Mendocino Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
North Coast California
Explore the art galleries, trendy boutiques and museums in this refined town on a headland with scenic views of the ocean.

Mendocino is a haven for artists, with spectacular views of bluffs and rock formations. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the headland is in the midst of vineyards, museums and parks. Enjoy the haute culture among the art hangouts and quaint cafés.

Hike along a nature trail during warm summers and mild winters for views of the ocean. Watch the migration of pods of gray whales off the coast from February through April. Among the most scenic sights in the town is Agate Beach, with headlands and offshore rocks. Relax and enjoy the tranquility in this secluded cove.

On the western flank of the town is the Mendocino Headlands State Park, which has beaches, cliffs and a historic home. Visit the park’s iconic Ford House Visitor Center and Museum for the model display of the town in the 1890s. Learn about the intriguing logging industry of the community.

Wander through the blocks of the cultured town center to find the Mendocino Art Center. It offers more than 200 classes each year on topics from ceramics and fiber arts to jewelry and sculpture. Examine the works by local artists in monthly exhibitions.

Explore the displays of the nearby Chinese Taoist Temple of Kwan Tai. This brightly painted red-and-green structure has a museum educating visitors about California’s Chinese history. East of the town center, watch all types of sports games at Friendship Park.

Note that the community is often referred to as Mendocino Village to distinguish it from its namesake county. It has been used for the setting of many movies, including The Karate Kid and The Majestic.

Fly to San Francisco International Airport and drive north for about 175 miles (280 kilometers) to get to this community in northwestern California. Move around this small town on foot or rent mountain bikes. Visit nearby towns, such as Sacramento, Fort Bragg and Santa Rosa.

Mendocino is a sophisticated retreat with art galleries and museums in the heart of wine country.

The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
3 out of 5
45080 Main St, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this hotel in Mendocino. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"All ok"

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2024

The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
Mendo Bungalow
Mendo Bungalow
3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
The price is ₹24,103 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
₹24,103
₹26,755 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Mendocino. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (113 reviews)
"Excellent views and great value."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Mendo Bungalow
Inns of Mendocino
Inns of Mendocino
3 out of 5
10481 Howard Street, Mendocino, CA
The price is ₹16,702 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
₹16,702
₹19,507 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Mendocino. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Kelley House Museum and Ford House Visitor Center ...
9/10 Wonderful! (188 reviews)
"Staff was very welcoming and accommodating. Breakfast was GREAT!"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2024

Inns of Mendocino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mendo Bungalow
Mendo Bungalow
3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Mendocino. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (113 reviews)
"Excellent views and great value."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Mendo Bungalow
Sweetwater Inn and Spa
Sweetwater Inn and Spa
3.5 out of 5
44840 Main Street, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly cabin in Mendocino. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Kelley House Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (116 reviews)
"Sweetwater Inn and Spa is a lovely, large, comfortable, cozy studio apartment. A full sofa neatly separates the bed/living area from the kitchen/dining area. The round dining table comfortably fits 3 people. The full kitchen is well supplied with pots, pans, etc. They deliver breakfast muffins every ..."

Reviewed on 11 Sep 2024

Sweetwater Inn and Spa
Point Arena Lighthouse
Point Arena Lighthouse
3 out of 5
45500 Lighthouse Rd, Point Arena, CA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Point Arena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Point Arena Lighthouse & Museum and Brush Creek-Lagoon ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
Time away from noise
"Exactly as we expected. Peaceful, quiet, (foggy a lot) and many trails around the coast to appreciate."

Reviewed on 9 Sep 2024

Point Arena Lighthouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Mendocino

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 16.666666666666668%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It feels like the place thinks it’s more than what it is, and it’s overpriced. Loved the book shop though

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