Top Things to do in Mendocino County
10 Nature & Parks in Mendocino County That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Mendocino County, United States including Anderson Valley, Mendocino Coast, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Hendy Woods State Park, Montgomery Woods State Reserve, B Bryan Preserve, Point Arena - Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument, Russian Gulch State Park, Jughandle State Reserve, Van Damme State Park.
Restaurants in Mendocino County
1. Anderson Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
A concentration of high-quality wineries north of San Francisco.
Reviewed By db7477 - Carlsbad, United States
We drove from Santa Rosa to Philo... Amazing scenery and a tremendous twisting drive. There are many wonderful wineries and quaint towns along the route... do yourself a favor and sample some amazing pinots.
2. Mendocino Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 756 reviews
A scenic drive along California's Pacific coastline offering beaches, historic lighthouses and old-time fishing villages.
Reviewed By Martysfo - San Rafael, United States
Great cliffs, fog and quiet mark this coast. It is cold and chilly, even in August. Yet it is a must see so one can step back in time to how California used to be. A bonus is the trip up through the Anderson Valley Wine Region on the way to the coast from the Bay Area.
3. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,300 reviews
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. The mild maritime climate makes it a garden for all seasons, attracting gardeners and nature lovers. With manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, native flora and habitats, fern-covered canyons, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and conifers, heaths, heathers, and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue ocean, the garden is a jewel on the Pacific Coast. Your visit is a show of support for our non-profit botanical garden and its mission!
Reviewed By Gardenxoe - Eureka, United States
We’ve never been disappointed by this garden. This time the rhododendrons were in full bloom and it was also a great time to see native wildflowers. We love the transition from beautiful display gardens to native plants (as you head to dramatic ocean overlook). Another good time to visit garden is in July/August, when the dahlias & heathers are blooming.
4. Hendy Woods State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 122 reviews
A great place to hike and camp among the Redwoods.
Reviewed By 310rayt - Maynard, United States
This is a nice spot if one wants convenient proximity of first growth Redwoods, easy hiking trails and access to the Navarro River. The river bank in summer is a nice place to read after hiking among the big trees.
5. Montgomery Woods State Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By karinitabonita - Elk Grove, United States
It’s about 3 miles long. Very tall and beautiful trees and a creek. Gorgeous views!! It was 16 of us ages 4 to 75. We all enjoyed it. Trees are just all different and beautiful to look at. Highly recommended if you’re in the area.
6. B Bryan Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 314 reviews
B Bryan Preserve is committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof stock. Located on 110 acres, the preserve features upscale lodging along with tours by reservation. Critically endangered Rothschild Giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra along with Kudu, Roan and Sable antelope are thriving in large open fields.Make us your base for discovering the Mendocino coast. The small town of Point Arena has a working pier on one end and a historic lighthouse on the other with African Hoof Stock in the middle.
Reviewed By DreamAndDiscover - Oakland, United States
We've been wanting to visit for years and finally had a chance. We took the VIP 10am tour with Zane, and had extended family from ages 72 to 9. We all thoroughly enjoyed learning about the animals, riding in the vintage Land Rover and feeding the giraffes. Zane is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the animals and our elementary school age daughters were impressed that he could answer all but one of their numerous questions! We were really fortunate to have traveled to Kenya for a safari - seeing the animals again brought back wonderful memories. This preserve is well organized and well kept. Highly recommend a visit to this wonderful preserve!
7. Point Arena - Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By 58mads
On my RV road trip along the coast from N. Calif to Oregon, I stopped to see the Point Arena light house. The short drive from Highway 1 takes you by a cliff side area called the Pt. Arena-Stornetta. Wow! What an unexpected surprise. It's BIG, accessible to walk and enjoy the breathtaking rock formations, cliffs and of course the view of lighthouse only a short distance further on. This place is terrific for photo enthusiasts. My favorite spot is the natural arch cut by years of wind and waves. You have to watch your step as you make your way closer, but it's worth it.
8. Russian Gulch State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
This park's view of the Mendocino headlands is enhanced by a spectacular array of wildflowers.
Reviewed By barfiemermaid - Costa Mesa, United States
Main trail to the falls is closed so we had to take the north trail which adds a few more miles. We did almost 11 miles with altitude. It was a beatiful hike almost completely shaded. The cliffs on the north side was gorgeous as well as the sink hole!
9. Jughandle State Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
This reserve is famous for its Staircase Trail
Reviewed By okayaway - Benicia, United States
great views on the ocean and hills. easy to find off of highway 1 and a few great easy hikes out to the ocean cliffs.
10. Van Damme State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Picturesque spot known for its Pygmy Forest of small trees and Fern Canyon.
Reviewed By paulmU4660DC - Walnut Creek, United States
Hike beside the Fern Canyon Creek from the Van Damme Visitor Center to the Pygmy Forest Natural Preserve. The trail, originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, crosses over the creek on 10 bridges. The trail follows the Creek up to the Pygmy Forest, but it's not a strenuous climb. The Pygmy Forest has a guided boardwalk explaining why the forest trees species are different from the flora and fauna in the Canyon.
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