Top Things to do in Mendocino County
What to do and see in Mendocino County, Mendocino County: The Best Beaches
Discover the best top things to do in Mendocino County, United States including Van Damme State Park, Gualala Point Regional Park, Manchester Beach, Noyo Headlands Park, Seaside Beach, Pudding Creek Beach, Glass Beach, Manchester State Parker, Schooner Gulch State Beach, Noyo Beach.
Restaurants in Mendocino County
1. 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.
2. Gualala Point Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Located at the mouth of the Gualala River, this park offers great hiking trails and nature walks.
Reviewed By LarainM
wonderful walking trails along the bluff circling back to the parking area. Or head south to Sea Ranch bluff trail.
3. Manchester Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
This 650-acre expanse has huge sand dunes, driftwood and a profusion of wildflowers.
Reviewed By TravelPlenty5 - Los Angeles, United States
I hate to mention this beach because it is a fantastic experience, clean and pristine. Manchester is a very small town full of Mexican drug cartel operatives and violent gangbangers, so be careful here. There is a very good KOA campground. The state park has been taken over by selfish state government workers and their friends, who closed the park so they can live in a beautiful facility, but the beach is still open and accessible.
4. Noyo Headlands Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By TravelGoddess61 - Chico, United States
The views are stunning, the headlands hiking, or the biking, or strolling along the ocean are all just a must see. Goes now from the Glass Beach area in Fort Bragg north and south with paved paths, or headlands hiking. It also begins in Fort Bragg near the Safeway just past. Every view is different and a must do on a clear day with views of the ocean forever and sometimes fishing boats too. Bring your binoculars to see when it is clear too. You will see birds, and we saw pelicans diving when we went. The rock formations are amazing, and the surf was turquoise blue when we went and clear water. It can be cold or windy but was warm and sunny when we went. It is easy to socially isolate but bring your mask required when you cannot. There are restrooms only at the beginning and free parking too. It is a must do while you are in the area and you can walk forever or a short ways.
5. Seaside Beach
6. Pudding Creek Beach
7. Glass Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,092 reviews
The sand at this unusual beach is covered with interesting-shaped and colored rocks and stones.
Reviewed By F3930VXsarahg
Glass Beach is very attractive - a short walk takes you to tide pools, rocks to climb, cliffs to watch the surf, for whales and to gaze North to the Lost Coast. A former city dump, bits of colored glass are about all that is left. Walk from town, or park in lot. From here, there are paved trails for walking/biking going South to Noyo Harbor/Pomo Bluffs Park, and North to MacKerricker State Park, camping, board-walk to seal watching, a trail around Lake Cleone (walk only), then on to Ward Avenue and Ten Mile River's long beach and dune complex. Restroom at trail head.
8. Manchester State Parker
9. Schooner Gulch State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By SDMRT
This is one of the very few areas on the wild Pacific Coast where a person can get down on the sand and experience the area where the tectonic plates formed the fantastic geological landscape in this part of California. The reef rock is just below foot at low tide and the layers of rock run vertical in the cliffs. Really an amazing sight!
10. Noyo Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By TechMistress - Sacramento, United States
Always a pleasure to be on this beach. Where the river meets the sea! The sound of a distant foghorn, the sound of the waves and the view of the ocean or harbor. A lovely, quiet place!
