Mendocino County Day Trips Things to Do

Mendocino is a city and county in Northern California. Its majestic redwood forests and rugged north coast beaches make it an excellent destination for a day trip, weekend getaway, or more extended vacation.

The town of Mendocino was established in 1850. It has a unique location as the town’s western border is the Pacific Ocean, and the eastern border is a line of beautiful, majestic redwood trees. Mendocino allows you to spend time in two of nature’s most beautiful landscapes without driving hundreds of miles to get from one to the other.

The Pacific Ocean offers beautiful crashing waves, beaches for walking, and tide pools for exploring. Many visitors pass the day fishing from the shore or picnicking on the sandy beaches.

Skunk Train Railroad

Northern California’s Skunk Train at Fort Bragg is a 100-year-old train line that now operates as a tourist railway transporting thousands of visitors annually. The railroad track runs 40 miles from Fort Bragg on the coast to Willits on US Highway 101. No trains run along the line since the tunnel between the two destinations is blocked—shorter excursions run from Fort Bragg or Willits.

Bryan Preserve

The Bryan Preserve, located in Point Arena in Southern Mendocino County, is a wildlife preserve with two kinds of zebra species and several antelope species. Tours are available by reservation only in the late afternoon to coincide with the animal feeding.

Point Arena Lighthouse

For over 100 years, the lighthouse has protected sailors from the rough shoreline and rocky outcroppings along the Pacific Coast. Join one of the guided trips up the lighthouse. Tours leave every 20 minutes and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. The top of the lighthouse is accessed by an interior spiral staircase of over 140 steps.

Glass Beach

Glass Beach is three miles south of  MacKerricher State Park near the town of Fort Bragg. Glass Beach is rarely covered in glass except after a storm. It is also illegal to take the glass, even though its source is trash—part of the small-town charm of  Fort Bragg.

Mendocino County Wine Tasting

Like many places in California, the winery world has found its niche in Mendocino. Check out the tasting rooms and tours available and pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy at your cottage, tent, or picnic.

If you wish to have an authentic, hassle-free wine-tasting experience, contact one of the wine tour companies and relax. Booking a tour with them means you won’t have to worry about parking, driving, or any other concerns with wine tasting. They know the area and the wineries that best suit your desired experience.

Mendocino Botanical Gardens

Mendocino Botanical Gardens is situated on 47 acres of coastal bluffs in Fort Bragg. Beautiful plants & flowers and stunning Pacific ocean views make Mendocino Botanical Gardens the perfect destination for a relaxing day trip.

Mendocino Redwoods

The majestic redwoods offer magic all their own. It is a beautiful place to hike, stroll, take pictures, or participate in a tour. Camping is available in campgrounds among the redwoods, and you might even enjoy some horseback riding in the redwoods. Visitors view these majestic trees at Montgomery Woods State Park, Hendy Woods State Park, and Mailliard Redwoods State Natural Reserve.

Mendocino County Where to Stay

In various places along the Mendocino Coast, there are campgrounds not far from the water, yet near enough to enjoy the sound of the crashing waves and smell the salt air while you roast your marshmallows or sing songs around the campfire.

Like bed and breakfast, Quaint lodging options dot the Mendocino Coast and the redwoods. Whether you prefer a cottage in the redwoods or a place with an ocean view, you are sure to find exactly what you wish for your cozy weekend on the Mendocino Coast.

Visiting Mendocino County

Whatever you do, if you make Mendocino a weekend getaway, you have no shortage of day trip options. If you are traveling with your dog, many places are dog-friendly.
Pick a weekend, pack your car, then head north on Highway One and find yourself at Mendocino. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, restaurants, and rejuvenation, and it awaits you. One thing is for sure – one visit is not enough.

Bay Area Day Trip Ideas

Northern California Hidden Gems

Fort Bragg Day Trip