Willits’ most famous resident was the champion racehorse Seabiscuit, who grew up here. Three-hour tours of his former ranch are available by reservation. There are also excellent nature walks on the property.
Ridgewood Ranch
Along Highway 101
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House
14.25 MILES
One block east of State St, the collection’s mainstays are paintings by Grace Hudson (1865–1937). Her sensitive depictions of Pomo people and other…
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
27.2 MILES
This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is…
10.86 MILES
Sustainably grown, harvested and produced, ‘America’s Greenest Winery’ offers affordable, bold, earthy reds. The tasting room, lined in brick with low…
27.15 MILES
The Italian Graziano family is one of the oldest grape-growing families in Mendocino County and specializes in ‘Cal-Ital’ wines – including Primitivo,…
20.02 MILES
Sample standout (and organic!) Pinot Gris, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir from a stunning hilltop tasting room tucked into the forest.
5.54 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
8.44 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…
27.31 MILES
Located in a former 1920s schoolhouse in central Hopland, this fourth-generation family-owned winery has bocce courts, bold red wines and chocolate – a…
Nearby Along Highway 101 attractions
5.54 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…
2. Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
8.44 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…
10.86 MILES
Sustainably grown, harvested and produced, ‘America’s Greenest Winery’ offers affordable, bold, earthy reds. The tasting room, lined in brick with low…
4. Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House
14.25 MILES
One block east of State St, the collection’s mainstays are paintings by Grace Hudson (1865–1937). Her sensitive depictions of Pomo people and other…
5. City of Ten Thousand Buddhas
16.21 MILES
The showpiece here is the ornate temple with its 10,000 golden Buddha statues, elsewhere enjoy pretty courtyards, lush landscaping and decorative peacocks…
6. Jackson Demonstration State Forest
18.85 MILES
Fifteen miles west of Willits on Hwy 20, this forest offers day-use recreational activities, including hiking trails and mountain-biking. You can also…
18.88 MILES
The oldest vineyard in the valley serves exquisite tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.
19 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…