Perched on a cliff overlooking the spectacular Pacific Ocean is the picturesque town of Mendocino. Famous for its yearly music festival, with performances by local and visiting musicians, Mendocino attracts hordes of tourists and art enthusiasts year after year. A gem of a town, full of quaint shops and friendly people, it invites travelers of all stripes to make the best out of their vacation here. Bring your children to enjoy a ride on the Skunk Train, go clubbing, horse-riding, indulge in some wine-tasting or sample seafood or gourmet fare from all over the globe. An ideal vacation spot, Mendocino will delight your mind, body and soul.
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve offers scenic vistas, nature trails, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, windsurfing, and more within its lush boundaries. Escape city life and discover nature as you take a hike through the park. The 2.5-mile Ecological Staircase takes you through wave-cut terraces created by glacial, oceanic, and tectonic movements in the earth that shaped the coastline. Each terrace has a unique bio-diverse landscape and offers opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife spotting, besides affording stunning views and a glimpse of geological formations. Finish your walk at the remarkable Pygmy Forest and marvel at the unique landscape.
Established in 1952 and managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, MacKerricher State Park features a shoreline carved by the sea, its expanse defined by steep bluffs, vegetated headlands, sun-dappled beaches and wooded forests. One of the most scenic of its kind, the park offers several recreational options such as fishing, hiking, biking, birdwatching, whale watching, camping, horseback riding and lots more. The park incorporates scenic areas such as Glass Beach and Pudding Creek, and is also an ideal spot for watching sunsets.
The sound of waves crashing against the base of soaring cliffs greets visitors to this sandy beach. Featuring a shoreline carved by nature, Westport-Union Landing State Beach is set against verdant hills, even as its expanse curls around the ocean glistening beneath the sun. Visitors to the beach can pick from activities like fishing or choose to stroll along the coastline in order to admire the gorgeous views.
Cradling the ocean, this sandy stretch of land glimmers beneath the Californian Sun, beckoning water sport enthusiasts over to wade into the pristine waves which gently lap against the shore. Caspar Headlands State Beach, dappled in hues of golden come sunrise and iridescent streaks come sunset, offers a glimpse of gray whales as well as other marine life apart from water-based recreation. Fishing and boating are some other activities which can be undertaken here.
Established in 1974, Mendocino Headlands Park is a magnificent state park that offers spectacular trails and opportunities for hiking, with vantage points scattered across its expanse, dazzling visitors with stunning views. Its visitors center is set in the historic Ford House, which disseminates information regarding Mendocino, its cultural history, and the region's natural features. Sprawling over 347 acres (140 hectares), the park also features two beaches, Big River Beach and Portuguese Beach, which are open to the public and quite popular during the warmer months.
Cypress Grove is a hidden oasis of peace and tranquility nestled amid the scenic environs of the Mendocino Headlands State Park. Visit the park and traverse the scenic trail that leads to the little grove. Explore the old foliage of trees and revel in its serene charm. Families can enjoy leisurely picnics at the spot and spend an idyllic afternoon under the sprawling shades. The beautifully secluded site also offers dramatic views of the headlands, verdant greenery, and the majestic Pacific Ocean.
Yet another beach on the stunning coastline of MacKerricher State Park, Pudding Creek Beach is located at the spot where Pudding Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. The beach is surrounded by grass-covered bluffs, and the abandoned train trestle in the background makes for a postcard-perfect photo opportunity. A bit further from the beach is a massive tidal pool that can be observed from atop the bluffs.
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve offers scenic vistas, nature trails, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, windsurfing, and more within its lush boundaries. Escape city life and discover nature as you take a hike through the park. The 2.5-mile Ecological Staircase takes you through wave-cut terraces created by glacial, oceanic, and tectonic movements in the earth that shaped the coastline. Each terrace has a unique bio-diverse landscape and offers opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife spotting, besides affording stunning views and a glimpse of geological formations. Finish your walk at the remarkable Pygmy Forest and marvel at the unique landscape.
Established in 1961, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is the brain child of Ernest Schoefer and wife Betty. Currently managed by he Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District, the garden is known for housing various canyons, wetlands, rare species of rhododendrons, dahlias, camellias, succulents, conifers and lots more. The scenic gardens with its tranquil settings is a perfect getaway for all those who are seeking a peaceful day out.