Behind a yard of twisting iron sculpture, the city’s art center takes up a whole tree-filled block. It hosts exhibitions, nationally renowned art classes and the 81-seat Helen Schoeni Theatre, which is home to the Mendocino Theatre Company (www.mendocinotheatre.org). This is also where to pick up the Mendocino Arts magazine, a bi-annual publication listing all the happenings and festivals in town.
Mendocino Art Center
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
24.53 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…
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
7.06 MILES
This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is…
24.87 MILES
Sample standout (and organic!) Pinot Gris, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir from a stunning hilltop tasting room tucked into the forest.
25.51 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
22.37 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…
19.69 MILES
In a dramatic, rub-your-eyes-in-disbelief-beautiful location on a bluff over the sea, the wines here don't get pros excited but they are perfectly…
Westport-Union Landing State Beach
26.9 MILES
Located 1.5 miles north of Westport, this ruggedly beautiful beach extends for three miles on coastal bluffs. A rough hiking trail leaves the primitive…
22.56 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;…
Nearby attractions
0.13 MILES
Peering in the window of this 1852 temple reveals an old altar dedicated to the Chinese god of war. Tours are available by appointment and provide a…
0.22 MILES
Check out the research library and changing exhibits on early California and Mendocino. The 1861 museum hosts seasonal, two-hour walking tours for $10;…
2.3 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…
4. Point Cabrillo Light Station
3.13 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…
5. Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
4.77 MILES
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…
6.6 MILES
Just south of town, this museum showcases the sea glass found on local beaches with beautiful displays, plus audiovisual explanations and additional…
7. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
7.06 MILES
This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is…
8. Jackson Demonstration State Forest
8.47 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…