What to Do in Mendocino
mendocino attractions
What to Do in Mendocino
Mendocino is a magical place to explore; from picturesque lanes dotted with historic homes, galleries showcasing local art and unique boutiques. You can also wonder out to pacific ocean for panoramic views and watch for whales and romantic sunsets.

Enjoy a nice meal in a
Mendocino Restaurant.

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Shopping ~ Boutiques & Galleries

Mendocino Shopping

Mendocino is a treasure hunter's paradise!
Dotted along side these lovely historic Victorians, you'll find unique boutiques and galleries showcasing local art.

..See more SHOPPING.
Click for more information on Treasures Mendocino.
Treasures Mendocino
We are moving to Main St!
See you soon in our new location.
Click for more information on Gallery Bookshop.
Gallery Bookshop
This independent bookstore's outstanding selection of books as well as a knowledgeable staff who will accompany a customer to the shelves to find a book or make suggestions, this bookstore a Must-See.
Bookwinkles, has a huge selection of
children's books & gifts.
Click for more information on Out of this World.
Out of this World
Located on the corner of Main and Kasten in Mendocino. You'll find the largest selection of telescopes, spotting scopes, cameras and fascinating science toys. Great shop for curious kids of all ages.
Click for more information on Rubaiyat Beads.
Rubaiyat Beads
Discover world treasures from beads, findings, tribal jewelry, ethnic textiles to incense and sacred aromatherapy oils and burners, scented candles, metaphysical books, CDs, crystals, locally-made glass beads, and stained glass art.
Click for more information on Mendocino Shoe Works.
Mendocino Shoe Works
Jason Clapp has traveled the world to learn the art of custom shoe crafting and he's back to make them in Mendocino with Old-World techniques.
  • Custom Purses, Wallets and Belts
  • Custom Shoes, Shoe Repair and more...
Click for more information on Gallery of the Senses.
Gallery of the Senses
Perfume Mendo offers over 1,000 fragrances. From Classic and hard-to-find to small boutique and all natural fragrances. Perfume Mendo specializes in unparalleled service with a knowledgeable staff to help you find just the right new fragrance or help locate an old favorite.
Click for more information on Highlight Gallery.
Highlight Gallery
A gallery of decorative and fine art, showcasing the finest work of Northern California painters, woodworkers, sculptors and artisans in a beautifully restored building on historic Main Street overlooking the Pacific.
Click for more information on Botanical Garden Shop.
Botanical Garden Shop
Located on 47 Ocean Front acres, this magnificent landscape includes canyons, wetlands, coastal bluffs, a closed-cone pine forest and a varied array of floral and plant collections.
Bring a Picnic!
Click for more information on Gallery Senses Speakers.
Gallery Senses Speakers
Audio Nouveau, was started by Keith Brandman in 1995. Our speakers are all hand-made. We believe a speaker has to be unobstructed to be heard properly. We try to make that task easy on the eyes as well as a treat for the ears.
Click for more information on Village Toy Store.
Village Toy Store
The Village Toy Store specializes in old fashioned toys like Wooden Blocks, Raggedy Ann Dolls, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, Puppets, Classic Children's Books, Trains, Puzzles, Clay and more. Every toy can be played with in the store come on in and take a look! We carry the largest inventory of kites North of San Francisco.
Click for more information on Mendocino Artists.
Mendocino Artists
A collective of Mendocino painters, sculptors, jewelers, glass artists, potters, photographers, fabric artists, silk screeners, weavers, beaders, candlemakers, and haberdashers from Mendocino County.
Click for more information on Prentice Gallery.
Prentice Gallery
Showcasing Local Artists and their Works of Arts in Mendocino on Main St. Featuring one-of-a-kind paintings, jewelry, gifts, photography, prints, ceramics, sculpture, woodturnings and more...!
Click for more information on Mendo\'s Harvest Market.
Mendo's Harvest Market
Now in MENDOCINO
This well stocked grocery store also offers sushi, hot dishes, gourmet and organic entrees and traditional picnic goodies for a romantic treat on the bluffs, plus a large selection of local beer and wines.
Click for more information on Mendocino County Farmers Market.
Mendocino County Farmers Market
MAY-NOV, 12-2pm, Mendocino
Ocean view Mendocino farmers offer their organic selection of locally grown vegetables, fruit, flowers, & honey and other surprises throughout the season. Corner of Main & Howard St in Mendocino Village.

Spas ~ Day Spas, Massage & Beauty Salons

Mendocino Shopping

One of the best parts of being on vacation is relaxing, and nothing does that better than getting pampered! Most spas book up in advance and reservations are recommended.

..See more SPAS.
Click for more information on Stanford Inn Day Spa.
Stanford Inn Day Spa
You'll feel as if you're floating - stress free with greater flexibility, improved circulation and strengthened immune system. Their massage therapists are certificated in shiatsu, acupressure, Esalen, deep-tissue, Swedish and Thai massage, blending these techniques to fit your needs.
Click for more information on Mendocino Massage.
Mendocino Massage
Danielle Belinger and her staff of licensed massage therapists are certified with years of experience to provide relaxation and rejuvenation, in 4 rooms that accommodate up to 6 clients. Treat yourself to custom spa treatments in their unique "Garden Massage Studio" within walking distance from your Mendocino Inn.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Mendocino Outdoors

Exploring Mendocino ranges from strolling along picturesque lanes, hiking, biking, paddling, beach-combing and so much more!

..See more OUTDOORS.
Click for more information on Bike Rentals at Catch a Canoe.
Bike Rentals at Catch a Canoe
Ride along beautiful Big River Canyon. The gentle meandering bike trail stretches up to 12 miles inland through Mendocino Headlands State Park. They rent well maintained mountain bikes, plus easy and upright Cannondale comfort bikes. Single track through the redwoods available too!
Click for more information on Mendocino Headlands.
Mendocino Headlands
Mendocino Village is surrounded on three sides by gentle trails that meander along the rugged coastline providing spectacular views of sea arches, ancient blow holes, hidden grottos and the ever changing Pacific Ocean.
Click for more information on Best View of Mendocino.
Best View of Mendocino
Picture postcard view of Mendocino Village from across the bay! Mendocino Bay Overlook offers a spectacular view of the village of Mendocino from south of Big River. Located off Road 500B/Brewery Gulch Drive immediately south of Mendocino (after the bridge).>> Click for Map.
Click for more information on Catch a Canoe & Kayak rentals.
Catch a Canoe & Kayak rentals
Kayak, Canoe and Outrigger rentals on gorgeous 8 mile long Big River Estuary. Escape the fog and ride the tide through a redwood canyon. Watch for seals, otters and bird life. Stable outriggers are easy to paddle and hold from 1 to 10 people. Children & dogs are welcome!
Click for more information on Tour Big River.
Tour Big River
Come aboard a new ultra stable 9 person outrigger, and experience Big River in a completely new and relaxing way. Specialized Tours include: Sunset 'Til Dark Bioluminescence, Birding, Historical, Fitness and Outrigger Sailing Canoe. Watch for seals, river otters, bird life and more!
Click for more information on North Coast Surf School.
North Coast Surf School
Make your Mendocino vacation memorable! Learn to Surf! 1 Hour 45 Minutes of Instruction
  • Private & Group Lessons
  • Includes all equipment
Click for more information on Hiking & Bird Watching.
Hiking & Bird Watching
Located on 47 Ocean Front acres, this magnificent landscape includes canyons, wetlands, coastal bluffs, a closed-cone pine forest and a varied array of floral and plant collections.
Bring a Picnic!
Click for more information on Big River Beach.
Big River Beach
Where the Pacific ocean meets the Big River to form Mendocino Bay. A picturesque path that runs atop the southern bluffs (if you walk EAST), will take you to the wooden staircase that leads down to this sandy beach. Drive South out of Village and take first left before bridge to drive to sand.
Click for more information on Ford House Museum.
Ford House Museum
Constructed in 1854, this home today houses a visitor center for Mendocino Headlands State Park. The museum features models of vessels which once plied coastal waters, carrying lumber, passengers and other essentials to those who made their homes on the North Coast. It also features an elaborate model of the town of Mendocino in 1890.
Click for more information on Tides and tidepools.
Tides and tidepools
The sun and the moon move in cycles affecting the ebb and flow of the Tides, wind and storms. We have two high and low tides of unequal heights each day, with a time difference of approximately six hours between them. Tides below one foot in height are ideal for viewing organisms in our majestic tidepools.
NEVER TURN YOUR BACK TO THE OCEAN!
Click for more information on Russian Gulch State Park.
Russian Gulch State Park
Perfect for exploring and hiking, this park features 1,162 acres with 7,630 feet of ocean frontage, with rugged headlands, beaches, tide pools and the Devil's Punch Bowl sea cave on one side and on the other side you'll find the heavily forested Russian Gulch Creek Canyon and the 36-foot high waterfall.

Entertainment, Arts and History

Mendocino Outdoors

There is always something fun to do! Activities range from watch live music and plays to attending local events and discovering historic places.

..See more ENTERTAINMENT and EVENTS.
Click for more information on Stanford Inn Classes.
Stanford Inn Classes
Come to the Coast and leave with a few new skills!
  • Eating well, living well
  • Creative Playshops
  • Cooking Classes
  • Gardening Classes
Click for more information on Mendocino Theater Co..
Mendocino Theater Co.
Mendocino Theater Co. performs in the intimate 83 seat Theatre, located in Mendocino, at the Mendocino Art Center. Live theater presents a variety of plays ranging from great literary classics to modern comedies to original dramas.
Click for more information on Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse.
Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse
Join our knowledgeable docents for a leisurely stroll through the meadows and along the windswept bluffs of the 300 acre Point Cabrillo Preserve. You'll learn a little coastal ecology and some Mendocino history including the story of the Frolic, the 1850 shipwreck that changed the north coast forever.
Click for more information on Coastal Storytellers.
Coastal Storytellers
Community Center, Mendocino
Join us to celebrate the art of storytelling and learn more about members of our community
$5 admission. Beverages (including beer and wine) and snacks available.
Click for more information on Mendocino Art Center.
Mendocino Art Center
Explore the arts! Take a class, listen to a concert, enjoy the theater, relax in the gardens, view our exhibits, buy a piece of local art, talk with artists, go on a garden tour, join the fun. There's always something going on.
Click for more information on Events in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
Events in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Located on 47 Ocean Front acres, this magnificent landscape includes canyons, wetlands, coastal bluffs, a closed-cone pine forest and a varied array of floral and plant collections.
Bring a Picnic!
Click for more information on Temple of Kwan Tai .
Temple of Kwan Tai
The oldest of California's Chinese houses of worship in continuous use, the temple may date back as far as 1854, though its documented history reaches only to 1883. The Chinese built many temples in California, but no others remain on the North Coast.
Click for more information on Murder She Wrote.
Murder She Wrote
The popular television series starring Angela Lansbury, features the exteriors of Mendocino Village. A Victorian bed and breakfast in Mendocino was used as Jessica Fletcher's home in the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine.
Click for more information on Kelley House Museum.
Kelley House Museum
Constructed in 1861 by William H. Kelley, one of Mendocino's founding fathers. Located on Main St. in Mendocino, overlooking the mouth of Big River and Mendocino Bay; it houses an extensive collection of photographs and family histories.
SAT, 11am - Docent lead Historic Walking Tours
Click for more information on Masonic Temple.
Masonic Temple
The Masonic Hall in Mendocino was built over a century ago in 1866. The statue on top of this beautiful building was hand carved out of one piece of a giant Redwood trunk on Big River beach.
Click for more information on Presbyterian Church.
Presbyterian Church
This is one of the oldest Presbyterian churches in continuous use in California. Organized as the Presbyterian Church on November 6, 1859, the building constructed of local redwood, was dedicated on July 5, 1868.

MENDOCINOHOTELSRESTAURANTSTHINGS to DOMAP
MENDOCINO



Mendocino Image
CRAB & WINE FESTIVAL
CRAB &
WINE FESTIVAL

MENDOCINO WHALE FESTIVAL
MENDOCINO WHALE FESTIVAL

MENDOCINO FILM FESTIVAL
MENDOCINO FILM FESTIVAL

MENDOCINO MUSIC FESTIVAL
MENDOCINO MUSIC FESTIVAL

MENDOCINO BEER, WINE and MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
MENDOCINO BEER, WINE and MUSHROOM FESTIVAL

...SEE ALLTHE UPCOMINGEVENTS
...SEE ALL
THE UPCOMING
EVENTS


Mendocino Image
BOTANICALGARDENS
BOTANICAL
GARDENS

VAN DAMME SPBEACH & FOREST
VAN DAMME SP
BEACH & FOREST

CASPARBEACH
CASPAR
BEACH

PT. CABRILLO LIGHTHOUSE
PT. CABRILLO
LIGHTHOUSE

SKUNKTRAIN
SKUNK
TRAIN

WHALEWATCHING
WHALE
WATCHING

Mendocino Image
LITTLE RIVER2 Minutes South
LITTLE RIVER
2 Minutes South

FORT BRAGG10 Minutes North
FORT BRAGG
10 Minutes North





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