Mendocino, CA

Travel Guide

North Coast California
North Coast California
Mendocino showing a sunset, general coastal views and a lighthouse
Mendocino featuring general coastal views, a sunset and rugged coastline
Mendocino showing general coastal views, rocky coastline and a lighthouse

Explore the art galleries, trendy boutiques and museums in this refined town on a headland with scenic views of the ocean.

Mendocino is a haven for artists, with spectacular views of bluffs and rock formations. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the headland is in the midst of vineyards, museums and parks. Enjoy the haute culture among the art hangouts and quaint cafés.

Hike along a nature trail during warm summers and mild winters for views of the ocean. Watch the migration of pods of gray whales off the coast from February through April. Among the most scenic sights in the town is Agate Beach, with headlands and offshore rocks. Relax and enjoy the tranquility in this secluded cove.

On the western flank of the town is the Mendocino Headlands State ParkOpens in a new window, which has beaches, cliffs and a historic home. Visit the park’s iconic Ford House Visitor Center and Museum for the model display of the town in the 1890s. Learn about the intriguing logging industry of the community.

Wander through the blocks of the cultured town center to find the Mendocino Art Center. It offers more than 200 classes each year on topics from ceramics and fiber arts to jewelry and sculpture. Examine the works by local artists in monthly exhibitions.

Explore the displays of the nearby Chinese Taoist Temple of Kwan Tai. This brightly painted red-and-green structure has a museum educating visitors about California’s Chinese history. East of the town center, watch all types of sports games at Friendship Park.

Note that the community is often referred to as Mendocino Village to distinguish it from its namesake county. It has been used for the setting of many movies, including The Karate Kid and The Majestic.

Fly to San Francisco International Airport and drive north for about 175 miles (280 kilometers) to get to this community in northwestern California. Move around this small town on foot or rent mountain bikes. Visit nearby towns, such as SacramentoOpens in a new window, Fort BraggOpens in a new window and Santa Rosa.

Mendocino is a sophisticated retreat with art galleries and museums in the heart of wine country.

The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites

The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites

3 out of 5
45080 Main St, Mendocino, CA
$107 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$119 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Good location right by ocean. Next to fort bragg"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

The Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites
Mendo Bungalow

Mendo Bungalow

3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
$251 nightly
The price is $279 total per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
$279 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (173 reviews)
"Very close to town."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Mendo Bungalow
The Stanford Inn By The Sea Eco-Resort

The Stanford Inn By The Sea Eco-Resort

4 out of 5
44850 Comptche Ukiah Rd, Mendocino, CA
$509 nightly
The price is $565 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$565 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Mendocino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Big River and Ford House Visitor Center and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (149 reviews)
"Lovely place. Highly recommend this hotel. One issue - I could hear rats/mice crawling around in the middle of the night. They need to put out a few traps to catch them."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

The Stanford Inn By The Sea Eco-Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mendo Bungalow

Mendo Bungalow

3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (173 reviews)
"Very close to town."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Mendo Bungalow
Sweetwater Inn and Spa

Sweetwater Inn and Spa

3.5 out of 5
44840 Main Street, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly cabin in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Kelley House Museum and Ford House ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (127 reviews)
"It's beautiful, quiet, well equipped and a good rate for what it offers."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Sweetwater Inn and Spa
SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS - bar none. Over 365 5 star reviews, everyone comes back.

SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS - bar none. Over 365 5 star reviews, everyone comes back.

Mendocino
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (376 reviews)
Second visit here
"Second stay for us-always peaceful and love the sound of the waves. The weather was a bit uncooperative, lots of wind, so did not get to spend time on the porch which we like but good relaxation time."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS - bar none. Over 365 5 star reviews, everyone comes back.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Mendocino

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
101
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
38
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Little River golf Course was awesome. Live Music at Heritage house nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Max

Beautiful views and trails along the ocean!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's beautiful/clean/friendly, can't wait to go back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It’s a small but quaint town, we just fell in love with it! Not too much to do but very relaxing, tranquil, and inviting.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Gorgeous setting, historical village, beautiful drive along State Highway 128 and Highway 1

5/5 - Excellent

Tehane

An amazing piece of paradise!

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