Mendocino, California

Mendocino, California is a great destination for adventurers. With its stunning scenery and wealth of outdoor activities, it is a must-visit for those looking for the ultimate outdoor experience. From hiking to kayaking, visitors can explore the Mendocino Headlands State Park, take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, or explore the rugged coastline on a kayak tour. For those looking to venture further, there are plenty of trails and activities to enjoy. From the Redwood Forest to the Mendocino National Forest, visitors can partake in a variety of outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, and mountain biking. For a truly special experience, visitors can also take a boat tour of the area and enjoy the area's wildlife and natural beauty. With its multitude of outdoor activities and attractions, Mendocino, California, is a perfect destination for outdoor adventurers.

Top Spots in and near Mendocino

Mendocino, California
Mendocino Headlands Trail

5.0

4.15 mi / 171 ft gain

Mendocino Headlands Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mendocino, California.
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Mendocino, California
Mendocino Cliffs Trail

5.0

1.37 mi / 108 ft gain

The town of Mendocino is as charming and quaint as one can find. It is no wonder why it was pegged as the perfect location spot to film the series Murder She Wrote. While the series heroine Jessica Fletcher's home can still be visited, it is the bay itself that will draw your attention. Startin...
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Mendocino, California
Explore Big River Beach

Make your way around the back of the Chevron on Main st. in town and just keep following the stairs down to the little trail that leads to the beach. The beach is beautiful with soft sand. Dogs are allowed but please note they are supposed to be on leash. Obviously our group wasn't too upset by ...
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Mendocino, California
Paddle Redwood Outrigger Canoes up Big River

Big River is a 40 mile or so river in the heart of Mendocino and its first 8 miles form the largest undeveloped estuary remaining in California. It is home to some amazing wildlife from seals to jellyfish to the endangered California Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead Trout. If you are lu...
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Mendocino, California
Kayak Mendocino's Big River

4.8

The Big River estuary in Mendocino Headlands State Park is one of those best of both worlds scenarios where dense Redwood forest and fresh, lazy river water meet rocky beaches and the mighty Pacific. If you're really lucky, you can swim with river otters and harbor seals at the same time. Paddle ...
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Mendocino, California
Camp at Russian Gulch State Park

Just two miles north of Mendocino, you'll find this beautiful, well-maintained park that features a little bit of everything. The campsite is situated between a rugged beach and a stunning 36-ft waterfall, giving you plenty of easy and fun options.This park is most well known for the heavily fore...
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Mendocino, California
Fern Canyon Scenic Trail

5.0

7.71 mi / 787 ft gain

The Fern Canyon Trail system is the main hiking vein of Van Damme State Park. This particular hike is on a mostly flat, wide trail through dense, green forest of California Redwoods, Cypress, Pines, and giant ferns. The trail is paved but typically carpeted in soft pine needles. Come in the rainy...
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Albion, California
Explore Navarro Beach

Northern California beaches are not your typical soft sand, warm water, grab a surf board type of spots. Of course when the weather is cooperating you can enjoy those activities as well! What makes this spot so special is how few people ever come and enjoy the raw beauty of this landscape. If you...
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Fort Bragg, California
Glass Beach

4.0

Glass Beach is located at MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg, CA along the Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California. Take Elm street toward the beach and the parking lot entrance for glass beach will be located on the left at the bend. From here, its a short walk on some pathways. This be...
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Fort Bragg, California
Mackerricher State Park

Arrive an hour or so before sunset and have plenty of time to explore a ton of different things. Walk along the beach, we had it to ourselves mind you. Not another footprint in the sand. Stroll around the boardwalks out to the point. Walk down to the tide pools, and stayed for one of the most spe...
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Philo, California
Camp at Camp Navarro

5.0

Camp Navarro is located about 2.5 hours north of San Francisco. This redwood getaway is nestled between branches of the North Fork of the Navarro River. Equipped with a lodge, coffee, shop, water and toilets, Camp Navarro allows you to escape from the stresses of city life while still enjoying a ...
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Westport, California
Northern Mendocino Camping and Surf Adventure

4.5

I know it can be difficult to find access and opportunities to camp for free on the beach. Look no further, Blues Beach is off the beaten path and offers year round surf and free camping. It’s 200 miles North of San Francisco and a few miles North of Fort Bragg. As long as you keep your eyes on t...
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Ukiah, California
Hike Montgomery Woods State Nature Reserve Loop

4.5

2 mi / 150 ft gain

This is a great find. We saw it on the map it was on the way from Mendocino to our next stop, Napa Valley. So glad we took the time to visit. It is a small park with about a two mile loop hike in a valley floor loaded with huge redwoods and few people. The trail is very easy and starts along a sm...
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Point Arena, California
Explore the Point Arena Lighthouse and Trail

5.0

0.5 mi

Point Arena Lighthouse is situated on the piece of land that is the closest to the Hawaiian Islands from the continental United States. The lighthouse stands at 115 feet high and you are able to go to the top. I did not have time for this, unfortunately but definitely something I will take advant...
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Point Arena, California
Explore the Point Arena Lighthouse

Go into the museum and gift shop first and have a look around at all the cool stuff they have from the lighthouse. Once you're done checking everything out in there, go make your way up the spiral staircase to the tippy top. You can stop just before the peak and go for a walk on the landing that ...
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Point Arena, California
Hike Stornetta Public Lands

4.5

2.5 mi

Along Point Arena Lighthouse Road there is an access trailhead to Stornetta Public Lands, which is part of the Bureau of Land Management system. There is a wonderful coastal trail that offers great views of the rugged coastline. From the trailhead, you will be walking south across an open field w...
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