Mendocino, California is one of those dreamy coastal towns that feels like it was plucked straight from a storybook. With dramatic cliffs, charming cottages, and some of the most stunning ocean views in Northern California, it’s the perfect escape for a romantic weekend, a girls’ trip, or simply to slow down and soak in the beauty of the coast. On our recent visit, we discovered so many magical things to do in Mendocino. From wine tasting and canoeing on the river to riding a train and exploring historic cottage-lined streets, you’re sure to fall in love with the area.
If you’re planning a trip, here are the best things to do in Mendocino, CA (including our personal favorites). Read on for my Mendocino travel guide!
**************************
What to Do in Mendocino, CA – A Romantic Coastal Getaway Guide
Wearing an Ivy City Dress
🍷 Wine Tasting at Lula Cellars
One of our first stops was Lula Cellars, tucked away in the nearby Anderson Valley. This boutique winery is known for its Pinot Noir, but honestly, every wine we tasted was exceptional. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with the kind of cozy vineyard charm that makes you want to linger all afternoon. Wine tasting here felt intimate and special — a must for anyone who loves discovering hidden gems.
It was also my husband’s FIRST time drinking wine (can you believe it?) and I’m not much a drinker at all. The staff at Mendocino wine tasting Lula Cellars were kind and knowledgable – love that we were able to learn more! We also had the privilege of meeting the owner and loved seeing the passion he has for his winery. Here is a list of wines we tried (spoiler: everything was delish!):
- 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir (my fave!)
- 2022 Anderson Valley Chardonnay (Josh’s fave!)
- 2023 Anderson Valley Gewürztraminer
- 2022 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
- 2022 Lula Vineyard Pinot Noir
- 2019 Pine Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Book your tasting here!
Wearing a JessaKae Dress (use lizzieinlace15 for 15% off!)
🚣 Big River Canoe Trip with Catch a Canoe
For something adventurous (but still romantic), we booked a canoe trip with Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too at the Stanford Inn. They offer unique redwood outrigger canoes that are incredibly stable, making it easy to paddle along the Big River Estuary. Drifting down the calm water with redwoods on one side and open estuary views on the other felt both peaceful and exhilarating. It was such a fun way to experience Mendocino’s natural beauty from a completely different perspective.
The Catch a Canoe Mendocino Big River adventure was what I was most excited about! Josh was scared because we had a crazy experience at Lake Tahoe years ago where we almost got “swept out to sea” LOL! Luckily, the outrigger was super stable making it a very enjoyable and safe trip. We both had such a great time and we even saw a sea lion! I honestly could’ve been on the river all day!
Book your experience here!
Wearing a JessaKae Dress (use lizzieinlace15 for 15% off!)
🚂 Ride the Skunk Train in Fort Bragg
A little north of Mendocino, you’ll find the historic Skunk Train in Fort Bragg. This scenic railway dates back to the 1880s and takes you deep into the towering redwoods. We loved the combination of history, nostalgia, and breathtaking scenery. It’s a whimsical experience… almost like stepping back in time. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something truly unique to do on your trip.
The Skunk Train Fort Bragg has been on my husband’s bucket list for years and is one the most popular Mendocino attractions! He had also never seen the redwoods so it was a magical way to experience it. We really enjoyed the open air car and loved how expansive the views were. The ride leads to a gorgeous outdoor bar area where you can play games, relax, or hike. They also have rail bikes if you prefer a more immersive ride (fingers crossed we get to try this next time!).
Get tickets here!
🏡 Explore Downtown Mendocino
Downtown Mendocino is a destination in itself. With its quaint Victorian architecture, boutique shops, and ocean views around every corner, it’s the perfect place to wander. You can easily stroll through local art galleries, browse charming bookstores, and treat yourself to a cozy café stop. It’s small, but very walkable — every corner feels picture-perfect and brimming with character.
We went super early before our drive up to Oregon so we didn’t get to pop into any shops since they were closed. However, we enjoyed walking around taking photos and admiring the architecture and dreamy ocean views. I definitely want to come back and experience it in it’s full glory! In my opinion, this is one most romantic things to do Mendocino.
If you need to connect to Wi-Fi in one of the venues here to post your pictures from the day, make sure to use a VPN for iPhone or Android for additional protection.
Book your trip here!
🏰 Visit Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
A short drive from town, the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is one of Mendocino’s most iconic landmarks. The half-mile walk out to the lighthouse is easy and incredibly scenic (although it did feel longer), with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The historic buildings on-site are lovely to explore, and the view from the bluff is absolutely breathtaking. I would love to see it at sunset.
The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Mendocino was another bucket list item for my husband. We loved exploring the museum and lighthouse (although it was a bit small inside). It’s such a neat part of history and the lighthouse itself is super photogenic. The cloudy weather definitely made for ultra moody and romantic photos!
Note: bring good walking shoes!
Photos taken by Josh Off The Clock
🌊 More Things to Do in Mendocino, CA
If you have extra time in Mendocino, there are plenty of other wonderful activities and sights to enjoy:
- Mendocino Headlands State Park – Coastal trails with dramatic cliffside views.
- Russian Gulch State Park – Known for its rugged coastline and photogenic bridge.
- Glass Beach in Fort Bragg – A beach covered with smooth, colorful sea glass.
- Van Damme State Park – Famous for its lush fern canyon hikes.
- Whale Watching (seasonal) – December through April is the best time to spot migrating gray whales.
🛏 Where to Stay in Mendocino
Looking for a place to stay in the area? Check out Little River Inn for a classic coastal inn straight out of a storybook. For cozy and romantic English cottage vibes, check out Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa. You honestly can’t go wrong if you are looking for a hotel in Mendocino!
Mendocino Travel Guide
Want to see a firsthand look at our entire trip? Checkout the video below where I share where to stay in Mendocino and what to do in Mendocino!
💕 Final Thoughts: A Romantic Coastal Escape
From wine tasting among the vineyards to paddling a canoe through the redwoods, Mendocino truly feels like a world of its own. Whether you’re here for the romance, the adventure, or the sheer natural beauty, you’ll find countless ways to make your trip unforgettable.
For us, it was the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration — sipping wine, wandering the charming town, paddling down the river, and riding a train through the redwoods. If you’re dreaming of a romantic yet adventurous coastal getaway, Mendocino, CA should be at the very top of your list.
Looking for more adventures? Check out my full travel diaries, itineraries, and reviews here!
Hope you loved this list of the best things to do in Mendocino! Which one are you putting on your list?
Let me know below!
xo
This place looks so relaxing and cute!
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
Author
You would love it! It’s gorgeous!