In Northern California, where redwood forests meet the Mendocino coast, lies Anderson Valley, a region renowned for its ideal pairing of warm days and fog-cooled nights. It was these characteristics that led Jean-Claude Rouzaud, patriarch of the Louis Roederer family, to this remote area in 1981 to begin cultivation of premium pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. Today, … [Read more...]
#35 – Noyo Headlands Park
Fort Bragg’s newest park is situated atop the bluffs overlooking Fort Bragg’s dramatic, rocky Pacific shore. Its northern section was opened in 2015, extending the Pacific Coast Trail from Pudding Creek at the northern end of town down to Otsuchi Point. It includes a stairway down the bluffs to Glass Beach. In 2016, the southern section of the park was opened. It comprises … [Read more...]
#1 – Mendocino County Weddings
Beautiful vistas, spectacular sunsets and miles of gracefully chiseled coastline make Mendocino and Northern Sonoma Counties a wonderful place to hold a wedding reception or even say, “I do.” Mendocino’s relaxed atmosphere can make you and your loved one feel like you are the only two on the planet. Find a stunningly gorgeous location, drink some locally grown wine and make … [Read more...]
#2 – Spa Resorts
A California vacation would not be complete without a relaxing visit to a spa. From facials and massages to a hot cup of tea, Mendocino County’s wide selection of spas offer havens from stress Baechtel Creek Inn and Spa in Willits is proud to offer some of the finest in organic skin and body care. Services include massage, body treatments and facials. 800-459-9911 | … [Read more...]
#3 – Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are one of Mendocino’s best kept secrets. They are where the locals go to socialize and connect. The markets are mostly made up of mom and pops-scale farms, ranches, creameries and more, most of which you will not find in larger metropolitan markets. Visit one (or all of them) and you will get a feeling for the communities. Meet the people who run the farm and … [Read more...]
#4 – Casinos in Mendocino County
Do you have a hankering for non-stop fun? Try your luck at one of the many casinos in Mendocino County. The casinos here are known for their many slot machines, plethora of high and low stakes table games and bingo. Along with all the fun to be had on the gaming floor, don’t forget to listen to live music. Many famous entertainers from around the world frequent the … [Read more...]
#5 – Gualala Point Regional Park
Open daily from dawn till dusk, Gualala Point Regional Park is popular with day hikers and picnickers, and even offers a beautiful setting for small weddings. This lovely park encompasses almost 200 acres of peaceful meadows, dramatic coastal forests and delightful sandy beaches. The Gualala River runs lazily through it, and offers limited seasonal fishing (check the local … [Read more...]
#6 – Gualala Arts Center
The Gualala Arts Center is the “heart of the arts” for the Sonoma-Mendocino coast. With several galleries showcasing both local and visiting artists, the exhibits feature a wide and ever-changing range of artistic styles from oils and watercolors to sculptures and textiles. There is always a full schedule of events going on at the Center, including monthly art exhibit openings, … [Read more...]
#7 – Anchor Bay & Fish Rock Beach
When Sunset magazine ran a feature called “Top 10 Beaches of the West” a few years ago, Anchor Bay came in at number 3, just behind ‘Aliomanu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, and well ahead of beaches in Carmel, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Located in the heart of the Mendocino “banana belt,” the coastal village of Anchor Bay is warmer, with less fog and wind, than the surrounding … [Read more...]
#8 – Point Arena Pier at Arena Cove
Point Arena Cove is a popular destination for fishermen, surfers, whale-watchers, beachcombers and sightseers. Including its 330-foot Point Arena Pier, it offers something for just about everyone. The cove has a rocky bottom, and is about 20 to 100 feet deep. Point Arena Creek runs into it a little south of the pier. Offshore lies the Mendocino Trench, with some of the deepest … [Read more...]
#9 – Point Arena Lighthouse
Set in some of the most spectacular yet peaceful surroundings on the northern California coast, and right next to the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument, stands the Point Arena Lighthouse. It is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast (115 ft.), and you can climb to the lantern room at its very top. The panoramic view from there is … [Read more...]
#10 – B. Bryan Preserve
Go on safari in Mendocino County at the B. Bryan Preserve! Established by Dr. Frank and Judy Mello in Point Arena in 2004, the preserve was designed to aid in the conservation of rare and endangered African antelopes, zebras and giraffes. The preserve has three species of antelope, two of zebra and one species of giraffe living on over 110 acres of land. All are endangered to … [Read more...]
#11 – Schooner Gulch State Beach & Bowling Ball Beach
Local lore has it that Schooner Gulch got its name back in the era of sailing ships when a mysterious schooner ran aground there at dusk one evening, only to have vanished without a trace by the following morning. Today, Schooner Gulch State Beach offers its visitors not only great fun and exciting activities, but also some of the most magnificent views anywhere. Spend the day … [Read more...]
#12 – Greenwood Creek State Beach
Just south of the small town of Elk you’ll find picturesque Greenwood Creek State Beach. Here you can soak up the sun, go swimming or have a picnic lunch on the coast. It’s also a wonderful place to go for a stroll and watch the sunset any time of year. Greenwood, the old name for Elk, was a lumber town in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today the Greenwood State Beach … [Read more...]
#13 – Manchester State Park
Manchester State Park, with nearly 18,000 feet of ocean shoreline, offers a beach with an abundance of driftwood, sand dunes and rich grasslands. A beautiful sandy beach runs southward for about 5 miles towards Point Arena. Among its many attractions is the excellent steelhead fishing in its two streams, Brush Creek and Alder Creek. Please check with the Department of Fish and … [Read more...]
#14 – Ross Ranch Horseback Rides
At Ross Ranch on the Mendocino coast, couples can ride horseback along a deserted sandy beach or through a majestic redwood forest, just like in the movies! The ranch offers 1 1/2 hour rides in both locations. On the Manchester Beach ride, you will pass sea stacks and other rock formations, driftwood, and rolling surf on an unspoiled sandy beach. The forest tour will take you … [Read more...]
#15 – Historic Village of Mendocino
In July of 1850 the Frolic, a two-masted clipper ship bound for San Francisco from China, shipwrecked a little north of present-day Mendocino. A salvage crew was unable to recover the cargo, but did discover vast stands of old-growth redwood trees. A mill was built, and the village of Mendocino grew up around it. Perched on bluffs painted with wildflowers and overlooking the … [Read more...]
#16 – Golfing at Little River Inn
For a memorable coastal golfing experience, try the award-winning regulation nine-hole golf course at Little River Inn. With three placements and dual greens on holes 7 and 9, you can play it like an 18-hole course. Tucked among the hills and redwoods, it comes complete with such unexpected challenges as stunning ocean views that vie for your attention, and deer, frogs, blue … [Read more...]
#17 – Mendocino Art Center
With the decline of the lumber industry, Mendocino fell on hard times. Then, in 1957, a local mansion that appears in the James Dean movie East of Eden burned down, and Bill Zacha acquired the grounds with a $500 deposit. With the help of friends, other artists and townspeople, by 1959 he and his wife Jennie had established the Art Center there, utilizing the still-standing … [Read more...]
#18 – Afternoon Tea at Glendeven Inn
Venture a few minutes south of Mendocino Village to the historic Glendeven Inn, home of intimate winemaker dinners, and experience the venerable English tradition of afternoon tea. With so many things to do outdoors and in the lovely villages and small towns along the coast, it’s a welcome relief to drop by and relax in the inn’s ocean view Tea Room lounge. An afternoon at tea … [Read more...]
#24 – Annual Whale Migration, Whale Festival
The annual migration of California gray whales takes them from their feeding grounds in the cold waters of the Bering Sea near Alaska to the warm waters off Baja California, Mexico, and back. Their young, called calves, are born in the protected lagoons of western Baja, and do not begin their trek northwards until they are about a month old. Unlike other whale species, … [Read more...]
#19 – Mendocino Music Fest
From July 8 through 22, 2017, music lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy a smörgåsbord of some of the world’s greatest music. Performances this year will include over two dozen concerts from blues to bluegrass, symphonies to opera, and jazz to Celtic and African. This year’s operatic offering will be the well-loved opera buffa, or comedic opera, Don Pasquale by Gaetano … [Read more...]
#20 – Mendocino Film Festival
Since 1916 the Mendocino coast has starred in 17 silent movies and over 40 “talkies.” Notable among these are East of Eden; The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming; The Dunwich Horror; Summer of ’42; and The Majestic, as well as the long-running TV series, Murder She Wrote. So what better place to host a film festival? The 12th Annual Mendocino Film Festival (June … [Read more...]
#21 – Mendocino Theatre Co. / Helen Schoeni Theatre
Since 1976 the Mendocino Theatre Company has produced over 200 plays at its intimate, 82-seat Helen Schoeni Theatre on the Mendocino Art Center Campus. Composed of a uniquely talented group of actors, directors, designers and theatre technicians, they have performed exciting, meaningful plays ranging from the classics to the cutting edge. In the process, they have strived to … [Read more...]
#23 – Kayak Mendocino Sea Cave Nature Tours
How would you like to be a marine mammal for an hour and a half, and explore the Mendocino coast’s incredibly rich and diverse sea caves? It’s easier than you might think. Hop aboard a sit-on-top ocean kayak, and take one of Kayak Mendocino’s professionally guided sea cave tours in Van Damme State Park. Here you will join harbor seals, sea otters, giant anemones, kelp and other … [Read more...]
#22 – Mendocino Headlands Park
When visiting the town of Mendocino, take some time to see Mendocino Headlands State Park. The park surrounds the town on three sides with delightful expanses of land perched atop stunning bluffs. From there you can enjoy whale-watching in the winter, wildflowers in the spring, nesting seabirds in the summer and vivid color throughout autumn. Miles of trails wind along the … [Read more...]
#26 – Ford House Museum
In 1851 Jerome Ford made his way overland to the Mendocino headlands, looking for salvage from the shipwrecked Frolic, which had met its fate off nearby Pt. Cabrillo the previous spring. He found no booty — local Pomo indians had beaten him to it — but he did discover vast stands of coast redwoods instead, and soon partnered with an eastern entrepreneur to establish both the … [Read more...]
#25 – Van Damme State Park
Fantastic outdoor fun and delightful scenery await you at Van Damme State Park, where you can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing and abalone diving among other recreational activities. The park straddles Hwy 1 where Little River empties into a protected rocky bay that is very popular with divers and kayakers. The surf here is usually calm enough to allow launching boats and sea … [Read more...]
#33 – Point Cabrillo Lighthouse & Preserve
The demand for lumber to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake meant that maritime commerce on the north coast was at an all time high, and a lighthouse was critical to the safety of the ships and their valuable cargo. Construction of the Point Cabrillo Light Station began in 1908, and its lens, a British-build Fresnel lens, was illuminated for the first time in 1909. … [Read more...]
#27 – Stanford Inn’s Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too
Established in 1972, Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too! is the Mendocino coast’s only full-service outdoor shop, providing rentals, sales and service of a wide selection of kayaks, canoes, outriggers, and bicycles year-round. They also offer professionally guided tours of Big River State Park, including the eight-mile Big River estuary. These river tours use unique redwood … [Read more...]
#28 – Big River & Big River Haul Road
The Big River Unit of Mendocino Headlands State Park offers 7,400 wild acres for exploration. Acquired in 2002, it includes 1,500 acres of coastal estuary wetlands. You can swim, bike, canoe, jog, walk your dog (leashed) or hike along the beautiful Big River. The beaches along the river are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Big River’s lower 6 to 8 miles provide a wonderful … [Read more...]
#31 – Caspar Headlands State Reserve
The title of “State Reserve” in California is only given to areas of land that have outstanding or unusual natural or scenic value. Caspar Headlands State Reserve certainly lives up to this title. Located about 4 miles north of Mendocino off Hwy 1, this 3-acre reserve is located just south of the town of Caspar and sits atop one of California’s most strikingly beautiful coastal … [Read more...]
#30 – Caspar Headlands State Beach
Nestled adjacent to Caspar Headlands State Reserve just north of Mendocino, this dramatic stretch of coast offers a beautiful beach with swimming, boating, fishing and other popular beach activities. From it you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the headlands’ rugged cliffs and coastal bluffs. If you happen to arrive between November and June, you might get … [Read more...]
#29 – Jug Handle Ecological Staircase
It is likely that you will never experience anything quite like the Jug Handle State Natural Reserve’s Ecological Staircase. The “staircase” is a land formation that stretches for two and a half miles over five wave-cut terraces formed by glacier, sea and tectonic activity. Starting in the inter-tidal zone, it ascends through a series of areas that include prairie, pine forest … [Read more...]
#34 – Pygmy Forest at Van Damme State Park
Northern California is famous throughout the world for towering redwood trees that grow to be hundreds of feet tall. There are other trees in the area, however, that cannot grow to a height of even 10 feet, or much thicker than an inch wide. To experience this Lilliputian and Brobdingnagian contrast for yourself, take a trip to Van Damme State Park’s Pygmy Forest, located off … [Read more...]
#32 – Russian Gulch State Park
This is a gem of a park, offering over a mile of ocean frontage with great beaches and tide pools, plus more than 10 miles of lush, forested hiking trails and plenty of horseback riding trails. You’ll find a beautiful picnic area perched on a cliff overlooking a dramatic cove; spacious, well-laid out campgrounds with bathrooms and hot showers; a 3-mile long paved bicycle trail; … [Read more...]
#36 – Abalone Diving in Coastal Waters
Because it’s where the largest number of abalone are found, and because of regulations designed to protect the small populations that live elsewhere, most of California’s abalone-diving is concentrated on the coast of Mendocino County. For decades hordes of recreational divers have descended there beginning in April every year, lured by the legendary red abalone. Traditionally, … [Read more...]
#37 – Historic Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Depot
If you don’t happen to have a time machine, the next best thing would probably be a trip on Mendocino County’s famous Skunk Train. From the restored historic rail cars to the dramatic views of majestic redwood forests, scenic upland meadows, and the pristine mountain waters of Northern California, what you will experience is largely unchanged from the way things were in the … [Read more...]
#38 – Mendocino Chocolate Company
The Mendocino Chocolate Company has been making delectable chocolates and other treats for almost 30 years. Stop by their Fort Bragg store, or their newer store in the Village of Mendocino, and you will see for yourself why the Mendocino Chocolate Company views candymaking as an art form. Their delightful handmade confections are as pleasing to the eye as they are delicious. … [Read more...]
#39 – Gloriana Musical Theater
Since 1976, Gloriana Musical Theatre has entertained Mendocino County audiences with blockbuster Broadway musicals, musicals starring young performers, and one of a kind special productions. Audiences were amazed by the vocal and acting ability of the Gloriana Young Performer’s 2014 spring production of “Guys and Dolls, Jr.,” set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City and … [Read more...]
#41 – Pacific Star Winery
At Pacific Star Winery you can experience stunning views of the ocean while enjoying traditional or unusual Mendocino County wines. The building actually sits atop an active fault line called the “Pacific Star Fault,” named in honor of the winery upon its discovery in 2006. Running directly under the winery, it connects to the San Andreas fault system 12 miles out to sea toward … [Read more...]
#40 – Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
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 … [Read more...]
#44 – Horseback Riding at Ricochet Ridge Ranch
Ride along deserted beaches and through ancient redwood forests on the back of a fit, well trained horse. Lari Shea’s Ricochet Ridge Ranch offers both group and private trail rides along Ten Mile Beach, across vast cattle and horse ranches overlooking the ocean and through majestic Redwood forests. California’s unique climate offers unmatched riding days year-round. Horses … [Read more...]
#42 – Fort Bragg’s Family-Friendly City Parks
Pomo Bluffs Park offers spectacular views from the southern bluffs above Noyo Harbor. This 25-acre park offers outlook points and benches, coastal pedestrian and bike trails, and interpretive exhibits. From Hwy 1 take Ocean View Drive to Cliff Way to get there. Open dawn to dusk. Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park is located at the east end of Laurel St., southeast of Fort … [Read more...]
#43 – MacKerricher State Park
MacKerricher State Park offers miles of magnificent rocky coastline, beaches, dunes, bluffs and headlands that give way to forests, seasonal streams, grasslands, and a lake. Some of California’s richest tidepools form during low tide along the shore near Laguna Point, where offshore rocks attract black oystercatchers and provide a rookery for harbor seals. The park … [Read more...]
#45 – Old Haul Road (Ten Mile Trail)
Starting at the Pudding Creek Trestle, the Ten Mile Coastal Trail, part of the vast California Coastal Trail system, is located on Northern California’s Mendocino Coast in MacKerricher State Park. The Beachcomber Motel front desk staff provides visiting walkers with the Ten Mile Coastal Trail log book to sign their names and join the ranks of the hundreds of people who have … [Read more...]
#46 – World Famous Triangle Tattoo & Museum
While wandering around the sleepy North Coast town of Fort Bragg, consider a permanent souvenir from the stellar artists at Triangle Tattoo & Museum on Main Street, where the big red heart TATTOO sign hangs over the sidewalk. Climb up the bright red stairway where you will feel enveloped by the spirit, history and excitement of Tattoo. They were founded in 1986 and are … [Read more...]
#47 – Guest House Museum
Resting atop a small knoll in Fort Bragg on the west side of Main Street lies an ancient storehouse of history, a three-story Victorian mansion known as the Guest House Museum. Built primarily of coast redwood, the building has served numerous functions over the years. Its first role upon completion was as the Fort Bragg Lumber Company’s guest house for out of town company … [Read more...]
#48 – Emerald Dolphin Mini Golf & Fun Center
Wow, what a blast! At the Emerald Dolphin Mini Golf and Fun Center, all 18 challenging holes are located in and around gorgeous streams, fountains and waterfalls, and are designed to be tons of fun for all ages and experience levels. Also, the first 9 holes are handicapped-accessible. To top it off, Emerald Dolphin Inn guests receive their first round free (although some … [Read more...]
#49 – C.V. Starr Community Center Pool & More
Much more than a swimming pool, fitness center, community center and outdoor activity area combined, the C.V. Starr Community Center offers people of all ages a wealth of wonderful, exciting things to do and magnificent facilities to do them in. The physical infrastructure is a 4-acre campus that hosts an off-leash dog park, a 10,000 square foot skate park, sun deck, BBQ and … [Read more...]
#50 – Glass Beach Treasures
At first glance you may think this beach is covered with glass that has gathered there for eons. Not so. For centuries it was a common practice of people who lived in seaside cities to dump their trash into the ocean, and from the turn of the century through 1967 it was true of people in Fort Bragg as well. In 1967 the practice came to a halt, however, and the coastal dumps … [Read more...]
#51 – Jackson Demonstration State Forest
Sitting in the spray of a very pretty waterfall on Chamberlain Creek Trail, or staring out at the uninterrupted view from the top of Riley Ridge after a long hike through old redwood forests on the remote Volcano Point Trail, it’s easy to forget the bustling history of the land in Jackson State Forest. A booming industrial logging center from 1862 until 1947, the land now … [Read more...]
#52 – Bird Watching with the Audubon Society
There are hundreds of coastal birds that frequent Mendocino County, and the Mendocino Coast Audubon Society invites you to see them for yourself. Join the MCAS for endlessly fascinating walks and field trips at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, MacKerricher State Park, Van Damme State Park, Virgin Creek and elsewhere. The walks at the Botanical Gardens are regularly … [Read more...]
#53 – Surfing the Mendocino Coast
Whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner, you will find waves to suit you on the Mendocino coast. Many of the area’s more experienced surfers will be found at Point Arena Pier (35 miles south of Mendocino Village) and Virgin Beach, which is just north of Fort Bragg. Look for “overhead” and “double overhead” (literally higher than your head, or twice as high as your … [Read more...]
#54 – Breweries of Mendocino County
If beer is your thing, you will definitely want to take the time to visit a Mendocino County brewery or two and sample their superb offerings. Here are a couple we suggest you check out: Ukiah Brewing Company WHERE: 102 S. State St., Ukiah MORE INFO: 707-468-5898If beer is your thing, you’ll want to take time to visit a Mendocino County brewery and sample its great … [Read more...]
#55 – Anderson Valley Wineries
The Anderson Valley Wine region, best known for its production of rich Pinot Noirs and smooth, dry, Alsatian-style Gewürztraminers, is the home of beautiful scenery as well as superb wines. The region is full of family-owned wineries that produce small batches of excellent handcrafted wines showing off the characteristic qualities that have made Anderson Valley a famous growing … [Read more...]
#56 – Anderson Valley Museum
Intriguing Pomo Indian basketry, antique logging equipment and rich history await you at the Anderson Valley Museum. It is located in a century-old schoolhouse directly adjacent to Hwy 128 between Elk and Ukiah. Although the building is no longer used as a schoolhouse, as a museum it still teaches a great deal about the rich history of the Anderson Valley and Mendocino County. … [Read more...]
#60 – Yorkville Highlands Appellation
Nestled between the beautiful Alexander and Anderson Valleys near Yorkville, the Yorkville Highlands Appellation offers bucolic scenery and excellent wines. The area stretches nearly 16 miles on either side of Hwy 128, with over 356 acres of excellent wine grapes that range from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon to Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot. Over 40 wines are … [Read more...]
#57 – Navarro River Redwoods State Park
After following Hwy 128 through the Anderson Valley, just west of Navarro motorists will find themselves suddenly entering an 11-mile-long tunnel of redwood trees that takes them all the way to the ocean. Welcome to Navarro River Redwoods State Park. Visitors to the park can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and picnicking in and along the Navarro River. There are … [Read more...]
#61 – Hendy Woods State Park
Gaze in awe at towering 1,500-year-old redwood trees at Hendy Woods State Park. Located in the middle of the fantastic Anderson Valley Wine District, the park is noted for two breathtaking groves: the Big Hendy, which is 80 acres and includes a self-guided discovery trail, and the Little Hendy, which covers about 20 acres. The park’s Upper Loop trail, which winds through the … [Read more...]
#59 – Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Located in the tiny, unique town of Boonville, Anderson Valley Brewing Company opened the doors to its first brewpub in 1987. Since then, they’ve built a new facility and now brew their world-class ales in copper vessels salvaged from two defunct but historic German breweries. Much of the electricity they use comes from solar panels. The Anderson Valley brews include … [Read more...]
#58 – Disc Golf Courses
The discus throw was introduced at the Ancient Olympic Games in 708 B.C., and the modern game of golf dates back to the 15th century in Scotland. It was not until 1926, however, that we have any record of the two games being merged. That year schoolchildren in Canada developed “tin lid golf,” a game similar to golf played by throwing tin lids. Elsewhere and independently, other … [Read more...]
#62 – Hopland’s Wineries
When you pay a visit to the world-renowned wineries of the Hopland region, located in and around Hopland off Hwy 101, you will be treated to fantastic wines and delightful scenery. This region embodies everything that is the Mendocino wine experience. The Hopland wineries are famous for their award-winning Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux varietals, and offer elegant tasting rooms … [Read more...]
#63 – Schoolhouse Plaza, Brutocao Cellars
In 1997, Brutocao Cellars purchased the old Hopland High School from the Fetzer family and built a 7.5-acre complex dedicated to wine and food. The Schoolhouse Plaza is an unmistakable and historic (circa 1920) landmark as you pass through Hopland on Hwy 101. The complex has a tasting room, gift shop and bocce ball court on its premises. Historical photos on display in the … [Read more...]
#65 – Olives in Hopland
There are three attributes of extra virgin olive oil that are considered “positive”: fruitiness, pungency and bitterness. The last two are acquired tastes, and most people in this country prefer olive oils that are less pungent and bitter. Good producers will try to achieve a palatable balance. In addition to the olive varieties chosen at time of planting, Mother Nature’s … [Read more...]
#64 – Real Goods Solar Living Center
Specializing in Education, inspiration and environmentally-friendly products, the 12-Acre Real Goods Solar Living Center offers a great place on Hwy 101 to break up your road trip. The Center, just south of Hopland, features a picnic area, three different ponds, a children’s play area that’s fun and educational, tours and shopping. Children can burn off excess energy while … [Read more...]
#66 – Redwood Valley Wineries
Mendocino County is a wonderful grape-growing and wine-producing area. The county’s wine-growing areas can be divided into three distinct regions, one of which is the Redwood Valley. Every June on Father’s Day weekend, A Taste of Redwood Valley brings wine, food, arts and crafts, and fun to the area. The region starts just south of the city of Ukiah and extends north through … [Read more...]
#67 – SPACE
SPACE, [Laurel] Near and [Paulette] Arnold’s School of Performing Arts and Education, is a thriving center of theatre, culture and education for children, ages infant through 18, and their families. It is a place where young people learn to act, sing and dance, but more than that, it is a safe space where children can explore and grow. Mutual respect, cooperation, independent … [Read more...]
#68 – Corner Gallery/Art Center Ukiah
Corner Gallery/Art Center Ukiah opened in March 2008. Renovating a historic building just one block from the county courthouse, 24 local inland Mendocino County artists realized the dream of having a place to showcase their art. Featured theme shows, lectures and educational events for artists from childhood to the adult professional are supported by the Art Ukiah Center … [Read more...]
#69 – Ukiah Valley Conference and Visitor Center
The Ukiah Valley Conference Center is a great place for planning and hosting an upcoming event. The Center is a state-of-the-art meeting facility, offering a variety of spaces able to accommodate groups as small as five individuals or as large as 600 people. Located in beautiful downtown Ukiah, this modern center has every amenity to make your next social or professional … [Read more...]
#71 – Parducci Wine Cellars & Acoustic Café
Visit Parducci Wine Cellars and experience Mendocino County’s oldest winery. Taste the wines that wine critic Dan Berger called “...better than ever, most following the style set down decades ago by John Parducci.” Tours are available on request; lunch and picnic items are served in the tasting room and can be enjoyed on a beautiful patio overlooking the Mayacamas mountain … [Read more...]
#72 – Sundays in the Park Free Concert Series
Ukiah’s “Sundays In The Park” free concert series has been going strong since 1991. Presenting performances by artists from such diverse genres as blues, classical, country, salsa, soul, rock and swing, each of the summer’s six free concerts draws an average of over 3,000 music fans to beautiful Todd Grove Park. The concerts feature artists from around the world and just … [Read more...]
#70 – Vichy Springs Mineral Hot Springs Resort
Mendocino County boasts some of the most fantastic natural hot springs in the world. It is home to Vichy Springs Mineral Hot Springs Resort and Country Inn, a unique 160 year old historic hot springs resort only two hours north of downtown San Francisco. It has the only naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths in North America. Its soothing 90-degree sparkling waters … [Read more...]
#73 – Ukiah Municipal Golf Course
Since 1931 the Ukiah Valley Golf Course has provided innumerable challenging rounds of golf set amid the sloping hills and majestic terrain of Mendocino County. Ukiah is a regulation 18-hole municipal golf course with an “open to the public” policy that also offers annual memberships as well as tournaments and instruction. From the longest tees it offers 5,850 yards of golf at … [Read more...]
#74 – Low Gap Regional Park
Low Gap Regional Park is a multi-use public park covering more than 80 acres. It is situated along Orr Creek, an important tributary of the Russian River and one of three major streams that run through the city of Ukiah. Because access to all of these streams is extremely limited, access to Orr Creek is one of the most noteworthy features of this park, despite its extensive … [Read more...]
#75 – Lake Mendocino
Set amid the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley, Lake Mendocino was formed in 1958 by the construction of the Coyote Valley Dam on the Russian River. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pine trees forest the area, offering intermittent shade and premium bird and wildlife habitat. The 1,922 acre lake and its environs offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities … [Read more...]
#76 – Grace Hudson Museum
The Grace Hudson Museum features the best of the region’s art, history and anthropology. Exhibits in the museum range in subject matter from Native American culture and Northern California coast history to the works of contemporary artists. The primary focus of the museum is the magnificent work of Grace Carpenter Hudson. She painted some of the most brilliant oil paintings … [Read more...]
#77 – Ukiah Speedway
Ukiah Speedway is a 1/4 mile asphalt oval racetrack offering pulse-pounding excitement and high-velocity family fun. Come out and see bombers, modifieds, bandoleros, extreme asphalt outlaws, jammers, mini-stocks, legends and more in action. Typically a night of racing begins with a Trophy Dash, with the four to six fastest qualifiers in each division racing four to six laps … [Read more...]
#78 – Cow Mountain Recreation Area
Named for the wild longhorn cattle that once roamed there, the 52,000-acre Cow Mountain Recreation Area offers lots of recreational opportunities. The terrain is rugged, with steep, chaparral-covered slopes and scattered stands of fir, pine and oak. The elevation varies from 800 to 4,000 feet, and the area offers spectacular views of Ukiah and Clear Lake. Over 30 miles of … [Read more...]
#79 – Montgomery Woods State Reserve
Perhaps the most remote of California’s 31 redwood parks, this jewel of a natural reserve is a beautiful fern forest that is home to five separate redwood groves that have never been logged. You can access them by walking along a 2-mile loop trail that follows Montgomery Creek. The really dramatic old-growth scenery begins about one third of a mile into the … [Read more...]
#80 – Hunting in Mendocino County
The wildlife in Mendocino County is very diverse and abundant, with quail, wild turkey, bear, pig and blacktail deer, among other species. Mendocino offers sportsmen many different choices when it comes to hunting in the area. There is public land available for hunting, and most of it holds trophy-class game. There are also opportunities to hunt on private land for a fee. You … [Read more...]
#81 – Clear Lake State Park
Clear Lake State Park is on the shores of California’s largest freshwater lake. The area is popular for water recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and water-skiing. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, Sacramento perch, blackfish, carp and channel catfish. Professional bass fishing organizations including U.S. Bass, Cal Bass and Western Bass have … [Read more...]
#82 – Historic Skunk Train, Willits Depot
If you don’t happen to have a time machine, the next best thing is a trip on the famous Skunk Train. From the restored historic rail cars to the dramatic views of majestic redwood forests, scenic upland meadows, and the pristine mountain waters of Northern California, what you will experience is largely unchanged from the way things were in the late 1800s. The Skunk Train … [Read more...]
#83 – Mendocino County Museum
The Mendocino County Museum collects, conserves and celebrates the stories, artifacts, archives and lives of the people and places of Mendocino County. Stop by for current exhibits, and enduring favorites: a “hippie” van, stagecoaches, a recreated creamery, Pomo baskets, relics from the ill-fated clipper ship the “Frolic,” Seabiscuit’s friends, and a great Museum Shop. Next … [Read more...]
#84 – Willits Frontier Days
Spend the Fourth of July in the Old West at the week-long Fourth of July celebration known as Willits Frontier Days. This event stars California’s oldest continuous rodeo. The 2014 celebration will mark the 88th year of this authentic western event. The rodeo and a full week of events draw people from all over California and the world. Willits Frontier Days was started by … [Read more...]
#85 – Home of Seabiscuit
Seabiscuit, the legendary race horse and subject of a 2003 motion picture, lived and is buried at Ridgewood Ranch along Hwy 101 in Willits. In 1936 San Francisco auto salesman Charles Howard paid $8,000 for Seabiscuit and hired trainer Tom Smith and jockey Red Pollard to race him. Together they turned a moderately successful 3-year-old, regarded by many as lazy, into a champion … [Read more...]
#86 – Willits Skate Park
The Willits Skate Park was the first skate park in Mendocino County. What began when organizers approached the Willits City Council in 2000 finally became a reality at its grand opening in June, 2005. The council initially declined to function as lead agency, so consequently the Willits Skate Park Association, an adult volunteer service group, formed. It raised money, mobilized … [Read more...]
#87 – Willits KOA Kamping Resort
Located in Northern California’s “Gateway to the Redwoods,” Willits KOA resort features an Old West theme and is laid out on a peaceful country setting with rolling hills and trees. It has something for everyone, including a swimming pool, fishing pond, petting zoo, mini golf, play tower, rental bikes, disc golf course, waterspray park and hiking trails. Their national … [Read more...]
#88 – Willits’ Family-Friendly City Parks
Recreation Grove Park, the largest park in Willits, sits at the corner of Commercial and South Lenore Streets. It includes a stage, arena, covered picnic tables, restrooms, barbecues, a food service building and a playground. Willits City Park is downtown across from City Hall. Under a canopy of trees you’ll find a playground and the Centennial Monument, the latter dedicated … [Read more...]
#89 – Roots of Motive Power
Take a trip back in time at Roots of Motive Power and learn about steam engines and the roots of the logging industry in north western California. California’s history was built on the backs of these rolling marvels, and at Roots of Motive Power the past comes alive with physical history. Standing next to these locomotives is like standing amongst huge, metal, fire-eating and … [Read more...]
#90 – Willits Community Theater
There is nothing quite like the experience of a live theatrical performance. People who appreciate the arts flock to the Willits Community Theatre from all over Mendocino County and beyond to see and hear actors live and up close, and feel the interaction between performers and the audience. Established in 1977, the WCT is proud to present an annual season of new and classic … [Read more...]
#91 – Willits Center for the Arts
The Willits Center for the Arts was created to support and showcase the local art scene in and around Willits, providing low-cost art and art-related services to the entire community. It holds publicly-sponsored and locally-grown art shows throughout the year. Work on renovating the historic 1926 Women’s Improvement Club building that would house the WCA began in 1993, and by … [Read more...]
#92 – Scenic Drive to Covelo
Ten miles north of Willits, State Route 162 runs east from Hwy 101. Known as Covelo Rd., it meanders through the Mendocino National Forest all the way to Glenn County and Willows. It is one the most beautiful back roads in California. An hour’s journey over this 41-mile road will take you back to the past and into the heart of unspoiled nature. Your odyssey will follow the … [Read more...]
#94 – Black Butte River Ranch
Just 14 miles east of Covelo, “where the pavement ends,” lies the secluded and magnificent Black Butte River Ranch. This 14-acre facility is minutes from great swimming holes on the Eel River and the wilds of the Mendocino National Forest. The ranch offers full hook-up RV sites, tent camping and rustic cabins along the Black Butte River. A County Store, a barbecue featuring … [Read more...]
#98 – Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
Here at the “gateway to the tall trees country,” weary travelers can refresh themselves with a dip in the South Fork of the Eel River, a quiet picnic, or a stroll through the beautiful redwoods. There is also great fishing here. Standish-Hickey offers three campgrounds, with over 150 campsites available on a first come, first served basis, for those who choose to stick around a … [Read more...]
#93 – The Blackberry Festival
The 33nd annual Round Valley Blackberry Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, 2015, at the Blackberry Festival grounds in Covelo. Sponsored by Friends of the Round Valley Public Library, the festival features arts and crafts, live music, wine tasting, kid’s activities, blackberry delicacies and souvenirs, not to mention a square dance, a country … [Read more...]
#96 – Laytonville Farmers’ Market
Year-round on Monday afternoons from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. (June through October) and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. (November through May), local farmers set up shop at Harwood Hall on Willis Rd. in Laytonville. They bring glorious offerings of the best in local fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan goat cheeses, ranch meats, eggs, garden bouquets, handcrafted clothing and much more. They … [Read more...]
#97 – Laytonville Rodeo
Cowboy up! Every year Laytonville holds the “Best Lil’ Rodeo Around.” This year, in honor of it being the 40th annual Laytonville Rodeo, they are changing things up a bit. On Saturday June 7th they will be having Quad Barrels (Cloverleaf Style), Quad Poles (California Style) and Quad Hide Racing, with competition in three different divisions. On Sunday June 8th the gates open … [Read more...]
#99 – Smithe Redwoods State Reserve
Traveling north from San Francisco along the Redwood Highway (U.S. 101), the first old-growth redwoods you’ll encounter are in Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Here you’ll find the beautiful Frank and Bess Smith Grove of redwoods, as well as Dora Creek Falls, a lovely 60-foot waterfall. Because Smithe Redwoods is a natural reserve, the park is managed to minimize human … [Read more...]
#95 – Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival
The beautiful Black Oak Ranch concert facility, 5 miles north of Laytonville and just three hours north of San Francisco on Hwy 101, provides a picturesque setting for three days of live performances, activities for kids, local food and craft booths and non-profit information. Listen to some of folk music’s greatest talents, and lend your own voice to the campfire sing-along … [Read more...]
#100 – The Peg House
On Hwy 101 north of Leggett is one of the most beloved roadside stops along the Redwood Highway. The Peg House is featured in Sunset magazine’s Top Road Food Spots in the West: “One of the 25 Absolutely Best Places to Eat Along Western Highways.” Across from Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, the ‘Peg House’ features a gourmet deli, espresso bar, gift shop, general store … [Read more...]