This small science center educates visitors about the climate-based threats facing the Mendocino coast, including the mass sea star die-off, explosion of invasive purple urchins and collapse of California's kelp forests over the past decade. It also has one of the largest orca skeletons on display anywhere in the world. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share how everyday visitors can help.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
2.49 MILES
This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is…
24.68 MILES
Among the best community museums in this half of the state. It puts the lives of early settlers in excellent historical context – much drawn from old…
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
26.31 MILES
Two miles west of Orr Hot Springs, this 2743-acre reserve protects some of the best old-growth redwood groves within a day’s drive from San Francisco. A 2…
10.2 MILES
In a dramatic, rub-your-eyes-in-disbelief-beautiful location on a bluff over the sea, the wines here don't get pros excited but they are perfectly…
Westport-Union Landing State Beach
17.37 MILES
Located 1.5 miles north of Westport, this ruggedly beautiful beach extends for three miles on coastal bluffs. A rough hiking trail leaves the primitive…
29.71 MILES
One of the most visitor-friendly options around with award-winning Pinot Noir and dry Gewürztraminer; has twice-daily free tours (10:30am and 2pm;…
28.28 MILES
The oldest vineyard in the valley serves exquisite tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.
11.66 MILES
Three miles south of Mendocino, this sprawling 1831-acre park draws beachcombers, divers and kayakers to its easy-access beach, and hikers to its pygmy…
Nearby attractions
0.01 MILES
This one-off museum has an excellent exhibition of international tattoo art and explains the history in various cultures. You can also get a tattoo done…
0.01 MILES
An excellent local arts cooperative where 20 full-time members work in photography, glass, woodworking, jewelry, painting, sculpture, textiles and…
0.04 MILES
A majestic Victorian structure built in 1892 displays historical photos and relics of Fort Bragg’s history.
0.69 MILES
Named for (what very little is left of) the sea-polished glass in the sand, remnants of its days as a city dump, this beach is now part of MacKerricher…
5. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
2.49 MILES
This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is…
2.95 MILES
Just south of town, this museum showcases the sea glass found on local beaches with beautiful displays, plus audiovisual explanations and additional…
3.17 MILES
MacKerricher State Park preserves 9 miles of pristine rocky headlands, sandy beaches, dunes and tide pools. The visitor center sits next to the whale…
8. Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
4.86 MILES
Between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Jug Handle preserves an ecological staircase that you can view on a 5-mile (round-trip) self-guided nature trail. The…