Mendocino, CA

Travel Guide

North Coast California
North Coast California
Mendocino showing a sunset, general coastal views and a lighthouse
Mendocino featuring general coastal views, a sunset and rugged coastline
Mendocino showing general coastal views, rocky coastline and a lighthouse

Explore the art galleries, trendy boutiques and museums in this refined town on a headland with scenic views of the ocean.

Mendocino is a haven for artists, with spectacular views of bluffs and rock formations. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the headland is in the midst of vineyards, museums and parks. Enjoy the haute culture among the art hangouts and quaint cafés.

Hike along a nature trail during warm summers and mild winters for views of the ocean. Watch the migration of pods of gray whales off the coast from February through April. Among the most scenic sights in the town is Agate Beach, with headlands and offshore rocks. Relax and enjoy the tranquility in this secluded cove.

On the western flank of the town is the Mendocino Headlands State ParkOpens in a new window, which has beaches, cliffs and a historic home. Visit the park’s iconic Ford House Visitor Center and Museum for the model display of the town in the 1890s. Learn about the intriguing logging industry of the community.

Wander through the blocks of the cultured town center to find the Mendocino Art Center. It offers more than 200 classes each year on topics from ceramics and fiber arts to jewelry and sculpture. Examine the works by local artists in monthly exhibitions.

Explore the displays of the nearby Chinese Taoist Temple of Kwan Tai. This brightly painted red-and-green structure has a museum educating visitors about California’s Chinese history. East of the town center, watch all types of sports games at Friendship Park.

Note that the community is often referred to as Mendocino Village to distinguish it from its namesake county. It has been used for the setting of many movies, including The Karate Kid and The Majestic.

Fly to San Francisco International Airport and drive north for about 175 miles (280 kilometers) to get to this community in northwestern California. Move around this small town on foot or rent mountain bikes. Visit nearby towns, such as SacramentoOpens in a new window, Fort BraggOpens in a new window and Santa Rosa.

Mendocino is a sophisticated retreat with art galleries and museums in the heart of wine country.

Mendo Bungalow
Mendo Bungalow
3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (161 reviews)
"Beautiful little bungalows set back in the trees above the Mendocino coast. We loved the seclusion and quiet outside and the cozy fireplace and soaking tub inside."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Mendo Bungalow
The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
3 out of 5
45080 Main St, Mendocino, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,120 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥14,120
¥15,674 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"A nice, clean room in the downtown area of Mendocino. Could walk to everything in the historic town."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
Mendocino Grove
Mendocino Grove
2.5 out of 5
9601 California 1, Mendocino, CA
The price is ¥37,278 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
¥37,278
¥41,379 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Big River and Ford House Visitor Center and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Cool place to stay! Heated blankets were awesome."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Mendocino Grove
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mendo Bungalow
Mendo Bungalow
3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (161 reviews)
"Beautiful little bungalows set back in the trees above the Mendocino coast. We loved the seclusion and quiet outside and the cozy fireplace and soaking tub inside."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Mendo Bungalow
ROMANTIC, ARTISTS PRIVATE 'FOREST SUITE', 5 acres Redwoods, Trails, Mendo 2 mi.
ROMANTIC, ARTISTS PRIVATE 'FOREST SUITE', 5 acres Redwoods, Trails, Mendo 2 mi.
Mendocino
Stay at this apartment in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Van Damme State Park and Big River are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (317 reviews)
Exquisite
"Brilliantly designed "studio" (it has a full kitchen) feels like a luxury treehouse. Serene and secluded, while minutes away from Mendocino's amentities and activities. Spotless and comfortable. Perfect for a solo respite or couple."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

ROMANTIC, ARTISTS PRIVATE 'FOREST SUITE', 5 acres Redwoods, Trails, Mendo 2 mi.
Remarkable Home with Sea View Deck, Free WifI, and Fireplace - Dog-Friendly
Remarkable Home with Sea View Deck, Free WifI, and Fireplace - Dog-Friendly
Mendocino
Stay at this vacation home in Mendocino. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (70 reviews)
Bliss on the beach
"Beautiful views!! The house was Mendo eclectic which is why I picked this property. Aged home yes but cute in the details. Plenty of room for everyone to sleep, however we did need more seating in the living room with the kitchen chairs. The beds were just adequate, but i do like a softer bed. The ..."

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025

Remarkable Home with Sea View Deck, Free WifI, and Fireplace - Dog-Friendly
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Mendocino

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
101
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
38
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Little River golf Course was awesome. Live Music at Heritage house nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Max

Beautiful views and trails along the ocean!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's beautiful/clean/friendly, can't wait to go back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It’s a small but quaint town, we just fell in love with it! Not too much to do but very relaxing, tranquil, and inviting.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Gorgeous setting, historical village, beautiful drive along State Highway 128 and Highway 1

5/5 - Excellent

Tehane

An amazing piece of paradise!

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