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Vacation in Mendocino County - California
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Jump to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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Area Overview
Spectacular scenery, a sense of isolation, an aesthetic sensibility, and a strong sense of community are the standout highlights of a trip to Mendocino County, an area that is well within a drive of the Bay Area and Sacramento.
No matter where visitors come from, their first impression of Mendocino County is one of outstanding natural beauty: redwood forests and rivers from the north, rolling hills and the promise of the ocean from the east, the blue and gold of distant mountains from the south. This is what we offer… a promise of awe at the foot of a redwood tree, a gasp at the sight of a breaching whale, a sigh of pleasure from a sip of wine hand-crafted from century-old vines… and our welcome.
The county’s large geographical area is broadly divided into two separate, yet contiguous, parts: coastal and inland. And those areas are themselves subject to their own geo-partitions: north and south coast; north county, Anderson Valley, and the inland corridor. Each of the two major areas has their distinct attractions for the traveler, yet there are commonalities to be found in fine wining and dining, outdoor recreation, and experiences.
There are a myriad reasons why travelers go where they do, and these are almost impossible to quantify. However, what we can offer here is a broad spectrum of what brings visitors to the two major areas of Mendocino County.
Wild and scenic is an understated description of Mendocino County’s pristine coastline. From the placid mouth of the Garcia River to the working harbor in Fort Bragg, from the towering mountains of the Lost Coast to the quaint Village of Mendocino, the coastal region invites visitors to become part of the landscape and its history.
The majesty of the redwoods and vistas of lush vineyards are just two of the defining characteristics of inland Mendocino County that attract visitors. With two routes into the heart of the county, travelers can opt to wind along Highway 128 through the Yorkville Highlands to the Anderson Valley, or stay on Highway 101, passing through Hopland to the county’s cultural center of Ukiah on to Willits and the forests and wilderness that await at the northern part of the county.
Includes Cities/Towns: Albion, Fort Bragg, Little River, Mendocino, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley.
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Things to Do |
Recreation & Fitness
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Located just over two hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area, Mendocino County offers a wealth of experiences. Those seeking a culinary experience will feel right at home in this county where Farm to Table was practically invented. Seafood lovers will enjoy fresh catches right off the boat along with in-county grown veggies.
Don't forget the wine! Boasting over 90 wineries, Mendocino County is renowned for its Pinot Noir, Alsatian varietals and Zinfandel. The Anderson Valley has over 20 tasting rooms along bucolic Highway 128 and farther inland, wineries dot the landscape from Hopland to Dos Rios.
You've heard the expression that it takes a lot of beer to make good wine? It's a good thing that the county has four great breweries to slake that thirst!
Ocean and lake kayaking and canoeing, biking and hiking are all popular activities in the beautiful area that's Mendocino County.
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Cultural Activities
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Artists have called the Village of Mendocino home for many years due to the incredible light on the coast. Art in the county is as varied as the weather - mosaics, weaving, painting, ceramics, quilting and much more are to be found in the galleries and art centers around the county.
Sundays in the Park, now in its 25th year, is a free concert series in Ukiah that features both local and national acts. Live music events take place almost every night of the week in locations countywide.
The Mendocino Film Festival is held annually over the Memorial Day weekend, and the Mendocino Music Festival takes place in the big tent on the clifftops in Mendocino every July.
Both Fort Bragg and Ukiah boast orchestras and hold regular concerts.
The Ukiah Players Theatre, the Willits Playhouse, Gloriana Musical Theatre, and the Mendocino Theatre Company are just a few of the regular theatrical events in the county. Even kids get to have theatrical fun at S.P.A.C.E. in Ukiah!
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Attractions
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Attractions are myriad in Mendocino County. In Willits and Fort Bragg, ride the historic Skunk Train, while in Point Arena visit B. Bryan Preserve where rare and endangered Zebra, Antelope and Giraffe have found a home on the coast. Climb the 115 feet to the top of the Point Arena Lighthouse and marvel at the multitude of flora at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
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Transportation |
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The closest airport is Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. Oakland/San Francisco airports are a 2.5 hour drive. Sacramento airport is 3 hours away.
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Climate |
Monthly Temperatures / Rainfall
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Low
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Avg
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High
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Rain |
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January
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38.6
F°
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47.3
F°
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56.1
F°
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7.8
"
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February
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39.9
F°
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48.9
F°
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57.9
F°
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7.2
"
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March
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40.9
F°
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50.4
F°
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60.0
F°
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6.6
"
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April
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42.2
F°
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52.8
F°
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63.4
F°
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2.9
"
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May
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45.0
F°
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56.0
F°
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67.0
F°
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1.6
"
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June
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48.4
F°
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59.9
F°
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71.4
F°
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0.4
"
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July
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50.7
F°
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62.9
F°
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75.1
F°
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0.1
"
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August
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50.6
F°
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62.7
F°
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74.9
F°
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0.3
"
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September
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48.9
F°
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61.3
F°
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73.7
F°
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0.8
"
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October
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45.1
F°
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56.7
F°
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68.3
F°
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2.6
"
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November
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41.1
F°
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50.6
F°
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60.2
F°
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5.7
"
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December
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37.6
F°
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46.6
F°
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55.5
F°
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6.5
"
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Best Time To Go:
Summer and spring.
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Summers inland are hot and dry; with wet winters. The coast is temperate year-round with temperatures rarely getting above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Accommodations |
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There are accommodations for every type of traveler: Family-friendly, multi-generational, wedding parties, romantic getaways, and dog-friendly lodgings are all available in Mendocino County.
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Costs |
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Additional Information
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Visitor Information
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Back to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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