Places to Visit in Mendocino, CA – Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites

Mendocino is known for its temperate coastal climate, and towering forests, however, the town is quickly gaining recognition as a hot spot for wineries and tasting rooms. Mendocino is home to a budding artistic community, as well as an impressive selection of specialty shops, and restaurants. Guests have access to over 17 state parks and nature preserves, and the mild temperatures are perfect to enjoy bird watching and hiking through the Forest History Trail, Mackerricher State Park, or the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Other State Parks that nearby include Big River State Park, Chapman Point, Russian Gulch, Spring Ranch Preserve, Headlands State Park, and Van Damme. Two miles north of Mendocino sits Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historical Park, and less than one hour to the south of the hotel, guests can visit Point Arena Lighthouse. Ricochet Ridge Ranch offers guided horseback rides on the beach or inland through the redwoods. Ten Mile Beach, Glass Beach, Pudding Creek, and Casper State Beach are all within a short drive, and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are sure to please the most discerning botanist. The Navarro Point Preserve and Mendocino Headlands State Park are nearby and are an outstanding vantage point for whale watching, and sport fishing. This area is also perfect for Abalone diving although it is highly restricted throughout Mendocino to protect against poaching. Guests wanting to dive for abalone need to obtain proper licensing and an abalone card with current tags before being allowed to dive and harvest abalone. The historic Skunk Train is a family favorite, and for guests who want to rent a bicycle, kayak, or canoe, to explore Mendocino, rentals are minutes away. There are several museums in town and the Kelly House Museum, Temple of Kwan Ti, the Guest House Museum, and the Ford House Visitor Center are all within a leisurely stroll of the hotel.