A Guide to Mendocino’s Coastal Villages, Redwoods, and Wine Country
From majestic redwood forests to dramatic ocean bluffs, Mendocino County showcases Northern California at its most captivating. Highway 1 winds past windswept headlands, historic lighthouses, and picturesque seaside villages. Moving inland, towering redwoods give way to one of the state’s premier cool-climate wine regions. Follow this travel guide to wander along coastal trails, paddle through sea caves, discover a hidden bar in the redwoods, taste new wines far from the crowds, and find boutique hotels that capture the spirit of the destination.
Follow Highway 1 Along the Mendocino Coast
Driving up from the Bay Area, Highway 1 dips and curves along Northern California’s ruggedly beautiful coastline as it enters Mendocino County. The highway passes hidden beaches, swaths of redwood forest, and tiny coastal towns brimming with epicurean delights. Time your visit to Bowling Ball Beach at Schooner Gulch State Beach for low tide, when dozens of rounded sandstone boulders emerge from the surf like giant bowling balls. Further north, walk the windswept bluffs of Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, the first mainland unit of the California Coastal National Monument. Continue to Point Arena Lighthouse—the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast—where you can tour the historic light station, climb the 115-foot tower, and scan the horizon for migrating gray whales, humpbacks, and even blue whales.
Explore the Art and Seascapes of Mendocino Village
Perched atop dramatic ocean bluffs, the picture-postcard Mendocino Village charms with elegant Victorians, weathered saltbox cottages, historic water towers, and white picket fences overlooking the Pacific. Trace the town’s history at the Kelley House Museum. Stroll the village streets to discover one-of-a-kind shops and cafes. Numerous galleries showcase the work of acclaimed local artists and woodworkers. Wander the bluff-top trails of Mendocino Headlands State Park to soak up panoramic ocean views and spot whales passing offshore. Each July, the Mendocino Music Festival transforms the headlands into one of Northern California’s most memorable outdoor concert venues, featuring symphony performances, chamber music, jazz, bluegrass, and more. Just south of the village, rent an outrigger canoe or kayak from Catch-A-Canoe to paddle the wildlife-rich Big River estuary, or head to Van Damme State Beach, where guided kayak tours explore sea caves and colorful underwater worlds.
Journey North For Waterfall Hikes and Coastal Gardens
Just north of the village, Point Cabrillo Light Station offers a glimpse into California’s maritime history. Tour the beautifully restored lighthouse and lightkeeper’s quarters before taking a stroll along the scenic headlands overlooking the ocean. Nearby, Russian Gulch State Park combines rugged coastline and the churning waters of Devil’s Punchbowl with an enchanting trail through the redwoods that leads to a 36-foot waterfall. Continue north to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, where you’ll find miles of walking paths winding through vibrant blooms—towering rhododendrons and camellias in spring and dahlias the size of dinner plates in summer—culminating in wildflower-strewn bluffs with breathtaking ocean views.
Discover Fort Bragg: a Historic Lumber Town on the Rise
Outdoor adventure, craft beer, and an emerging arts scene have transformed Fort Bragg from a rough-and-tumble lumber town into one of the Mendocino Coast’s most dynamic destinations. Hip bars and art galleries have helped revitalize historic downtown. West of downtown, the city reclaimed the former mill site as Noyo Headlands Park and opened its stunning coastal bluffs to the public for the first time in more than 100 years. Originally built to haul redwood logs to the coast, the historic Skunk Train now carries passengers to a rustic bar hidden in the redwoods. For a more intimate journey along the tracks, pedal a custom railbike built for two. At the famous Glass Beach, decades of ocean waves have transformed a former garbage dump into a beach lined with colorful sea glass.
Sip Your Way Through the Anderson Valley
Leaving the coast, Highway 128 climbs through cathedral-like redwood groves before emerging into the Anderson Valley, one of California’s premier cool-climate wine regions. More than 60 family-owned wineries produce acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian varietals, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. Spend an afternoon discovering new wines at one of the valley’s dozens of tasting rooms and enjoy a more intimate, relaxed experience far from the crowds. Other notable stops include magical old-growth redwood forests at Hendy Redwoods State Park, the delicious farmstand at The Apple Farm, and the artisanal cheeses handcrafted from Pennyroyal Farm’s resident goats and sheep.
Where to Stay in Mendocino County
Gualala and Point Arena
Mar Vista Farm + Cottages
Slow down and reconnect with nature at this bucolic, nine-acre retreat offering cozy vintage cottages, edible gardens, delightful farm animals, and fresh eggs delivered daily.
Rendezvous Mendocino
Nestled amid tranquil gardens, the intimate coastal retreat blends plush comfort, warm hospitality, and eclectic style. Enjoy fresh-baked goods delivered each morning.
Wildflower Boutique Motel
A thoughtfully reimagined roadside motel blends stylish, modern design with an array of eco-friendly features, including electric-vehicle charging stations for every room.
Elk and Little River
Elk Cove Inn & Spa
Wake to sweeping ocean views, stroll to a secluded beach, unwind with a massage, and enjoy exceptional dinners overlooking the Pacific at this historic property.
Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse
Set on two acres of tranquil gardens filled with native plants, the restored Victorian farmhouse offers cozy rooms and romantic suites with a charming tearoom.
Inn at Schoolhouse Creek
Scattered across six acres of gardens and meadows, this peaceful retreat offers pet-friendly cottages and guest rooms, including many with fireplaces and sunset views over the Pacific.
Cottages at Little River Cove
Tucked among lush gardens, these private, pet-friendly cottages are ideal for extended stays or family getaways, offering full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and ocean views.
Little River Inn
With ocean views from every room, this family-owned resort has welcomed generations of travelers with warm hospitality, a scenic nine-hole golf course, and a popular restaurant and bar.
Mendocino
Brewery Gulch Inn
Perched high on a bluff above the Pacific and built from eco-salvaged redwood, this contemporary Art-and-Crafts retreat features dramatic ocean views and exquisite cuisine.
Stanford Inn by the Sea
Overlooking the ocean, this historic farm and eco-resort is a transformative wellness retreat featuring an array of classes, activities, tranquil gardens, and farm-to-table plant-based dining.
Alegria Oceanfront Inn & Cottages
In a quiet corner of Mendocino Village, the historic inn features cozy rooms and cottages with ocean views, delicious breakfasts, and a private footpath leading directly to the beach.
Inns of Mendocino
Choose from three stylish inns housed in historic properties, each offering its own interpretation of modern coastal style. Stays include breakfast and wine-and-cheese picnics.
Headlands Inn
This charming Victorian saltbox-style bed-and-breakfast serves gourmet breakfasts delivered to the room and is located just steps from Mendocino Village shops, cafes, and galleries.
Seagull Inn Bed & Breakfast
One of the longest-running bed-and-breakfasts in Mendocino Village, the historic inn features warm hospitality, beautiful gardens, and delicious breakfasts delivered to the room.
MacCallum House Inn
In the heart of Mendocino Village, this landmark Victorian inn pairs historic elegance with one of Mendocino’s finest farm-to-table restaurants.
Fort Bragg and Westport
Noyo Harbor Inn
Perched above the harbor, this beautifully restored Arts and Crafts landmark features luxurious guest rooms, exceptional waterfront dining, and an extensive whiskey collection.
The Weller House
Housed in the oldest Victorian in Fort Bragg, the inn blends grandeur and history with contemporary taste. Unique features include a redwood ballroom and a four-story water tower.
The Inn at Newport Ranch
One of California’s most extraordinary luxury retreats is set on a spectacular 2,200-acre private coastal ranch with miles of trails and dramatic ocean bluffs.
Westport Hotel
In the tiny hamlet of Westport on Highway 1, this beautifully restored 1890 hotel offers airy, light-filled rooms with period-perfect architectural details, a sauna, and an on-site pub.
Howard Creek Ranch
Nestled along a remote stretch of Mendocino coastline north of Westport, the 60-acre oceanfront farm is bordered by miles of beach and wilderness and exudes a rustic, bohemian vibe.
Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley Inn
In the heart of the Anderson Valley, this pet-friendly boutique hotel offers stylish, comfortable rooms just steps from award-winning wineries and tasting rooms.
The Madrones & The Brambles
Nestled amid the vineyards, the agriturismo-inspired property features elegant guest rooms and redwood hideaways with an on-site wine-tasting room, restaurant, and cannabis apothecary.