Information about Mendocino, CA

 

Mendocino (five minutes from the Lighthouse Inn at Pont Cabrillo) is a very special place located half way between San Francisco and the Oregon Border, and holds the distinction of being one of only a few Historical Preservation Districts in California. The community is most often referred to as "the Village", and its sets on a peninsula at the mouth of Big River, one of only a few naturally flowing rivers in the state. The union of Big River and the Pacific Ocean create a wonderful recreational beach and river inlet providing visitors with unlimited spots for picnicking, beachcombing, kite flying, or just relaxing on a warm, sandy beach. There is also a wonderful hiking trail that snakes up-river (7-miles) through beautiful stands of second-growth Douglas Fir and Redwoods, with fantastic river corridor views, and where abundant birding and wildlife viewing is available year-round.

 

The village is populated with historic buildings and houses along the main street that overlooks beautiful Mendocino Bay, where ocean waves crash onto the headlands create huge and colorful water spouts and sprays. This spectacular view is constantly present while browsing through the unique art studios, antique shops, wine-tasting rooms, or can be appreciated while also viewing lovely village gardens or the wonderful duck pond. Gourmet and café dining (with fresh fish just off the boats) is available throughout the village. The village's main street terminates at the trailhead of the Mendocino Coastal Headland's, where, you can explore the headlands while watching whales, sea lions, and harbor seals frolicking in the bay, or fishing boats and coastal cruisers gliding by just off shore.

 

The Inn's staff is always available to assist you with additional information and reservations for dining and special Mendocino events (Mendocino Music Festival, Wine and Crab Festival, or the Wine and Mushroom Festival, to name only a few of our many exciting events).