For fabulous bird-watching, hiking on terraced rock past sea caves and access to hidden coves, head 1 mile down Lighthouse Rd from Hwy 1 and look for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) signs on the left indicating these 1132-acre public lands. The best, most dramatic walking trail leads along the coast for about 3.5 miles and also begins on Lighthouse Rd from a small parking area about a quarter-mile before the lighthouse parking area.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.41 MILES
This iconic lighthouse was constructed in 1870, destroyed in a 1906 earthquake and then rebuilt in 1908. It remains the tallest on the US West Coast (tied…
16.82 MILES
Sample standout (and organic!) Pinot Gris, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir from a stunning hilltop tasting room tucked into the forest.
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
26.98 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…
18.02 MILES
A half-mile trail passes through a large grove of cypress trees leading to a staircase down to this pristine quarter-mile beach. Walkers can follow the…
16.77 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;…
16.61 MILES
The oldest vineyard in the valley serves exquisite tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.
24.3 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…
29.58 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…
Nearby attractions
2.41 MILES
This iconic lighthouse was constructed in 1870, destroyed in a 1906 earthquake and then rebuilt in 1908. It remains the tallest on the US West Coast (tied…
13.85 MILES
Tucked into a tiny clapboard house looking across the road to the ocean, this gallery is run as a cooperative by 30 local artists and is a fascinating…
15.26 MILES
Inland along Old State Hwy, at the south end of town, and beautifully built entirely by volunteers, this center hosts changing exhibitions, organizes the…
16.3 MILES
For the best fruit, skip the obvious roadside stands and head to this gorgeous farm for preserves, chutneys and organic heirloom apples and pears. For…
16.61 MILES
The oldest vineyard in the valley serves exquisite tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.
16.77 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;…
16.78 MILES
The best reason to come here is to view the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired tasting room, which was built from a single fallen redwood trunk. The Pinot Noir…
16.82 MILES
Sample standout (and organic!) Pinot Gris, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir from a stunning hilltop tasting room tucked into the forest.