The floral edge of Mendocino Botanical Garden.

© Angelica R Lee/Shutterstock

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

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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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Sea Glass Museum

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

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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…

3. Guest House Museum

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

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This small science center educates visitors about the climate-based threats facing the Mendocino coast, including the mass sea star die-off, explosion of…

5. Triangle Tattoo & Museum

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…

6. Northcoast Artists Gallery

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7. Glass Beach

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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

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