Mendocino Coast, CA

Travel Guide

North Coast California
North Coast California
North Coast California
Mendocino Headlands State Park showing general coastal views and rugged coastline
North Coast California

Discover Northern California’s captivating Pacific Coast, where prairie and pinewoods meet secret coves, windswept dunes, heritage landmarks and cozy communities.

The Mendocino Coast stretches nearly 90 miles (145 kilometers) along the country’s western seaboard, encompassing diverse terrain and laid-back seaside towns. Marvel at nature as you explore the varied coastline, checking out beaches, state parks and historic sights. See Victorian-era architecture in historic towns and savor the region’s wines.

The town of MendocinoOpens in a new window is a designated California historical landmark. Admire the preserved architecture of the 19th-century cottages huddled on the magnificent headland. Find art galleries, theaters and museums in this cozy town. The western edge of the town is bordered by Mendocino Headlands State ParkOpens in a new window, with an array of hiking trails and fantastic viewpoints for looking out over the idyllic town and the coast. Visit between fall and spring for the best chance of seeing gray whales migrating offshore.

Fort BraggOpens in a new window is a charming fishing port with a picturesque waterfront. View the ocean from a chartered boat tour or seaside restaurant. Jump aboard the Skunk Train to ride through the redwood forests. A short distance south of town, the gorgeous Mendocino Coast Botanical GardensOpens in a new window feature a collection of native plants and exotic species.

Glass BeachOpens in a new window lies north of Fort Bragg. Stroll along the beach and search for multi-colored sea glass sparkling on the shore. Between 1906 and 1967, the city’s waste was pushed off the surrounding headlands. Eventually the glass returned to the shores as weathered rubble.

Visit Little River for the town’s beach access and take a kayaking or diving trip. The adjoining Van Damme State Park is a great spot to see the intriguing forests of ancient pygmy trees. Nutrient-poor coastal soils have caused most trees to grow only as high as a person’s waist. See this phenomenon at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve too.

The Mendocino Coast is located on California’s northern coast. The town of Mendocino is about 175 miles (280 kilometers) from San Francisco International Airport. Rent a car or reach the region via public transit.

Find a world of wonder on the Mendocino Coast.

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.

2 out of 5
763 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA
Stay at this hotel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"When we first arrived 27 minutes earlier the lady said the room was not ready so we went back to the car for 3:00 pm check in. I think she knew I was a bit irritated that we couldn’t check in early and she came out to the parking lot to get us.. when I opened the door I chuckled as the room was super ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

Studio 9 Fort Bragg, LLC.
Harbor Lite Lodge

Harbor Lite Lodge

2.5 out of 5
120 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$7,431 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$7,431
NT$8,560 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach motel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free WiFi, a conference center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,225 reviews)
"I loved our room more and more as we stayed for a while. Every morning Iooked down on a little village and watched the fishing boats go out to sea. There are several really nice places to eat very close bye."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Harbor Lite Lodge
Seabird Lodge

Seabird Lodge

3.5 out of 5
191 South Street, Fort Bragg, CA
The price is NT$3,831 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
NT$3,831
NT$4,740 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa lodge in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Super nice place to stay."

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

Seabird Lodge
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! (178 reviews)
"Renovated property just outside of Mendocino. Very friendly and helpful people at the front desk who were more than willing to accommodate our requests for extra coffee, towels etc. Property consists of a group of buildings each with 2-3 rooms; looks like most of the rooms have been recently renovated ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/28

Mendo Bungalow
Cottages at Little River Cove

Cottages at Little River Cove

3 out of 5
7533 California 1, Little River, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Little River. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Van Damme State Park and Big River are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"Good communication. Be sure and ask for additional towels if staying more than a night or two."

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Cottages at Little River Cove
Sweetwater Inn and Spa

Sweetwater Inn and Spa

3.5 out of 5
44840 Main Street, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly cabin in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Kelley House Museum and Ford House ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (129 reviews)
"Very clean, accommodating! Loved the town and surroundings!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

Sweetwater Inn and Spa
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

Cities near Mendocino Coast