She made a checklist of experiences she wanted to have for the year.  As she set out with the intention to write down activities to initiate focus and action, she found herself with an abundance of items that trickled into inspiration of more ideas to explore.  She realized her curiosity was boundless and that within itself was the experience.

After writing about What To Do With One Day In Mendocino, CA I thought it would be lovely to share more ideas about what you can experience in such a magical place.  Mendocino county is bountiful no matter what time of year.  Leoluna hopes you are able to visit often or once in a lifetime.  

Here is a list of activities to explore when in Mendo~in no particular order of preference  

1. The Skunk Train and Rail Bikes

For 134 years, forty miles of railroad have been winding through Mendocino county’s redwood forests and mountain meadows.  Depart with Willits or Fort Bragg to ride on the Skunk Train for a railway experience that gives access to areas not granted to hikers or drivers.  

2. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Between Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean, the gardens fill 47 acres of plants and flowers that showcase year-round.  Plan for a spring visit to see more than 125 species of rhododendrons bloom or go in the early fall to experience the awe of dahlias.  

3. City of 10,000 Buddhas

Placed away from the coastal cliffs, 80 acres of community that includes a university, schools, vegetarian restaurant, and the impressive Jeweled Hall of 10,000 Buddhas is open to the public where white peacocks roam the space and 10,000 images of Buddha line the walls.

4. Glass Beach

Once a dumping ground for the community of Fort Bragg, Glass Beach, is a true testament of “one’s trash is another’s treasure.”  Fort Bragg lies 10 miles north of the town of Mendocino and make sure to visit on a clear day with low tide. 

Please just look and don’t take; that way, we can all keep visiting this rare place. 

5. Bowling Ball Beach

Easily missed, Bowling Ball Beach, is completely hidden under the undulating sea at high tide.  Necessary to plan accordingly, check for when it’s low tide, and explore the rows and rows of natural spheres that have been shaped gracefully by millennia of tidal forces. 

Appropriately compared to bowling balls, the formations are called “concretions” and what is left behind from eroding mudstone. 

6. Point Arena-Stornetta Lands

Where the water meets the earth is a majestical collision of living beauty.  The only part of California Coastal National Monument that can be walked on, Point Arena-Stornetta Lands is 1,660 acres made of 20,000 islands, geological formations, and coastline. 

From the bluffs, there are panoramic views of the 1,100 mile coast with reefs, seals, whales, and bird watching.  This area is for hiking, social stolling, leisure, and enjoyment.  

7. Fern Canyon Loop Trail

The highlight of Mendocino’s Russian Gulch State Park, the 6 mile trail is known for a 36 foot waterfall that cascades over a fern wall into a shallow pool. 

Bridges throughout the trail and clear maintained walkways, give hikers easy navigation with steep incline segments.  Rated moderately challenging on Alltrails, it’s the most popular trail in the park.  

8. Big River Beach

Wherever the ocean is a beach is sure to be enjoyed.  Mendocino has landscapes of headlands, forests, coastal cliffs and bluffs. Sandy beaches are not as common but Big River Beach meets all expectations. 

With walking access from the town of Mendocino or driving access with a turn off before crossing the bridge, the beach sits where the river meets the sea.  It’s dog friendly and depending on the time, it’s large enough to never feel crowded.  

9. Orr Hot Springs

Always an answer for relaxation in a pristine setting, Orr Hot Springs is positioned close to Montgomery Woods where some of the tallest trees in the world root deep into the forest floor. 

The mineral rich baths are offered in both communal and private settings along with a spring fed cold pool.  It’s good to know that all pools are clothing optional and kids must be accompanied by adults at all times.  

10.  MacKerricher State Park

The most well known tide-pooling location on the Mendocino coast, the area is easily accessible just north of Fort Bragg.  Discover entire underwater ecosystems of sea stars, anemones, rockfish, crabs, sea urchins, and even out in the waves, seals can be spotted often. 

Please be conscious of the world you are visiting, tide-pools are very fragile to human interaction and special species like anemones and mussels need to be left to live in peace. 

We all have our own stories tied to special locations and experiences.  Feel loved and encouraged to share with us in the comments of favored places and why you enjoyed them so much so we can create connections and build worlds together.  

Leoluna loves you~