FUN THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND MENDOCINO

Mendocino Headlands
You haven't seen Mendocino until you've taken a walk along the headlands.  Mendocino village is surrounded by state park, known as the headlands.  Popular for whale watching, walking, running and viewing the tidepools and wildflowers, it is a unique feature of Mendocino.  You may join the trail at the base of Lansing Street through the fence opening, behind the Ford House or behind the old Mendocino Presbyterian Church on the east end of Main Street.

Museums
While you're in town, we recommend visiting the Kelly House Museum and the Ford House (Mendocino Visitors Center).  They will give you a glimpse of what Mendocino was like in the late 1800's.  Both located on Main Street, the Kelly House is open Friday through Monday from 1:00-4:00 and the Ford House daily from 11:00-4:00. 

Whale watching
Mendocino is a fabulous whale watching village.  As the whales travel south in the late Fall and north in the Spring, you can view their spouts or watch them frolicking along the shoreline.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are located six miles north of Mendocino.  Several thousand varieties of native and cultivated plants lie within the 47 acre property bordering the ocean.  The gardens are terrific all year.

Skunk Train
Ride the 40 miles of Skunk line from the coastal town of Fort Bragg to the inland city of Willits.  A diesel or steam engine train, with observation cars in warmer months, takes you through towering redwoods and mountain meadows from the sea to the warmth and sunshine inland.  This scenic and relaxing train ride can be either a half-day or whole day adventure.  Please pick up a brochure at the office for departure times and rates.
 
MacKerricher State Park
If you're looking for a long stretch of beach, tidepools or to see those picturesque seals, this is the place.  Located just north of Fort Bragg, MacKerricher State Park offers a boardwalk (handicap accessible) leading to the seals.  A former logging road along the beach is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists.

Glass Beach
At Glass Beach, once a city dump, you'll find pieces of glass, shards of pottery and other treasures which have for years been smoothed by waves and sand.  Consequently, the beach now has a jeweled appearance.  It's located at the end of Elm Street in Fort Bragg.

Canoeing, kayaking and bicycling
Catch a Canoe & Bicycle, Too! at the Stanford Inn by the Sea has canoes, kayaks and bicycles for rent.  Canoeing along the scenic Big River is a delight for naturalists, photographers and romantics.  It appeals to both the novice and enthusiast alike.  For biking, there are several wonderful trails, which we would be happy to tell you about.

Horseback Riding
Ricochet Ridge Ranch, just north of Fort Bragg, offers trail rides on the Beach.  Private rides are also available.  Reservations are required, please pick up a flyer in the office.

Wine tasting
Just 30-45 minutes away is some of the best wine tasting in Northern California.  After passing through a beautiful stretch of redwoods on Highway 128 you'll reach the Anderson Valley.  Some of our favorite wineries include Husch Vineyards, Navarro (great picnic spot), Greenwood Ridge Winery and Scharffenberger Champagne Cellars.

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