Mendocino County California Travel Information

Hailed as a romantic getaway, Mendocino and its surrounding areas doesn't disappoint. Gazebos overlooking the ocean, world-class restaurants, and an abundance of cozy bed and breakfasts all beckon to couples looking for some alone time. Mendocino rests on a bluff, called Mendocino Headlands, surrounded on three sides by the ocean. The Headlands, a state park, is the perfect start off point for fishing, kayaking, and surfing in the Pacific, but there are also trails that take you into wildflower-covered meadows and viewing points for whale migration. The Village of Mendocino welcomes travelers with Victorian charm, offering boutiques and cafes.

Just ten miles north of Mendocino is Fort Bragg, famous for Glass Beach and the Skunk Train. Many years ago, the beach was used as a dumping ground for household items, but in 1967, the North Coast Water Quality Board banned dumping in the area. Over the past forty years, the crashing waves has softened the shattered glass into glistening pebbles, creating one of the world's most unique beaches. One of the area's most popular attractions is the Skunk Train, which winds over cliffs and through Redwood Forests. Fort Bragg also boasts some of the best restaurants in the area, according to the 2008 Zagat Survey.

If you're driving up to Mendocino from San Francisco, break up the four-hour roadtrip with a stay in Gualala. Birders will spot osprey, egret, and heron on the banks of the Gualala River. The gentle river provides the perfect opportunity for novices and families to try kayaking. Watch out for otters, though, which just may be swimming past you. Gualala has a reputation as an artist's hideaway, so be sure to browse local galleries.

Mendocino County begins about 2 hours north of San Francisco on the renowned Pacific Coast Highway, Route 1. The Village of Mendocino is situated half way between San Francisco and Eureka.