THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Mendocino - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Mendocino

Things to Do in Mendocino, CA - Mendocino Attractions

Things to Do in Mendocino

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Top Attractions in Mendocino

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
State Parks
OPEN 365 DAYS a YEAR -- THERE IS NO FEE -- Built between 1908 and 1909, and extensively restored, it is one of the most complete Lightstations in the U.S. and hosts visitors, vacation rentals, receptions and weddings, plus education programs for classes of local students. There is a parking area inside the gate off Point Cabrillo Drive, adjacent to the restored Kearn farmhouse with its public restroom. Enjoy the half mile downhill walk to the Light Station buildings. There is parking for vehicles with Disabled placards at the bottom of the hill. There are two paths to the Station. The dirt path begins at the north end of the parking lot and takes you through the introduced grassland and coastal prairie. The paved access road to the south is an easier walk. The Light Station includes the Lighthouse, which is an active duty Aid to Navigation, containing the original Chance Brothers classic 3rd order Fresnel lens. -- Three restored Lightkeeper homes; the first is a period museum of a lightkeeper's house in the 1930s; the other two houses are comfortable vacation rental homes, -- The restored Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop houses the Marine Science Exhibit with its 240 gallon saltwater aquarium, -- Two lovely vacation rental cottages, and public restrooms, one by the lightkeepers houses and another in the Kearn farmhouse. THERE IS NO FEE to tour the Lighthouse museum/giftshop or the period museum lightkeeper's house, although your donations are welcome. The Lighthouse, 1st Assistant Lightkeeper's House and Marine Science Exhibit are open to the public from 11am to 4pm year-round, including holidays. The State Historic Park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset daily.
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What travelers are saying

  • Dlsio4
    Allentown, PA49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The lighthouse is a stunning building in a stunning setting and the little history museum is charming and informative. Well worth the 2/3 of a mile walk from the parking area, and well worth visiting even on a day with iffy weather, as we had.
    Written November 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 1947-FORD
    Auburn, CA162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful scenic drive with lots to see, Great food and recreational choices and good hotels/motels along your journey.
    Written July 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maryann L
    Fair Oaks, CA1,312 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a small area of the coastline in Mendocino. The road is probably about a mile long with many stop and park areas. It is also just a short walk from the village of Mendocino. We were so fortunate to see this amazing stretch of coastline in fog and bright sunshine.
    Written June 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robin B
    Phoenix, AZ1,415 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We do the fern canyon hike every time we are in the area. It is a beautiful hike along a fern canyon with the bonus of a waterfall at the end. This time, we took the North Trail to the waterfall and returned via the Fern Canyon Trail. I’m glad we did. It was a very pleasant walk through redwoods. The first half mile is uphill, but nothing too arduous. Then the trail is flat for 1.5 miles (where we saw several piles of bear scatt), and then you descend for .5 mile to meet up with the Fern Canyon Trail. The last .7 miles leads to the waterfall. Most of the hike on both trails is very shaded, so it’s a great hike in warmer weather. The entire park is worth a visit.
    Written October 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura H
    El Dorado Hills, CA403 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a good place to start your adventure. Volunteer Matt gave us some good information on the history of Mendocino. Here, you will also see a fabulous model of the whole town of Mendocino.
    Written November 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SusieC_9
    Washington DC35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful beach and was sheltered from the wind. The water Coming off the rocks with very interesting.
    Written May 21, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wes Y
    Bellevue, WA40 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice sandy beach by the creek mouth. Light/warm sand (July) and a little creek mouth to the ocean. Great picnic or spot for kids and dogs.
    Written July 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • markdu2017
    Orangevale, CA71 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are so many great artists featured here, it's like a museum of art. I am especially fond of the Gordon Stennett birds. There are also amazing examples of custom built wood furniture; tables, chairs etc...amazing craftsmanship. Worth a visit whether you are in the market to buy or not.
    Written February 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael F
    Audubon, MN37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Kelley House is a great piece of history. You can tour the main floor and upstairs and see how people lived. There is a touch screen TV with a multi-slide where you can read all about the Kelley family and ancestors. The docent was very helpful. It's worth taking some time to walk through it.
    Written February 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martin G
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a must see in Mendocino, wonderful Gallery and store, interesting to look into the studios and watch artists work and walk to the headlands after for the sunset
    Written March 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jon C
    San Jose, CA147 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spent the weekend in the Mendocino area so I purchased tickets to see Mendocino Theatre Company’s performance of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? for a Saturday evening show after dinner. The show started at 8:00pm, was about three hours long, and all I can say is that the performance was spectacular and well done. This is a long show with many lines and emotions and the actors were absolutely polished and made the characters come to life. Having never seen this play or movie before, my wife and I left the show thinking about the play and went back to our room and read more about the play’s plot as it was very thought provoking.

    The theater was very intimate and as a big guy (6’5” 270lbs.) I was rather cramped in the seat but it was ok… the performance had me captivated.

    For anybody looking for a venue after dinner in the Little River/Mendocino/Fort Bragg area, I recommend this theater company. We really enjoyed the performance.
    Written October 2, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • travelwithguy
    San Francisco, CA12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a very cute house to stop and photograph. We spent a few minutes here, took a few photos and then was on our way. It's near the town center so worth a stop!
    Written January 7, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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