Mendocino County is a county located in the northern part of the state of California, in the United States. Its county seat is the city of Ukiah. Mendocino County is known for its natural beauty, with rugged coastline, towering redwood trees, and rolling hills covered in vineyards. We took a day trip to Mendocino county in the spring and will definitely be back to spend more time. Here is the list of best things to do in Mendocino County.
How to get to Mendocino county from San Francisco
Mendocino County is located approximately 3 hours north of San Francisco, California. The easiest way to get there from San Francisco is by car. The most direct route to Mendocino County from San Francisco is to take US-101 North to CA-128 West. This scenic drive will take you through the heart of wine country and along the Russian River. From there, continue west on CA-128 until you reach the town of Mendocino.
Best things to do in Mendocino County
Wine tasting
Mendocino County has several distinct wine regions, including Anderson Valley, Yorkville Highlands, and the Redwood Valley. Each region has its own unique climate, soil type, and grape varietals, which result in different flavor profiles for the wines produced there. We stopped by Greenwood Ridge Vineyard for a glass of wine and to explore.
There are over 100 wineries and tasting rooms in Mendocino County, many of which are open to the public for tastings and tours. Mendocino County also hosts several wine festivals throughout the year, including the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, the Hopland Passport Weekend, and the Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition. There are several wine tour companies in Mendocino County that offer guided tours of local wineries and vineyards. These tours are a great way to learn about the history of winemaking in the area and taste some of the best wines that Mendocino County has to offer.
Walk in Redwood forest
There are many trails to choose from in the redwoods, so be sure to pick one that matches your skill level and interests. Some popular trails include the Avenue of the Giants, the Fern Canyon Trail, and the Pygmy Forest Trail. We stopped n Dimmick Memorial Grove park to admire “red giants”. The redwoods are a delicate ecosystem, so be sure to stay on the designated trails and pack out any trash you bring in.
Whale watching in Albion
Navarro Point is a beautiful coastal area located in Mendocino County, California, and it is a great spot for whale watching. The best time to see whales in Albion is from December to April during the annual migration of gray whales. We didn’t see whales unfortunately, but the views from Navarro points are stunning and the trail is very easy.
Here are some tips to make the most of your whale watching experience :
- Visit during the right season: The best time to see whales at Navarro Point is from December to April during the annual migration of gray whales.
- Look for whale spouts: When searching for whales, look for their spouts or water that sprays up in the air. This is caused by the whales exhaling.
- Bring binoculars: Binoculars can be very helpful for spotting whales and other wildlife. If you don’t have your own, many whale watching tours offer binoculars for their guests.
- Dress appropriately: The weather on the coast can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. Be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny and rain gear if it’s cloudy.
Explore Abalone beach and Little River area
Abalone Beach is known for its abalone population, but due to overfishing, abalone diving is prohibited in the area, Abalone is a type of sea snail that is highly valued for its meat, which is considered a delicacy in many cultures. It is often consumed raw or cooked in a variety of dishes, such as sushi and pasta. Abalone is also highly sought after for its beautiful shell, which is often used in jewelry and decorative items.
You can also rent a kayak here and Explore Little river. Little River offers several options for kayaking, including paddling up the river or exploring the nearby coast. The tide can affect the difficulty of your kayaking route, so make sure to check the tide before you start kayaking.
Picnic and hike in Russian Glutch State park
We stopped by to have a picnic with a view here and then hiked Headland trail. We initially planned to hike North trail, but both North and South trails were closed during our visit.
Here are the hikes you can do in the park:
- Headlands Trail: We hike this trail and we loved it. It is easy 2.2-mile loop trail that takes you through beautiful coastal forests and provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, we stopped by many rocky cliffs and coves. The trail is well-marked and maintained, but you should still be prepared with appropriate hiking gear and plenty of water.
- Fern Canyon Trail: This is a 5.8-mile round trip hike that takes you through a beautiful redwood forest and leads to a waterfall. This is a moderate hike.
- North Trail: This is a 3.3-mile round trip hike that takes you through a lush forest and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. It is considered a moderate hike.
- South Trail: This is a 6.2-mile round trip hike that takes you through a dense forest and leads to a secluded beach. It is considered a difficult hike due to its length and steep inclines.
Visit Point Cabrillo Light Station
Have you ever seen the image of lonely iconic red roof lighthouse by the coast? This is Point Cabrillo Light Station historic lighthouse located on the coast of Mendocino County. When you visit Point Cabrillo Light Station, you can explore the lighthouse and its surrounding buildings, including small aquarium. There are also several trails in the area that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline. We spent some time there, learned about the history of the lighthouse, bought and the important role it played in maritime navigation.
There are two ways to get to the lighthouse from the parking lot: paved road and “unimproved hiking trail”. When we saw the sign we got a it discouraged by the “Unimproved” trail, but still decided to follow it and I’m glad we did. The trail is just an easy to follow well marked trail to the lighthouse, it is just not paved.
Drive to Fort Bragg
Visit Glass beach.
Glass Beach is a beach located in MacKerricher State Park near Fort Bragg, California, United States. It is known for its colorful, smooth sea glass pieces that cover the shore. The beach is amazing, and there is still a lot of small pieces of sea glass, you just need to look for it. Thanks to influences, this place became over popular like many other places. So, the tourists collected all the colored glass.
We spent some time looking for glass, took tons of pictures and talked to a local couple. They told us that the beach area was used as a dump for the town’s trash, including glass bottles, appliances, and cars. Over time, the waves and currents transformed the debris into smooth, colorful sea glass that covered the beach. Later in 1970s, the practice of dumping trash on the beach was discontinued, and the area was cleaned up.
Explore Fort Bragg historic downtown
We made a quick stop at colorful historic downtown, went to couple of antique stores, took a picture of old train, walked around historic town hall. The town is very cute, but it was empty during our visit. Majority of the shops and restaurants were closed and we hardly found just one a place that was open 4.30pm for early dinner. I love the ghost town vibe and will definitely be back.
Hike Jug Handle State Natural Preserve
The park features a unique landscape that includes coastal bluffs, meadows, forests, and a series of terraces that were formed by a geological uplift millions of years ago. One of the most popular hiking trails in the reserve is the Ecological Staircase Trail, which takes you on a “journey” through the different terraces and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
The trail is approximately 2.3 miles long and is moderate in my option. Along the way, you will pass through a variety of plant communities, including redwoods, bishop pines, and pygmy forests. The highlight of the trail is the “staircase” itself, a series of five terraces that were formed by uplift over millions of years. Each terrace has its own distinct plant community, with the oldest terrace being home to a rare type of pine tree that is found only in this area.
Watch sunset at Mendocino Headland Park.
Located just west of the town of Mendocino, the park features amazing coastal bluffs and stunning ocean views. One of the highlights of the park is the sand formations that are visible at low tide, which create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. There is also a variety of hiking trails and picnic areas in the park. You can explore the coastal bluffs and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Unfortunately, it was very cloudy during our visit. So, we were not able to watch sunset there, but the location of the park and yellow sand formation makes this place great for watching sunset.
Visiting Mendocino County was an absolutely amazing experience. The stunning natural beauty of the region was truly awe-inspiring, from the rugged coastline to the towering redwood forests. We loved exploring the state parks, hiking along the trails, and soaking up the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. The wine tasting was also a highlight, and we enjoyed sampling some of the region’s delicious mix of white wines. Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a more memorable and enjoyable trip, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Mendocino County.
