Discover the Top Things to Do
in Mendocino, CA

Nicholson House guests enjoy VIP access to all things Beaujolais, including Waiting Room morning bites & barista-perfected beverages… but our sister property is the perfect stop for any time of day.​

Tantalizing Beaujolais items include wood-fired Brickery pizza in the garden, the renowned fine dining & seasonal fare in the historic Café, and of course, the option to refresh at any time at the Waiting Room lounge with a board game by the fire & an artisan coffee or tap micro brew in hand.

Nicholson House guests have the convenience of charging Beaujolais delights directly to the room.

Explore Beaujolais Mendocino

The Village of Mendocino is peppered with lovely eateries throughout town. Reservations are always recommended, and hours vary, so check ahead.

• Fog Eater Café
  Vegetarian Southern-inspired dishes with a California twist.
• Trillium Café & Inn
  Seasonal menu with local ingredients, seafood, and steak.
• Goodlife Café & Bakery
  Organic pastries, bagels, and fair-trade coffee.
• Patterson’s Pub
  Irish pub with hearty fare and local beers.
• MacCallum House Inn & Restaurant
  Californian cuisine in a historic Victorian setting.
• Gnar Bar
  Creative ramen, sushi, and poke bowls.

Nearby Fort Bragg eateries have something for everyone, with a range from fine dining to cantina Mexican. Our big rec is to plan a stop at Noyo Harbor for seafood fresh off the boat and the chance to spot some frolicking marine life.

If you still have a foodie itch to scratch, the eateries to the East & South are worth the drive.

*For more recommendations and detailed information, please refer to the ‘Pocket Concierge’ feature of your Guest Portal, provided with your reservation.

The historic Village of Mendocino is both quaint and stunning. Fill a relaxed day by exploring bluff-top trails, taking in local art at the village galleries, learning the Mendocino story with a historic walking tour, or enjoying the local wine and cannabis tasting venues – and don’t forget to visit all the shops, as well! From craft eateries and sweet shops, to international textiles, handmade homewares, fashion boutiques, book shops and toy stores, the small businesses that line the charming streets of Mendocino are sure to steal your heart.

• Mendocino Headlands
  Meandering trails along the Pacific Ocean bluff-tops wind through Mendocino Headlands State Park, perfect for wildflower strolls or sunset views.
• The Kelley House Museum
  This little museum chronicles Mendocino’s history, with Victorian rooms and guided walking tours of the Village.
• The Mendocino Art Center & Theatre Company
  Located at Little Lake and Kasten, this haven for artists since 1959 offers retreat-style classes, monthly exhibits, and year-round theater performances.
• The Temple Kwan Tai Museum
  Visit a historic Taoist temple and museum honoring the once-thriving Chinese immigrant community tied to Mendocino’s mid-19th-century lumber industry.

*For more recommendations and detailed information, please refer to the ‘Pocket Concierge’ feature of your Guest Portal, provided with your reservation.

The Mendocino Coast is a destination set apart by its abundance of natural beauty. Take in scenic views of the roaring Pacific Ocean, enjoy the quiet enchantment of redwood forests, ogle the fruits and flavors of bucolic apple orchards, or sip and sit back among the rolling hills of the Anderson Valley’s famous vineyards.

Get outdoors right here with nature walks along the Mendocino Headlands, direct access to Big River and the beach, plus loads of hike, bike, and kayak adventures (+ more) just a short drive out of town.

• Big River Beach
  The most expansive and easily accessible beach near Mendocino Village, perfect for a day by the water.
• Big River Trail
  This trail is a former logging road that winds up Big River. It is wide, relatively flat and great for walking, jogging or biking.
• Kayak Mendocino
  Take a guided tour through Mendocino’s sea caves with all equipment provided; no experience required.
• Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
  Explore the historic lighthouse, Lightkeeper’s Museum, and beautiful tide pool aquarium.

*For more recommendations and detailed information, please refer to the ‘Pocket Concierge’ feature of your Guest Portal, provided with your reservation.

About eight miles north of Mendocino is Fort Bragg, a former mill and fishing town with plenty to do. This bustling coastal hub is Mendocino’s more affordable and functional big sister. Fort Bragg has you covered on necessities and is rich in varied options for all ages.

Further north, enjoy open vistas and ocean views all the way until the Lost Coast. If you want a longer coastal drive and enjoy the curvy roads, just point yourself south on Highway One. The drive features rugged and stunning ocean views, tiny towns, tasty restaurants, and even an African wildlife preserve where you can view free-range zebras and antelope, and even feed giraffes! Here are a few more must-see stops along the coast:

• Old Town Fort Bragg
  Antique shops, specialty stores, galleries, cafés, and breweries within several historic blocks.
• Noyo Harbor
  A scenic harbor offering fishing, whale-watching, and waterfront dining.
• Elk
  A small town with picnic spots, secluded beaches, and the Michelin-star Harbor House for an exceptional meal.
• Point Arena
  A classic one-street town with a fishing pier, seafood eateries, and farm-to-table Japanese at Izakaya Gama.

*For more recommendations and detailed information, please refer to the ‘Pocket Concierge’ feature of your Guest Portal, provided with your reservation.

To the east of Mendocino Village find the world’s tallest tree and many other gorgeous natural sights, including apple groves, natural hot springs, redwoods, and scenically winding rivers.

Anderson Valley is a favorite with award-winning Pinot Noirs and aromatic white wines, along with many tasting opportunities that harken back to a slower paced world with a personal touch. Not only that, some of the yummiest places around have opened up off Highway 128. While you’re in the area, don’t miss these highlights:

• Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
  A serene park featuring some of the world’s tallest redwood trees, offering tranquil hiking trails amidst lush forests.
• Orr Hot Springs
  A tranquil resort offering geothermal hot springs in various natural tubs with differing temperatures.
• Hendy Woods State Park & Anderson Valley
  A scenic route meandering through the Navarro River, redwoods, and the picturesque Anderson Valley wine country.
• Boonville
  A charming town known for its “Boontling” language, wine tasting rooms, and the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

*For more recommendations and detailed information, please refer to the ‘Pocket Concierge’ feature of your Guest Portal, provided with your reservation.