The Most Magical Things to Do in Mendocino

Welcome to Mendocino, a place that’s long enchanted poets, movie stars, and human beings in general.

The train was so-named for the way the fuel used to smell, but these days it’s a sight-seeing experience in Fort Bragg. Choose from taking the (presently not-smelly) train, or peddle to and then hike through the Redwoods – the tallest trees on Earth. To say it’s a humbling experience is an understatement.
Parking is free and golden hour/sunset are the best time to go. Plus, you may see seals on the rocks in the winter!
They might not be the most impressive dunes you ever see, but it’s lovely to see as the forest meets the sea in this area and to explore the sheer vastness of the dunes.

Where to Stay

For something a little different, check out the dunes at 10-mile beach in Fort Bragg, just north of the glass beach and MacKerricher State Park.

I know some people only think of California as a summertime destination, but I love Mendocino in the winter, too. Yes, it’s our rainy season in California, and you will want layers, a beanie, and gloves, but you’ll also experience much smaller crowds. Plus towards the end of February, you get gorgeous wildflowers, too!
This lovely state park is free to check out for day visitors, and you might get a chance to see the seals!

Not only does Jug Handle have a lovely beach and bridge, which I’m sure you’re sensing is a theme in Mendocino now, but it has a super creepy, cool pygmy forest.

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Each morning, the delicious and inventive locally-sourced breakfast was wonderful to enjoy while looking out at the view and the variety of birds who call the grounds home. Every evening, there’s an included happy hour with wine and appetizers that were more than enough to serve as our nightly dinner. I appreciated the convenience of this so much, especially during these times of only takeout and distancing!

What an epic sunset spot!

Russian Gulch State Park

Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, about 10-15 minutes north of the town of Mendocino, is worth a stop.

Park entrance is per car, which gives you access to a beach with the bridge, a short hike to the bridge overlook, and the 6-mile hike to the waterfall pictured above, called the fern trail.

Highway 128 Redwoods and Vineyards

Plus, if you’ve ever played MarioKart, I think you’ll enjoy feeling like you’re in the game on the rail bikes! It gave me major Nintendo vibes! It takes about 2 hours to do the tour, and don’t worry if you’re not super fit. It’s an electric bike that can give you as much help as you need. You can book it here or book their train ride to the Redwoods here.

Just look at it!
I visited Mendocino on a girls’ trip, and as much as it’s a romantic getaway destination, it’s an adventure and outdoorsy destination, too. I think I’d love it whether solo, with a group, or with my love, G.

Van Damme State Park

There are historical interpretive signs that tell the grim history of the headlands, a former reservation, and the mistreatment of those who lived there. With so few nods to the Native Americans in California, it’s nice to see that story told!

And I’m sure that you will, too.

Jug Handle State Park

As a California native, allow me to share the most magical, wonderful things to do in Mendocino that will keep you enchanted, too:

Skunk Train Railbikes

What is a pygmy forest? It’s a bunch of pines and Cypress trees twisted in strange and wonderful ways to create the best tree-climbing adventure I’ve ever seen. Even of you’re just marveling from the ground, I think you’ll agree, it’s neat.

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I’ve heard this part of California described as being in a perpetual spring. It’s always been true for me – the moody coastline bringing in occasional fog and soft sunlight while whales and dolphins play in the distance. Somehow, it almost always magically clears for the sunset which, if you position yourself right, could be one of the best you ever see on those abundant cliffs over the moody Pacific.
If you think ‘skunk train’ is an odd name, I’m here to agree with you, but the experience of biking along an old train track to the Redwoods sure was cool!

Glass Beach

I LOVED my experience at the Brewery Gulch Inn just south of the town of Mendocino. The customer service and extras took it all above and beyond, plus the view was wonderful!

Sea glass beach!

Having witnessed two epic sunsets at Van Damme State Park’s beach, I guess I can say I’m a fan now. The sun was perfectly positioned over some rocks in the distance and it was just stellar from any vantage point.
Though you can’t quite expect waterfalls as grand as in Yosemite, the hike itself is pretty easy, runs along a magical river with ferns and flowers, and takes you through Redwood trees towards the end as well!

Noyo Headlands State Park

This former dump turned into a beach covered in sea glass carved by the ocean over time, and when the light catches it just right, it can be magical.

You may start to notice that you are spoiled for choice when it comes to sunset spots in Mendocino County. The boulders in the ocean plus the perfect western position means nearly limitless options, and you can’t go wrong!
If coming from the Bay Area, chances are good you’ll drive part of the way on highway 128, California’s winery route, to get to Mendocino. This drive is amazing, passing through several wineries and eventually Redwoods.

MacKerricher State Park

The park has biking trails, a lovely stretch of coastline, and lots of camping as well.

10-Mile Beach Dunes

For your first evening, I recommend catching sunset at any one of the many amazing overlooks at Mendocino Headlands State Park.

There’s an abundance of state parks in Mendocino county, including the famous Russian Gulch State Park with its famous bridge and waterfall.

When to Go + Weather

Noyo Headlands State Park, just south of the main town of Fort Bragg, is another great sunset spot as well as morning walking spot. Take a bicycle and explore the coastline, or opt to explore on foot.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links, which support this site at no extra cost to you! The stay with Brewery Gulch Inn was also hosted, however all thoughts on their delicious food and awesome bathtub are my own!

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I haven’t drank in 3.5 years, so I can’t tell you which winery is the best, but we sure loved the Redwoods. Here’s a directory to each of the wineries in Mendocino County in case you decide to visit. Please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. There are also services that will drive for you that your hotel can help you set up!
The park goes quite a bit inland, too, with trails to Redwoods and another fern canyon and pygmy forest.
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First of all, where you stay will impact how wonderful your experience is. Mendocino is full of boutique inns, and half the experience is where you choose to stay. Having a view, a lovely place where you can unwind and enjoy food onsite, and being centrally located are all things to consider.

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