Mendocino Coast: Things to Do
Arts in Mendocino
The mission of the Arts Council of Mendocino County is to introduce, promote and benefit the arts in order to enrich the quality of life for the citizens of the county. Objectives include expanding opportunities for artists and arts organizations, supporting art education, promoting the role of the arts in the local economy and increasing public awareness of the value of the arts.
We support and promote the arts throughout Mendocino County, and we advocate for artists and arts organizations with government, business, and tourism leaders.
» Arts Council of Mendocino Website
Mendocino Coast Recreation Department
The mission of MCPRD is to provide opportunities on the Mendocino Coast that promote physical and mental well-being for everyone, through active play, community enrichment, programs and events.
» Mendocino Coast Recreation Department Website
Botanical Gardens
Located just two miles south of Silver’s at the Wharf, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a rare jewel. It is the only public garden in the continental United States fronting directly on the ocean. The Gardens offers everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. The mild maritime climate makes it a garden for all seasons. Manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, fern-covered canyons, diverse plant collections, and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean are among the many attractions. Whale fanciers can take shelter in the garden’s Cliff House to watch winter and spring migrations, bird watchers will delight in the over 100 species of birds that live in or visit the Gardens annually.
Sport Fishing / Whale Watching
Hooked on Mendo offers Salmon, Rock Fish, Halibut & Tuna trips as well as Whale watching off of the Mendocino Coastline! Samurai Sport Fishing is located in Westport, Wa. We offer light tackle Bottom fishing, Salmon, Tuna, and Halibut Fishing aboard a six man charter vessel called the “Samurai”
32260 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 357-1875
Liquid Fusion Kayaking
Just moments away from the Silver’s at the Wharf in the Noyo Harbor, Liquid Fusion Kayaking has a kayak adventure for everyone. Enjoy a peaceful wildlife watching meander or an exciting coastal exploration. No experience is necessary and adventures are available daily for all ages and abilities. Liquid Fusion Kayaking provides all the kayaking gear, small groups, and expert guides so that you have a personalized, interactive, and educational adventure.
North Harbor Drive (next to Silver’s at the Wharf) Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 962-1623
» Liquid Fusion Kayaking Website
Mendocino Wine Tours
Experience the magic of the wine country. Mendocino Wine Tours’ stretch luxury SUV will pick you up at the Silver’s at the Wharf and take you on a guided day-long tour of the region’s award-winning boutique wineries. Local wine guides will lead you in style to the lairs of some of the best—and least known—of California’s North Coast vintners. You can kick back and sip sparkling wine as you enjoy the Anderson Valley’s beautiful scenery. A gourmet lunch will be served al fresco at one of the wineries. You can taste as many wines as you want during the day without the hassle or hazard of driving.
Your visits to wineries will afford opportunities for barrel and reserve tasting, behind-the-scene tours, discussions with the winemakers, and discounted case pricing. You will also be able to purchase limited production wines not available to the general public.
Ricochet Ridge Ranch
Located just six miles north of the Silver’s at the Wharf, Ricochet Ridge Ranch offers daily trail rides on the beach and in the redwoods.
Daily rides are at 10 AM; NOON; 2 PM; and 4 PM. Rides last from 1½, 3, and 4 hours, even all day.
The ranch has exceptional horses, including English & Western, to suit all riding abilities. Private and longer rides are available to suit individual needs. Ricochet Ridge Ranch accepts online reservations.
Skunk Train
Fort Bragg’s famous “Skunk Train” is now offering both steam train and diesel engine trips along the spectacular Redwood-lined Noyo River. In its Spring schedule, the Skunk Train departs from Fort Bragg each day at 10 am, for a 3.5 hour trip. The Skunk also has a special Saturday 1.5 hour evening ride, featuring wine and ales.
» Visit the Skunk Train website for ticket pricing and to confirm the daily schedule
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
Just six miles south of the Silver’s at the Wharf is the little-known crown jewel of California’s State Parks: the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. The lighthouse sits on the Western point of this 300 acre preserve, and is open to the public from 9 am until 6 pm daily. Tours of this functioning lighthouse occur on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 am until 4 pm. The lighthouse interior includes a number of informational displays and a nice gift shop. Parking is located about one half mile east of the lighthouse, so be prepared for a brisk walk. Parking for drivers with ADA placards is available near the lighthouse.
Temple of Kwan Tai
Just eight miles south of the Silver’s at the Wharf is the Temple of Kwan Tai, believed to be the oldest, original Taoist temple in Northern California. It was built by the first Chinese setters in the early 1850’s. The temple is open to the public, by appointment.
To arrange a visit, contact Loraine Hee-Chorley.
Memorial Day Weekend Quilt Show
Each year, this show just gets better and better. Opportunity quilts, original and traditional quilts, quilts for sale, craft vendors, demonstrations, downtown quilt walk and much more! This year quilters will display more than 130 quilts. The show is held in Town Hall, The Union Company Store (both on Main Street), and in the Recreation Center, all in downtown Fort Bragg. $10 inclusive for 3 days, $5 for Sat. and/or Sun. Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg & the Ocean Wave Quilters.
Paul Bunyan Days – Labor Day Weekend
Saturday has the Kiddie Parade, Sunday has the Logging Show and Monday has the Paul Bunyan Parade. Other events: Blue Ox Beer Festival, Square Dancing, Kangaroo Kort, Fire Dept Water Fights, Old Fashioned Dress Revue, Ulgy Dog Contest, Pie Sales, Craft Fair, Horse Shoes, and BBQ.
Winesong!
At Winesong!, the Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting occurs from 11am to 2pm and is held outdoors along the garden paths. Each year over 90 of California’s highly acclaimed wineries showcase their best vintages. The wine is complimented by samples of the excellent cuisine of more than 50 Mendocino County restaurants and food purveyors. Standard tickets: $175 per person (includes commemorative Glass & Tray and Entrance to the Wine Tasting & Auctions). Premium tickets: $250 per person (adds Reserved Auction Seating & Bidder’s Paddle, plus VIP Luncheon Service & Special Gift).