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Photo Courtesy of @katiealdrin
Discover the rugged beauty of Mendocino County’s coast with a scenic travel itinerary that winds through charming seaside villages, towering redwoods, and dramatic ocean vistas. This coastal getaway blends adventure and relaxation perfectly.
Morning – Arrive Enjoy Lunch & a Taste of Mendocino Wines
Upon arrival, head into Mendocino Village for a leisurely lunch at one of the cozy cafés. Afterward, visit a nearby tasting room such as Meyers Family Cellars where you can sip a bold Zinfandel or a crisp Chardonnay while enjoying coastal views.
Afternoon – Arrive & Settle at Little River Inn
Check into the Little River Inn, a historic, family-run retreat perched on the coast just south of Mendocino. Wake up your senses with ocean views from your balcony, and take a slow walk through the lush gardens or along the nearby Van Damme State Park trails. If you arrive early, the inn’s golf course or on-site spa are perfect ways to shake off travel stiffness.
Evening – Stargazing & Relaxation
Enjoy a quiet evening and dinner at Little River Inn. Maybe a soak in the tub, a glass of wine on your deck, or some stargazing if the skies are clear.
Morning – Ride the Skunk Train into the Redwoods
After breakfast, make your way to the Skunk Train depot in Fort Bragg (about 20 minutes north). Climb aboard this historic train for a scenic journey through towering redwood groves and along the Pudding Creek Estuary. The open-air railbikes are a fun, active alternative if you want to pedal beneath the trees and feel the cool forest air on your face.
Afternoon – Hike Through the Redwoods & Tidepooling
Start your afternoon with a slow, meditative walk at the Mendocino Headlands State Park with its unique blend of gentle trails, rugged coastline, secluded beaches and timeless history surrounds the picturesque Village of Mendocino. Then head to MacKerricher State Park to explore tide pools and coastal rock formations teeming with sea life during low tide.
Evening – Sunset Picnic & Stargazing
For a magical evening on the Mendocino County coast, start by picking up picnic supplies at Harvest Market in nearby Fort Bragg. Then head to the picnic tables on the bluffs of Mendocino. As the sun dips into the Pacific, enjoy your seaside dinner with sweeping coastal views. Once darkness falls, stay a little longer for stargazing on a clear night, the lack of light pollution reveals a brilliant canopy of stars and the soft shimmer of the Milky Way overhead. Perfect way to enjoy a coastal getaway.
Photo Courtesy of @hikethenwine
Morning – Hike Van Damme State Park & Fern Canyon
After checking out of Little River Inn, start your morning with fresh air and exercise at Van Damme State Park, just minutes from your inn. Wander the Fern Canyon Trail, where lush, fern-covered walls create a magical, almost prehistoric atmosphere. If you’re up for a longer hike, explore the bluff trail for stunning panoramic views of the rugged coastline and crashing waves below.
Afternoon – Safari-Style Visit at B Bryan Preserve
Next, head south to Point Arena (roughly a 1-hour drive, but incredibly scenic via Highway 1). Take a guided tour at B Bryan Preserve, where you’ll get up close with majestic African hoofstock, zebras, giraffes, and antelope, right here on the California coast. It’s educational, surreal, and a total hidden gem. Tours typically run in the afternoon and require a reservation.
Photo Courtesy of @jherviphoto
Best Time to Go: Late spring through fall offers mild weather, fewer foggy mornings, and plenty of daylight.
Pack For: Layers! The coastal air shifts quickly. Bring sturdy walking shoes, a rain jacket just in case, and a camera for all the scenic spots.
Bonus Stop: Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is a must-see, perfect for an extra hour if you have time before you leave.
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