Mendocino Coast
Many of this area’s early residents were from Maine, so the town’s architecture is suggestive of a New England village, complete with charming Saltbox cottages and big Victorian mansions.
The Point Arena Lighthouse, which stands 115ft tall and features a spiral stairway that leads to panoramic views of the surrounding area, is open to visitors for tours.
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are a must-see and are considered California’s most beautiful botanical gardens. The mild year-round climate on the coast allows for the flourishing of delicate plants that would otherwise perish in extremes of heat and cold.
There are also two magnificent California state parks close by. Mendocino Headlands State Park, which surrounds the picturesque Mendocino community on three sides, is a beautifully beautiful blend of rugged coastline, romantic hidden beaches, and history.
The Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historical Park is situated on a magnificent peninsula that stretches out into the Pacific Ocean. You can even take a ride on the Skunk Train!
It departs from Fort Bragg, a short distance up the coast from Mendocino, and travels down the Pudding Creek among redwood trees. Don’t forget to stop at Glass Beach in Fort Bragg to admire the sea-sharpened colorful shards of glass.
