Welcome to Mendocino
We’re so excited to celebrate with you in one of our favorite places—downtown Mendocino, a tiny coastal town perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific. It’s known for its windswept beauty, artist cottages, walkable streets, and the kind of calm that makes you instantly exhale.
Downtown Mendocino is full of galleries, ceramics studios, jewelry makers, cozy bookstores, and boutiques. Everything is within a few walkable blocks—perfect for a slow morning with coffee in hand.
While you’re here, we hope you get to explore—because Mendocino is small, but packed with tremendous beauty and never ending adventures.
Things to Do
Headlands State Park
Steps from downtown, this park wraps around the coastline with cliffside trails, sea arches, wildflowers, and panoramic ocean views. Great for sunrise walks, photos, or simply watching waves crash against the rocks. A must see.
Van Damme State Park
Home to the magical Fern Canyon Trail—lush, shaded, and filled with ferns draping from canyon walls. A peaceful morning adventure before grabbing lunch back in town.
Big River Beach
Where our beach bbq takes place! Relax on the sand, watch kayakers float down the river, or explore the trails that run alongside the water. Rentals are available for kayaks, canoes, and even stand-up paddleboards.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
An oceanfront garden with colorful flowers, forested paths, succulents, and coastal bluffs. Great for wandering, relaxing, and soaking in the views. Alyssa's personal favorite!
Russian Gulch State Park
A stunning cove with turquoise water, a natural blowhole (the Devil’s Punchbowl), and trails that lead through redwoods to a 36-foot waterfall. Fantastic for hiking, picnicking, or sightseeing. sfsd
Anderson Valley Wine Tasting
About 30–40 minutes inland, Anderson Valley is known for its world-class Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. Expect redwoods, rolling vineyards, and small, charming tasting rooms. Favorites include Roederer Estate, Goldeneye, and Navarro.
Explore Nearby: Fort Bragg
Just 10 minutes north of Mendocino, Fort Bragg is worth a visit. It has a totally different vibe than Mendocino—a larger city, a bit lively and eclectic, and full of coastal landmarks, quirky shops, breweries, and oceanfront views.
Glass Beach
A unique beach famous for its shimmering sea glass created from old, polished remnants of a long-ago shoreline dump (nature truly took lemons and made art). Wander the tide pools, look for colorful glass, and explore the rugged cliffs that surround it.
Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail
A beautiful, paved oceanfront path that stretches along the coastline. Perfect for a morning walk, bike ride, or sunset stroll. Expect sweeping ocean views, benches overlooking the cliffs, and wildflowers in spring.
The Skunk Train
A classic Fort Bragg experience. Ride a historic train into ancient redwood forests along the Pudding Creek Estuary—or opt for railbikes, a pedal-powered two-person cart that glides along the tracks through stunning scenery. It’s peaceful, fun, and great for all ages.
Pacific Star Winery
A Fort Bragg must-see! It’s a cliffside winery perched directly above the ocean—the only one like it in California. Bring a jacket, grab a glass, and sit outside while waves crash against the rocks below. It’s incredibly scenic and laid-back, perfect for a relaxed afternoon outing.
Where to Eat
Trillium
Coastal California cuisine with garden patio seating and excellent seafood.
GoodLife Café & Bakery
Breakfast, pastries, strong coffee, and easy grab-and-go options. A staple of any Mendocino morning.
Wild Fish
Fresh, local seafood with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Romantic and scenic.
Café Beaujolais
A charming farmhouse offering elevated, farm-to-table dishes. Cozy, intimate, and a guest favorite.
Fog Eater Cafe
A fun, colorful spot serving Southern-inspired vegetarian dishes. Surprisingly filling and so delicious.
Harbor House Inn (Elk)
For the food lovers: a Michelin-starred tasting menu overlooking dramatic cliffs. Reservations recommended far in advance.
Patterson’s Pub
Lively, casual, and friendly. Great for comfort food, pints, and groups.
Little River Inn
Nearby oceanfront dining with coastal classics and great views.
Coffee, Snacks & Quick Stops
Mendocino Market — Picnic supplies, salads, sandwiches
The Waiting Room Coffee — Perfect for a morning stop before exploring or grabbing something warm on a foggy day
Frankie’s Pizza & Ice Cream — Easy, casual, and great
Moody’s Coffee Bar — Cozy spot with excellent espresso
A few tips…
Pack layers—coastal evenings get chilly, especially during the bonfire.
Restaurants close early; we recommend making dinner reservations.
Cell service can be spotty, but Wi-Fi is widely available.
Town is very walkable, and parking is usually easy.