Discover the Top Things to Do in Mendocino

Just ten minutes south by car, Mendocino is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Today, its preserved streets, seaside trails, and vibrant community make it a must-visit destination for art, culture, and coastal scenery.

Dining

• Mendocino Café – Eclectic global menu with deck seating. (707) 937-6141
• Fog Eater Café – Vegetarian with Southern and California flair. (707) 397-1806
• Flow – American fare and seafood with ocean views. (707) 937-3569
• Patterson’s Pub – Classic pub dishes and daily specials. (707) 937-4782
• Trillium – Seasonal New American cuisine with garden seating. (707) 937-3200
• Café Beaujolais & Brickery – Upscale dining and weekend garden pizza. (707) 937-5614
• Luna Trattoria – Cozy spot for authentic Northern Italian. (707) 962-3093
• Frankie’s Pizza & Ice Cream – Artisan pizza and housemade ice cream. (707) 937-2436
• GoodLife Café & Bakery – Coffee, pastries, and casual breakfast or lunch. (707) 937-0836
• Mendocino Market – Local deli with standout sandwiches and soups. (707) 937-3474

Festivals & Events

• Mendocino Film Festival – Celebrated in June, showcasing independent and documentary films.
• Mendocino Music Festival – Week-long classical music festival in July featuring world-class performers.
• Seasonal Food & Craft Events – Check the calendar for year-round events in Mendocino County.

Historic Landmarks & Architecture

• Kwan Tai Temple – Beautifully preserved Chinese temple with cultural significance.
• Presbyterian Church – Iconic coastal church and architectural landmark.
• Victorian Homes – Rows of elegant, historic residences throughout the village.
• New England Salt Box Cottages – Classic coastal cottages showcasing 19th-century design.

Galleries & Shopping

• Mendocino Art Center – Regional hub for galleries, artist studios, and community workshops.
• Prentice Gallery – Fine art gallery featuring photography, painting, sculpture, and woodworking.
• Corners of the Mouth – Natural food co-op with bulk goods and local produce in a historic church.
• Harvest Market at Mendosa’s – Local grocery for provisions, produce, and regional wine and beer.
• Village Sock Shop – Fun and unique socks for all ages.
• Valerie – Boutique with curated clothing, vintage finds, vinyl, and pop-ups.
• Folklore – Handcrafted clothing, accessories, and home goods by local makers.
• The Outdoor Store – Apparel and gear for hiking, camping, and everyday use.
• Gallery Book Shop & Book Winkles – Independent bookstore with children’s section and resident cat.
• Main Street Books – Used book shop with a wide range of genres.
• Village Toy Store – Old-fashioned toys, puzzles, and illustrated children’s books.
• Out of This World – Telescopes, puzzles, games, and science gear since 1988.
• Mendocino Chocolate Company – Artisan chocolates, caramels, and toffee made locally.
• The Bell – Creative retail and community hub with local goods, wine tastings, and workshops.

Beaches & Wildlife

• Mendocino Headlands State Park – Winding coastal pathways leading to secluded beaches and ocean vistas.
• Portuguese Beach – Small, scenic beach with dramatic cliffs and tide pools.
• Breaching Whales & Sea Lions – Watch marine life from headlands trails or benches along the coast.

Wellness isn’t an afterthought here—it’s built in. From active play to restorative spa time, you’ll find what you need right on property, with even more nearby if you want to change the scenery.

On Property

• Pickleball Courts – Free play for our guests at all levels (memberships available for public).
• Nordic Spa (Coming Soon) – Hot tub, cold pour, and dry sauna for restorative wellness.
• Fitness Center (Coming Soon) – Stationary bike, treadmill, free weights, and a dedicated yoga area with mats.
• Trails with Beach Access – Private path to Pine Beach, plus beach access via nearby state park trails.
• Yoga & Massage (Coming Soon) – Check back for updates or join our list to stay in the loop.
• Community Room – Ping pong table, record player, board games, lending library.

Nearby Options

• The Bar (3.6 mi) – Full-service gym in Fort Bragg with weights, cardio, and group classes. Day passes available.
• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (1.6 mi) – Coastal gardens perfect for a restorative walk among native plants.
• Day Spas & Massage – Area spas offering massage and holistic treatments to help you unwind.
• Rise and Be Well (4.1 mi) – Wellness packages including Red Light Therapy, Hydro Therapy, Hatha Yoga, and more.
• Sweetwater Eco Spa (6.2 mi) – Redwood hot tubs (public and private) plus massage.

The Mendocino Coast is lined with white sand beaches, redwood-backed rivers, and rugged bluffs. Many beaches welcome dogs (listed on our Pets page) and offer access to both river and ocean adventures.

On Property

• Private Trail to the Beach – Pine Beach is just minutes away from your room.
• Walking Distance – South Beach is a 10 minute walk from the property through Mendocino Headlands State Park.

Nearby Options

• Big River Beach (6.4 mi) – Sandy beach where the river meets the sea, good for bonfires and families, with inland trails.
• Caspar Headlands State Beach (3.1 mi) – Small cove often safe for swimming, with a trail to Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.
• Portuguese Beach (6.7 mi) – Small, scenic beach with dramatic cliffs and tide pools.
• Jug Handle Beach & Reserve (1.0 mi) – A white-sand favorite and 5-mile Ecological Staircase Trail to the pygmy forest.
• Russian Gulch State Park (5.1 mi) – Tide pools, fishing, and the Fern Canyon to Falls Trail ending at a 36-foot waterfall.
• Van Damme State Beach (8.6 mi) – Launch point for Kayak Mendocino sea cave tours and the Fern Canyon Trail.
• Glass Beach (Fort Bragg) (1.6 mi) – Famous for colorful sea glass, now part of MacKerricher State Park.
• MacKerricher State Park (7.5 mi) – Ten miles of coastline with the Ten Mile Dunes, boardwalks, and prairie bluffs.

From quirky boutiques to sea-glass jewelry and regional art, the area’s shops mix practicality with keepsakes you’ll actually want to bring home.

Mendocino Village

Stroll through the charming shops and boutiques in downtown Mendocino, just 6.0 miles from our inn.

• Mendocino Art Center – Regional hub for galleries, artist studios, and community workshops.
• Prentice Gallery – Fine art including painting, sculpture, and woodworking.
• Corners of the Mouth – Natural foods co-op in a historic church.
• Harvest Market at Mendosa’s – Local grocery with produce, wine, and provisions.
• Village Sock Shop – Fun socks for all ages.
• Valerie – Boutique with clothing, vintage, and vinyl.
• Folklore – Handcrafted clothing and home goods by local makers.
• The Outdoor Store – Gear for hiking, camping, and everyday use.
• Gallery Book Shop & Book Winkles – Independent bookstore with children’s section and resident cat.
• Main Street Books – Used books across many genres.
• Village Toy Store – Classic toys, puzzles, and children’s books.
• Out of This World – Telescopes, puzzles, games, and science gear.
• Mendocino Chocolate Company – Local artisan chocolates and toffee.
• The Bell – Creative hub with local goods, wine, and workshops.

Nearby Options

• Downtown Fort Bragg – Visit the many shops and galleries on Main, Laurel, and Franklin Streets.
• Glass Beach Collectibles (Fort Bragg) – Jewelry, art, and keepsakes made from sea glass.
• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (Fort Bragg) – Gift shop with garden-inspired art, plants, and local crafts.
• Art Center Ukiah (Ukiah) – Regional gallery and gift shop featuring local artists.

You won’t have to go far for a good meal. An on-site restaurant is coming soon, plus the village is full of options, and Fort Bragg adds seafood and a brewery scene. Many patios in the area welcome dogs, too (listed on our Pets page).

On Property

• On-site Restaurant (Summer 2026) – join our email list to stay in the loop.

Mendocino Village

• Mendocino Café – Eclectic global menu with deck seating. (707) 937-6141
• Fog Eater Café – Vegetarian with Southern and California flair. (707) 397-1806
• Flow – American fare and seafood with ocean views. (707) 937-3569
• Patterson’s Pub – Classic pub dishes and daily specials. (707) 937-4782
• Trillium – Seasonal New American cuisine with garden seating. (707) 937-3200
• Café Beaujolais & Brickery – Upscale dining and weekend garden pizza. (707) 937-5614
• Luna Trattoria – Cozy spot for authentic Northern Italian. (707) 962-3093
• Frankie’s Pizza & Ice Cream – Artisan pizza and housemade ice cream. (707) 937-2436
• GoodLife Café & Bakery – Coffee, pastries, and casual breakfast or lunch. (707) 937-0836
• Mendocino Market – Local deli with standout sandwiches and soups. (707) 937-3474

Nearby Options

• The Wharf (Fort Bragg) – Elevated coastal cuisine with ocean views.
• North Coast Brewing Co. (Fort Bragg) – Award-winning craft brewery with pub fare and live music.
• Princess Seafood Market & Deli (Noyo Harbor) – Fresh, locally-caught seafood and casual bites.
• Harbor View Bistro & Bar – Waterfront dining at the Noyo Harbor Inn, with pet-friendly patio.
• Noyo River Grill – Wonderful menu with panoramic views.
• Takas Japanese Grill – Casual spot for teriyaki and sushi.
• KW Saltwater Grill – Enjoy a combination of Southern charm and coastal cuisine.
• Mayan Fusion – Cozy restaurant serving Yucatán-inspired Mexican cuisine.

From calm estuary paddles to deep-sea charters, the water here holds adventure at every level.

• Kayak Mendocino – Guided sea cave tours from Van Damme State Beach.
• Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too – Canoe, kayak, and outrigger rentals on Big River estuary.
• All Aboard Adventures – Whale watching and fishing trips from Noyo Harbor.
• Fort Bragg Fishing – Local resource for river and ocean fishing opportunities.
• Anchor Charter Boats – Ocean charters for salmon, rockfish, crab, and whale watching.
• Telstar Charters – Deep sea and sportfishing trips out of Noyo Harbor.

Step back in time with Mendocino’s historic landmarks, scenic railways, and cultural sites.

• Skunk Train & Railbikes – Ride historic trains or pedal railbikes through the redwoods.
• Point Cabrillo Light Station – Restored 1909 lighthouse and museum with sweeping coastal views.
• Ford House Museum – 1854 home on Main Street with exhibits on Mendocino’s logging history and architecture.
• Kelley House Museum – Local history museum featuring artifacts, photographs, and rotating exhibits.
• Guest House Museum – Local history museum in Fort Bragg.

Many guests plan visits around Mendocino’s year-round events, from seasonal food and whale festivals to standout weeks like the June Film Festival and the two-week Music Festival in July.

• Mendocino Grove Events – Seasonal calendar with Friday night dinners, festivals, and creative retreats.
• Seasonal Food & Craft Events – Check the calendar for year-round events in Mendocino County.
• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens –  Seasonal events, from Mushroom Walks to the Festival of Lights.
• Crab, Wine & Beer Festival – February, celebrating local seafood, wine, and craft beer.
• Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals – March, wine tastings, whale watching, and oceanfront events.
• Mendocino Film Festival – June, showcasing independent and documentary films.
• Mendocino Music Festival – July, a week of classical, jazz, and contemporary performances.
• World’s Largest Salmon BBQ (Fort Bragg) – July, an oceanside tradition of grilling fresh local salmon.
• Mendocino Open Paint Out – September, plein air painting festival with artists from around the world.
• County Fair & Apple Show (Boonville) – September, classic fair with rides, exhibits, and local apples.

Whether you’re driving up the coast to get here or heading out for a day trip once you’ve arrived, these routes are all about the scenic roads and the stops that make them worth the ride.

Anderson Valley

About an hour inland, you’ll hit Anderson Valley. Think apple orchards, grazing sheep, vineyards, a historic fairground, and welcoming small towns like Boonville and Philo along Highway 128. Below are just a handful of the many restaurants, shops, farms and wineries that compose the Anderson Valley wine region.

• Boonville Hotel & Restaurant – Seasonal prix fixe dinners and Sunday lunch.
• Boonville General Store – Soups, salads, and sandwiches made fresh daily.
• Mosswood Market – Coffee and baked goods in downtown Boonville.
• Boonville Distillery – Bistro classics, Mexican fare, and the only full bar in town.
• Farmhouse Mercantile – Curated homewares, clothing, and gifts.
• Paysanne – French-inspired ice cream and sweets.
• Pennyroyal Farm – Goat & sheep cheese, wine, and farmstead lunch.
• Anderson Valley Brewing Co. – Craft beers and dog friendly beer garden.
• The Apple Farm – Seasonal apples and preserves (Aug–Oct).
• Navarro Vineyards – Family winery known for pinot noir and gewürztraminer.
• Roederer Estate – Sparkling wines from a famed Champagne house.
• The Madrones – Collective of tasting rooms, shops, and dining in Philo.

Fort Bragg & Noyo Harbor

Just one mile North of Mendocino Cove, in Fort Bragg and Noyo Harbor youʻll find sea glass beaches, breweries, and fresh-caught seafood by the water.

• Glass Beach – Famous shoreline covered in colorful sea glass, part of MacKerricher State Park.
• MacKerricher State Park – Ten miles of coastline with boardwalks, dunes, and whale-watching lookouts.
• North Coast Brewing Co. – Award-winning craft beers and live music in downtown Fort Bragg.
• Princess Seafood Market & Deli – Women-owned fishing fleet serving a fresh catch menu.
• All Aboard Adventures – Whale-watching and sportfishing trips departing from Noyo Harbor.
• CV Starr Community Center & Aquatic Center – Indoor pool, lazy river, and family recreation.
• Local Shops & Galleries – Explore Fort Bragg’s Main Street for art, antiques, and coastal gifts.
• Noyo Harbor Events – Seasonal seafood festivals, harbor celebrations, and community gatherings.

Start with our own beach trail, then branch out to redwood forests, canyons, and bluffs in the surrounding state parks. Prefer to ride? Local bike rentals open up miles of scenic trails.

On Property

• Private Trail – Path from the resort down to Pine Beach.
• Walking Distance – Trails through Mendocino Headlands State Park, with South Beach about 10 minutes away.

Nearby Hikes

• Mendocino Headlands Trail – Bluff-top trail wrapping around the village with whale watching, tidepools, and beaches.
• Van Damme State Park – Fern Canyon Trail winds through redwoods and streams to the pygmy forest.
• Russian Gulch State Park – Fern Canyon to Falls Trail ending at a 36-foot year-round waterfall.
• Point Cabrillo Light Station – Paved trail to a historic lighthouse, with a coastal path to Caspar Headlands.
• Jug Handle Reserve – Ecological Staircase Trail climbs 5 miles from the beach to the pygmy forest.
• MacKerricher State Park – Ten miles of coastline with boardwalks, dunes, and the Ten Mile Trail.

Biking Options

• Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too – Rentals for biking around Mendocino Village and the Big River Trail.
• Fort Bragg Cyclery – Bike rentals for riding along the coast on the Ten Mile Beach Trail.

If you’re coming from the Bay Area you’ll travel through Healdsburg, Geyserville, and Anderson Valley. All have good spots to stop, grab a bite, and stretch your legs.

In Healdsburg

• Barndiva – Modern country cuisine with beautiful patio dining. (707) 771-9481
• Bravas Bar de Tapas – Traditional and modern tapas by James Beard finalists Mark and Terri Stark. (707) 433-7700

In Geyserville (10 miles north of Healdsburg)

• Diavola Pizzeria – Incredible pizza, salads, and house-cured meats in a laid-back setting. (707) 814-0111

Boonville & Philo (Anderson Valley, ~1 hour north of Healdsburg)

• The Boonville Hotel & Restaurant – Seasonal prix fixe dinners, with Sunday lunch in summer months. (707) 895-2210
• Boonville General Store – Homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and tempting sides. (707) 895-9477
• Mosswood Market – Cozy stop for coffee and baked goods in downtown Boonville. (707) 895-3635
• Boonville Distillery – Two restaurants under one roof: California bistro classics and Mexican fare by local icon Libby. Also home to the only full bar in town. (707) 895-3869
• Jumbos Win Win – Classis roadside burger stand
• Wickson Restaurant – Awesome wood fired pizza!

Wine and beer are part of the Mendocino County experience. Taste Pinot Noir and sparkling wine in Anderson Valley, then head to the coast for award-winning breweries and casual taprooms.

• Goldeneye Winery – Scenic Anderson Valley estate known for elegant Pinot Noir.
• Handley Cellars – Family-owned winery producing a diverse lineup of varietals.
• Husch Vineyards – The valley’s oldest family winery, specializing in Pinot Noir.
• Lula Cellars – Boutique producer offering small-lot Pinot Noir and tastings.
• Navarro Vineyards – Alsace-style whites, Pinot Noir, and family-friendly tastings.
• Roederer Estate – French-owned sparkling house crafting méthode champenoise wines.
• Toulouse Vineyards – Cozy tasting room featuring Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
• Witching Stick Wines – Small-production label focusing on unique coastal vineyards.
• Frey Vineyards – America’s first organic and biodynamic winery, based in Redwood Valley.
• Barra of Mendocino – Family-run estate winery in Redwood Valley, with sustainably farmed vineyards.
• Anderson Valley Brewing Co. (Boonville) – Classic ales and a dog-friendly beer garden.
• North Coast Brewing Co. (Fort Bragg) – Iconic Scrimshaw Pilsner, pub fare, and live jazz.
• Overtime Brewing (Fort Bragg) – Craft brewery with rotating taps and local vibe.
• Tall Guy Brewing (Fort Bragg) – Newest brewery in town with small-batch beers.
• Northspur Brewing (Willits) – Local brewery offering seasonal ales and casual atmosphere.
• Ukiah Brewing Company – Organic brewery and restaurant with house-made beers.

For a complete list of Anderson Valley Wineries, click here.