Lose yourself for an hour—or all day—at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, one of a handful of public gardens that front an ocean shore. The number one Mendocino Coast attraction on TripAdvisor, our 47 acres encompass manicured gardens, fern-ringed ponds, hidden pocket gardens, coastal pine forests, and wildflower-strewn bluffs at ocean’s edge. Enjoy a picnic on a lush meadow lawn, let your children discover our whimsical playground, or plan your celebration in a rustic gazebo encircled by the glory of late-summer dahlias.
The Gardens’ mild maritime climate offers ideal growing conditions for native and species rhododendrons, heaths and heathers, heritage roses, succulents, conifers, and so much more. More than 150 species of birds live in or visit the Gardens yearly—a bird watcher’s delight—and the Cliff House offers an indoor vantage for winter and spring whale watching.
This “garden for all seasons” is a place to lose your sense of time and enjoy a retreat from the world, any time of year. Spring brings a profusion of bulbs and stunning rhododendrons. Summer finds the Perennial Garden in full bloom and the dahlia collection exploding with color. In fall, discover hidden treasures popping up through the ground, in the abundance of mushrooms that grow here (not for picking or consumption). Quiet contemplation and a slower pace are found along the fern-lined paths in the soft light of winter.
The Gardens are for everyone. Experience nature’s glory at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens . . . where nature is elemental.
Summer Hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March to Oct.; Winter Hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. to Feb. The Garden Store and Nursery on the Plaza open year-round; Rhody’s Garden Café open April to Sept. No admission fee to visit the Store, Nursery or Café.
WHERE: 18220 N. Hwy 1, Fort Bragg (google map)
MORE INFO: 707-964-4352 | GardenByTheSea.org
Next Up: #43 – Railbike Excursions
