Mendocino, California

Mendocino, California (cc)

An unlikely yet typical New England-style village set on the Northern California coast, cluttered with colorful little cottages and sea-worn Victorians reminiscent of Cape Cod, housing quaint specialty shops, quirky boutiques and galleries, B&B inns, and artists' studios that are often open to visitors.

Mendocino Travel Guide

Introduction

Mendocino is the most surprising town of all on the California coast: a typical New England-style village, picturesquely perched on a rocky bluff jutting out into the sea, frequently shrouded in fog, overlooking the sheltered coves at the mouth of the Big River as it spills into the Pacific Ocean. The town itself is cluttered with colorful little cottages and sea-worn Victorians reminiscent of Cape Cod, housing quaint specialty shops, quirky boutiques and galleries, B&B inns, and artists' studios that are often open to visitors. Still, its principal tourist allure is its Down East looks coupled with its artsy aspirations, with typical weekend activities centered on shopping, browsing, gallery hopping, walking, ocean viewing and, in season, whale watching.

Location

Mendocino is situated on the coast of Northern California, some 115 miles (185 km) north of San Francisco, or 10 miles (16 km) south of Fort Bragg.

How to Get There

Sightseeing

Neighborhoods

How to Get Around

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Where to Party

Essential Information

Nearby Destinations

How to Get There

The nearest commercial airport to Mendocino is the San Francisco International Airport. From San Francisco, Mendocino can be reached directly on the scenic Highway 1. Alternatively, drive north on Highway 101, then northwestward on Highway 128, passing through the lovely, wine-growing Anderson Valley, and so to Mendocino.

Sightseeing

Main Neighborhoods