way to end the day. The Mendocino Hotel ($150-$300) in the village center has been welcoming guests since 1878 and oozes Victorian charm with period furnishings.
For something more private, numerous vacation rental cottages dot the headlands and surrounding forest ($200-$400 per night). Many have hot tubs, fireplaces, and ocean views — perfect for a romantic getaway. The Stanford Inn ($280-$400) combines eco-luxury with an organic garden, indoor pool, and the outstanding Ravens restaurant serving plant-based cuisine.
Budget travelers should look to Fort Bragg, where motels along Highway 1 run $80-$150 per night. The Beachcomber Motel ($90-$140) offers ocean views at an honest price. Camping at Russian Gulch ($35) or Van Damme ($35) state parks is gorgeous, with sites tucked among ferns and redwoods just minutes from the village. Reserve months ahead for summer weekends through ReserveCalifornia.
Where to Eat
The Mendocino food scene is anchored by a few exceptional restaurants. Cafe Beaujolais ($28-$45 entrees) has been the village fine dining destination for decades, serving French-California cuisine in a converted Victorian house. Their duck confit and locally sourced seafood are outstanding. For a more casual meal, Flow in the village ($14-$22) does creative bowls and salads with local ingredients.
In Fort Bragg, Princess Seafood ($14-$24) serves fresh-off-the-boat fish at the harbor — we always get the fish and chips with whatever was caught that morning. Piaci Pub and Pizzeria ($14-$20) makes excellent wood-fired pizza in a cozy space. For morning fuel, Headlands Coffeehouse in Fort Bragg ($4-$8) is our favorite, with strong coffee and homemade pastries in an art-filled space.
Given the remote location, restaurant options are limited, so we always make dinner reservations in advance, especially on weekends. The Mendocino Market in the village sells excellent sandwiches and provisions ($8-$14) for picnic lunches on the headlands. We also love picking up provisions at the Harvest at Mendosa’s ($15-$20 per person for picnic supplies) and finding a bluff-top spot with ocean views to eat.
Getting Around
A car is essential for the Mendocino coast. The village itself is small enough to walk in 15 minutes, but the state parks, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, and Anderson Valley wine country to the east all require driving. Highway 1 hugs the coast with gorgeous views but slow going — plan 20-30 minutes for the 10-mile drive between Mendocino and Fort Bragg due to curves and traffic.
There is virtually no public transit in the area. The Mendocino Transit Authority runs a very limited bus service, but it is impractical for visitors. Ride-sharing services are essentially nonexistent. If you are arriving without a car, you will need to rent one — the closest major rental agencies are in Santa Rosa or at the Sonoma County Airport ($55-$85 per day).
The drive to Mendocino is part of the experience. Highway 1 north from San Francisco through Jenner and along the Sonoma Coast is spectacularly scenic but winding and slow — budget 4-5 hours for what the map says is 3 hours. The faster inland route via Highway 101 to Highway 128 through Anderson Valley takes about 3 hours and passes through excellent wineries. We recommend taking one route up and the other back.