City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Mendocino, California
Between wineries, local seafood and stunning coastal scenery, Mendocino is a fabulous destination for boaters and travelers of all types. Located in Northern California, Mendocino sits north of San Francisco between Fort Bragg and Gualala.
Situated along the Big River, where it meets Mendocino Bay and flows into the Pacific Ocean, the area is a favorite of kayakers and anglers. It’s home to a wide variety of fish - including salmon, rockfish, and lingcod - making it a great destination for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Other popular activities include hiking, biking, boating, whale-watching and tide pool exploring.
If you’re looking for things to do from private boat dock rentals in Mendocino, here are just a few ideas to get you started.
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Explore Mendocino Headlands State Park from private boat slips for rent. This stunning natural area encompasses 347 acres of rugged coastline, sandy beaches and wildflowers fields. Visitors can explore the park's many trails, take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, relax and have a picnic at Big River Beach or watch for migrating whales during the winter months. The Ford House Visitor Center and Museum (circa 1854), located on Main Street within the park, serves as the city’s visitor center. Stop in to check out local history, artifacts and relics.
Kelley House Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
If you're interested in Mendocino's history, be sure to visit the Kelley House Museum. This charming museum is located in a historic home built in 1861. It offers visitors a glimpse into Mendocino's logging and fishing industries as well as its role in the Victorian era.
Scenic Mendocino Coast
Photo: Srishti Sethi/Wikimedia/CC
The Pacific Coast Highway (which starts near Long Beach and ends in Mendocino County) is one of the most scenic drives in California, and a road trip is a great way to explore the area. The PCH offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean’s rugged coastline. Be sure to stop at some of the roadside pull-offs and overlooks to get in all the views. This makes a terrific day trip from a private boat lift for rent.
Mendocino Art Center
Photo: Mendocino Art Center Fine Arts (Facebook)
Visiting the Mendocino Art Center is a must for art lovers. The vibrant arts organization offers workshops, classes and exhibits throughout the year. Visitors can view the work of local artists, take a pottery or painting class or even attend a concert or theater performance.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Photo: Wikimedia
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are a must-visit destination for nature lovers. This stunning 47-acre garden, located between the Pacific and Highway 1, is home to thousands of plant species, including native rhododendrons and azaleas. Explore the garden's paths and trails, take a guided tour or attend one of the many events held throughout the year.
Russian Gulch State Park
Photo: Sanjoy Ghosh/Wikimedia/CC
Russian Gulch State Park is a stunning spot to visit from private boat lift rentals. Spend the day walking to a 36-foot waterfall along fern-lined pathways and through forests of redwoods,moss and ferns. Other activities include kayaking, camping, biking, fishing, horseback riding and sightseeing along the rocky coastline. Be sure to check out one of the most unique sites in the park, a collapsed sea cave known as the Devil’s Punchbowl.
We hope you’ve found some fun and unique spots to visit from private boat docks for rent near Mendocino. Let us know your favorites. Happy boating.
