Mendocino attractions

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens stretches 47 acres from Hwy 1 to the cliffs above the sea. The mild maritime climate helps produce a year-round, diverse plant collection featuring well-manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, fern-covered canyons, and flower filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean. Whale watchers can take shelter in the Cliff House to view winter and spring migrations, while bird lovers will delight in over 150 species.

18220 N Highway 1

Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Park and walk a half-mile down the access road to explore the Light Station. It is comprised of the lighthouse and three original lightkeepers’ houses and outbuildings. The fully restored lighthouse is open 365 days a year from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The newly restored head Lightkeepers house, furnished with early 1900s period antiques, is now an Inn that provides accommodations for overnight guests.

45300 Litehouse Rd

Mendocino, CA 95460

One of the most scenic railroads in North America, the Skunk Train travels through the coastal forest from downtown Fort Bragg to Willits. The view from the restored rail cars is pretty much unchanged for over 100 years. You'll see towering trees, wildlife, the Noyo River, and an occasional fisherman's cabin peeking from the forest. The train whistle blows as it chugs through tunnels, over bridges and past open meadows. The tracks follow the same coastal "Redwood Route" as it has since 1885.

100 W Laurel St

Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Russian Gulch is a lush coastal canyon filled with second generation redwoods, Douglas Fir and California laurel. The park is framed on one end by an often photographed Coast Highway arched bridge that spans a beautiful ocean inlet. At the inland end of the canyon you'll find a majestic waterfall standing 36' high. And in between, you'll enjoy the beach, nature walks, and a stream where lush vegetation and breathtaking views abound. From the campground to the falls is a 6.5 mile round trip.

Mendocino, California 95460

Mendocino, CA 95460

It’s an unforgettable adventure for all ages. Each year the majestic California Gray Whales pass by the Point Arena Lighthouse as they migrate from Alaska to the warm birthing waters of Baja Mexico, and then back again. Once almost extinct, these whales are once again flourishing. Whale watching season runs from December to April. You can make a reservation through one of the many charter boat companies that leave Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg on three excursions a day.

32400 N Harbor Dr

Fort Bragg, CA 95437