This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is harvested by volunteers to feed area residents in need. The serpentine paths wander along 47 seafront acres south of town. Primary trails are wheelchair accessible.
© Angelica R Lee/Shutterstock
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.8 MILES
Among the best community museums in this half of the state. It puts the lives of early settlers in excellent historical context – much drawn from old…
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
25.21 MILES
Two miles west of Orr Hot Springs, this 2743-acre reserve protects some of the best old-growth redwood groves within a day’s drive from San Francisco. A 2…
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12.69 MILES
In a dramatic, rub-your-eyes-in-disbelief-beautiful location on a bluff over the sea, the wines here don't get pros excited but they are perfectly…
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Westport-Union Landing State Beach
19.86 MILES
Located 1.5 miles north of Westport, this ruggedly beautiful beach extends for three miles on coastal bluffs. A rough hiking trail leaves the primitive…
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27.87 MILES
One of the most visitor-friendly options around with award-winning Pinot Noir and dry Gewürztraminer; has twice-daily free tours (10:30am and 2pm;…
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26.41 MILES
The oldest vineyard in the valley serves exquisite tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.
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9.22 MILES
Three miles south of Mendocino, this sprawling 1831-acre park draws beachcombers, divers and kayakers to its easy-access beach, and hikers to its pygmy…
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Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
2.37 MILES
Between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Jug Handle preserves an ecological staircase that you can view on a 5-mile (round-trip) self-guided nature trail. The…
Nearby attractions
0.47 MILES
Just south of town, this museum showcases the sea glass found on local beaches with beautiful displays, plus audiovisual explanations and additional…
2. Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
2.37 MILES
Between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Jug Handle preserves an ecological staircase that you can view on a 5-mile (round-trip) self-guided nature trail. The…
2.48 MILES
A majestic Victorian structure built in 1892 displays historical photos and relics of Fort Bragg’s history.
4. Noyo Center for Marine Science
2.49 MILES
This small science center educates visitors about the climate-based threats facing the Mendocino coast, including the mass sea star die-off, explosion of…
2.5 MILES
This one-off museum has an excellent exhibition of international tattoo art and explains the history in various cultures. You can also get a tattoo done…
2.51 MILES
An excellent local arts cooperative where 20 full-time members work in photography, glass, woodworking, jewelry, painting, sculpture, textiles and…
3.04 MILES
Named for (what very little is left of) the sea-polished glass in the sand, remnants of its days as a city dump, this beach is now part of MacKerricher…
8. Point Cabrillo Light Station
4.27 MILES
Built in 1909, this stout lighthouse stands on a 300-acre wildlife preserve north of town, between Russian Gulch and Caspar Beach. The grounds also…