10-day Mendocino itinerary

A ready-made 10-day sightseeing plan for Mendocino — top-rated attractions, one morning-to-evening schedule per day. Use it as-is or as a starting point; every stop links to full details, hours, and fees. Hungry? Pick your own spot to eat — we don't bake that decision into the plan for you.

1Day 1

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Albion River Bridge4.9

    4250-4304 Shoreline Highway, Little River

    Historic wooden trestle bridge offering dramatic California coastal highway views

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Fern Canyon4.9

    Fern Canyon, orick

    Explore a scenic fern-filled canyon trail through California coastal redwoods

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Mendocino Coast Model Railroad & Historical Society4.9

    00805329, Fort Bragg

    Explore detailed historic train layouts showcasing Mendocino Coast logging history

2Day 2

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Mendocino County Museum4.9

    400 E Commercial St, Willits, CA 95490

    Discover rich logging heritage and regional history in Mendocino County

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Navarro Beach4.9

    CA-128, Navarro

    Where the Navarro River meets the ocean along Mendocino's scenic coast

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Sea Ranch Chapel4.9

    40033 California 1, Sea Ranch

    An organic architectural wonder along Northern California's scenic coastal highway

3Day 3

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Black Sands Beach4.8

    298 Dolphin Drive, Whitethorn

    Dramatic black pebble shores along Northern California's rugged Lost Coast

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Cypress Grove4.8

    Heeser Dr, Mendocino

    Experience breathtaking cliffside vistas and peaceful trails in scenic Mendocino.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Gualala Point Regional Park4.8

    42401 Coast, Sea Ranch

    Coastal park where the Gualala River meets the Pacific Ocean.

4Day 4

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Gualala River4.8

    Gualala River, gualala

    Discover serene waters and coastal views along Northern California's Gualala River

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Humboldt Redwoods State Park4.8

    Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat

    Explore majestic ancient redwoods along California's historic Avenue of the Giants

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens4.8

    18220 California 1, Fort Bragg

    A scenic oceanfront floral haven where manicured plant collections meet coastal bluffs

5Day 5

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Mendocino Coast State Park4.8

    Mendocino, Mendocino

    Explore dramatic coastal cliffs and sweeping ocean views along the headlands

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Mendocino County Historical Society4.8

    100 South Dora Street, Ukiah

    Discover local history through extensive archives and historic exhibits in Ukiah.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Mendocino Headlands State Park4.8

    Mendocino, Mendocino

    Dramatic coastal cliffs, scenic ocean trails, and serene Northern California beaches.

6Day 6

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Navarro River Redwoods State Park4.8

    Elk, Elk

    Scenic redwood canopy drive stretching along Mendocino's peaceful Navarro River corridor

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Point Arena Lighthouse4.8

    45500 Lighthouse Road, Point Arena

    Discover sweeping Pacific Ocean views at historic Point Arena Lighthouse.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Pudding Creek Beach4.8

    Pudding Creek Beach, fort bragg

    A scenic sandy beach located beneath the historic Pudding Creek Trestle.

7Day 7

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Russian Gulch State Park4.8

    CA-1, Mendocino

    Explore coastal redwoods, dramatic ocean headlands, and a lush waterfall.

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    The Oceanfront Inn4.8

    44781 Main Street, Mendocino

    Charming coastal oceanfront lodging offering ocean views and cozy, decorated accommodations.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    B Bryan Preserve4.7

    130 Riverside Drive, Point Arena

    Private African hoofstock wildlife sanctuary and lodging along California's coast

8Day 8

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Briceland Vineyards4.7

    5959 Briceland Road, Redway

    Family owned boutique winery crafting small batch wines in Southern Humboldt

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Fort Bragg Coastal Trail4.7

    Glass Beach Trail, Fort Bragg

    Walk along scenic ocean bluffs on Fort Bragg's accessible coastal trail.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Kelley House Museum4.7

    45007 Albion Street, Mendocino

    Discover Mendocino's rich coastal history inside a charming restored Victorian home.

9Day 9

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    Lost Coast Trail4.7

    Unnamed Road, Whitethorn

    Discover breathtaking coastal wilderness along California's untouched Lost Coast Trail.

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Point Cabrillo Light Station4.7

    13800 Point Cabrillo Drive, Mendocino

    Explore a historic restored California lighthouse set along rugged ocean cliffs

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Scenic Drive4.7

    9601 California 1, Mendocino

    Take in peaceful rural vistas along this scenic Mendocino County roadway.

10Day 10

  1. 9:00 AM
    2–4 hr stay
    The Sea Gull Inn4.7

    44960 Albion Street, Mendocino

    A charming historic bed and breakfast in the heart of Mendocino

  2. 1:30 PM
    1–2 hr stay
    Van Damme State Park4.7

    8001 California 1, Little River

    Explore scenic coastal trails, lush redwoods, and a rare pygmy forest.

  3. 4:15 PM
    2–4 hr stay
    Goldeneye Winery4.6

    9200 California 128, Philo

    Experience premium world-class Pinot Noir tastings in scenic Anderson Valley

Want more options? Browse things to do in Mendocino, places to eat, or the full Mendocino vacation guide.