Places to Visit in Mendocino, California

Mendocino, California is another small town nestled in this large state. It's an unincorporated town of roughly 900 residents. The small beach town, despite its notorious size, is iconic for vacation getaways to the Pacific Ocean. The climate, unlike most areas in California, is not as hot as you'd think. It's warm and sometimes dry, but with it sitting on the beach, it's cooler than other hot and dry areas in the state. Often times, it experiences a Maritime Mediterranean climate, often good weather for beach adventures, boating and fishing.

That's not all this Maritime town has to offer. It's also booming with arts and culture and attractions that draw in thousands of tourists for a relaxing (and sometimes exciting) vacation spot.

Glass Beach
Mendocino residents call this location a "must-see." It's basically an ocean cove covered with rounded Sea Glass. It's located on the Mendocino Coast in Fort Bragg, California (that's only 120 miles north of San Francisco).

On some beaches, you might stumble across some sea glass here and there, but this spot is believed to have the highest concentration of sea glass in the world. What's the history behind it? Well, some people like to believe that the sea glass actually comes from "Mermaid Tears," brought on by their sadness each time a sailor is lost at sea. But in reality, the sea glass comes years after Mother Nature has cleansed the beach of trash and glass that residents had once dumped in the ocean nearby.

The colors will mesmerize you. It's truly a sight to see.

Skunk Train
It smells a lot better than it sounds. This attraction offers train rides on restored rail cars for a spectacular view of the mountain meadows and redwood forests. The Skunk Train winds its way along the Noyo River and through the redwood Noyo River Canyon.

No matter where your depart, the Skunk Train promises you breathtaking views. The train also holds special events from Mother's Day Brunch to Father's Day BBQ.

About the Author: Allison is a guest contributor from The Inns of Glendeven, a Mendocino Bed and Breakfast, offering rooms and vacation rentals for your stay on the Mendocino Coast.