The Best Things to Do in Mendocino County California

The Best Things to Do in Mendocino County California

Choosing the perfect weekend getaway in California can be tough. There are so many choices, from the sunny beaches of Southern California to the metropolitan cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in Northern California, I highly recommend the coastal town of Mendocino.

Mendocino is three hours from San Francisco, and four hours from Sacramento, making it just far enough off the beaten path that you’ll really feel like you’re getting away. Not to mention, the drive up from San Francisco is gorgeous! Allow extra time because you’re going to want to stop and take pictures at every bend in the road. 

Whether you want a solo escape, a girl’s weekend, or a romantic getaway in Northern California, my guide to Mendocino has everything you need to plan for an amazing weekend in Mendocino. 

Things to Do in Mendocino

There are tons of fantastic things to do in Mendocino and you can’t possibly cover them all in one trip, so here are a few highlights that I recommend trying during your trip. 

Railbikes on the Skunk Train

The Skunk Train is a rail line that first started in 1885 to carry loggers and their families throughout Northern California. Today, the train still operates as a scenic passenger train, with several special departures. After riding in airplanes and cars for too many days, we wanted a more active experience, so we decided to try out the railbikes at the Skunk Train. These two-person bicycles have special wheels that fit on the train tracks. You’ll get a guided tour, a good workout, and amazing scenery in the redwood forests. This was super fun and a very unique thing to do in Mendocino. 

Kayak to Sea Caves

Another adventurous thing to do in Mendocino is to join a kayak tour to nearby sea caves. Departing from Van Damme State Park (which is also worth a visit!) the sea kayak tours take you along the coast where you can experience wildlife, scenery, and the unique experience of paddling through sea caves. Local guides pay close attention to weather and tides, so even a novice paddler can handle this trip. 

Canoe the Big River

Visit Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too to rent outrigger canoes for a tour of the Big River. They also rent kayaks, SUPs, regular canoes, and bicycles. The outriggers give you more stability than a typical kayak or canoe, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without the worry of tipping over into the river. You can rent a boat and go out on your own, or join a group tour. Don’t forget your camera; there are seals, otters, birds, ducks, and more along the river. 

Horseback Riding at Ricochet Ridge Ranch

Follow the coast up to Fort Bragg and check out the horseback riding tours at Ricochet Ridge Ranch. They offer several daily tours, from one hour to an all-day ride. Choose between riding to the beach or through the redwood forests; you really can’t go wrong with any of the tours. The scenery is unbelievable. 

Wine Tasting In and Around Mendocino

Napa Valley isn’t the only California region with a plethora of vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms. Mendocino County has several wine-growing regions, and they are decidedly more low-key and laidback than Napa Valley. The Anderson Valley AVA has over 30 tasting opportunities available at dozens of stops along a single winding road.

The local specialties include Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. There are so many vineyards and tasting rooms, you can easily plan an entire trip around wine tasting in Anderson Valley. These were some of our favorite wine tasting venues; these spots easily give Napa Valley a run for its money!

Plan your trip a few weeks in advance as many tasting rooms now require reservations!

Meyer Family Cellars: Silver Oak is one of my favorite wines, and the Meyer Family is the one who started Silver Oak. The cellars are still family-owned and operated and my wine recommendation here is Bonny’s, named after Bonny Meyer, the matriarch of Meyer Family Cellars.

They also have a tasting room in Mendocino, the only one between Anderson Valley and Fort Bragg. 

Pennyroyal Farm: this is much more than a winery. Pennyroyal is a female-owned and operated farm, creamery, and vineyard. They make all their own goat and sheep cheese to pair with their wines; the cheese alone is worth the trip! For wine, I loved the Anyhow Blanc. 

Lichen Estate: I immediately hit it off with the owner Doug, as we swapped tales of backpacking through the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The MoonGlow wine is my recommendation for this Boonville winery. 

Goldeneye Winery: this winery in Philo focuses exclusively on Pinot Noir, while their other brand, Duckhorn, produces several reds and whites. This stop was one of the most scenic and beautiful places to visit in Anderson Valley. I recommend trying the bubbles and caviar; we even brought caviar back to the hotel for a late-night snack with chips and creme fraiche! I also recommend the Gowan Creek Vineyard wine. 

Handley Cellars: truth be told, we missed this winery on our tour, and only stopped for a shipping box en route to the airport. We regretted not having more time to spend at this beautiful vineyard. 

Pacific Star Winery: this stunning winery is perched atop the rugged California coastline in Fort Bragg. While we loved the scenery in the Anderson Valley, you really can’t compete with wine tasting above crashing waves, with the potential for whale-spotting. Sally, the owner, has lived here for decades, and it’s easy to see why. My favorite wine here is Charbono.

Where to Eat in Mendocino

Besides all the fantastic wine and wine pairings, you do need to eat during your Mendocino trip, and there are some fantastic restaurants in Mendocino County. 

Trillium Cafe, Mendocino - this is a “can’t miss” meal in Mendocino; the outdoor seating in the evening is lit up like a little fairy garden. And the food is fantastic!

The Boonville Hotel and Restaurant, Boonville - they serve a prix fixe menu that was so yummy; I definitely recommend this “modern roadhouse in the heart of Mendocino County.

Wickson Restaurant, Philo - located in the Madrones, this restaurant is run by Chez Panisse alums and serves modern California cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. 

Where to Stay in Mendocino County

There are many lovely places to stay in Mendocino County, from large inns to quaint B&B’s. Whatever your travel style, there are plenty of Mendocino accommodation options for you. We stayed in both Anderson Valley and Mendocino, to get a feel for several accommodation choices. 

JD House, A Blue Door Inn, Mendocino - another luxurious bed and breakfast property in the heart of Mendocino.

Stanford Inn Hotel & Resort, Mendocino - one of the largest hotels in Mendocino, they are best known for their gourmet plant-based cuisine. 

Alegria Oceanfront Inn & Cottages, Mendocino - this Bed and Breakfast features a collection of cottages in the heart of Mendocino Village, overlooking Big River beach. More of a “glamping” stay, but great beach access and a beautiful breakfast

The Brambles, Philo - this is a cool place to stay in Anderson Valley, with cottages set amidst the redwood groves and adjacent to the Madrones, a “Mediterranean Compound” in the heart of Anderson Valley

The Boonville Hotel and Restaurant, Boonville - besides great food, this Anderson Valley destination has luxurious rooms as well

Sheep Dung Properties, Boonville - offering pet-friendly cabin rentals in two locations near Boonville