Looking for a coastal vacation with fun activities to do? Consider a trip to Mendocino county in Northern California. Depending on the time of the year you might take a fishing or whale watching excursion from Ft. Bragg. Or, ride the Skunk Train through the redwood forests. The Skunk Train runs from Willits to Ft. Bragg with a number of options for the trip depending on the season. The train follows the coastal “Redwood Route” as it has since 1885.

Perhaps you would like to enjoy a restful stay at a hotel or bed and breakfast inn. There are many options in Mendocino county. Enjoy walks on the beach or hiking in the parks along the coastal highway, California highway 1.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is an activity that is fun to do from December through April when the California grey whales are travelling their migration route. Usually a 5 to 15 minute boat ride will be all that is needed to get observe the whales.

Wine Tasting

Mendocino has many micro-climates and as a result the wine industry has several distinct areas in the county. The Highway 101 region encompasses the communities of Willits, Ukiah, Hopland, Redwood Valley,and Leggett. These wineries and tasting rooms along Hwy 101, are your best option if you’re headed to the North Coast via Hwy 20.

The wineries along highway 128 include the communities of Yorkville, Boonville, Philo, and Navarro. Wines from this area include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Such a diverse list of wines result from the various micro-climates, elevations and proximity to ocean breezes and inland heat.

Coastal wineries include the western most winery on the continental United States. For more on the wineries see Mendocino County Wine.

More Mendocino Information

• Railroads of California: The Complete Guide to Historic Trains and Railway Sites [Hardcover]
• The Unofficial Guide to California with Kids (Unofficial Guides) [Paperback]
• Watching Giants: The Secret Lives of Whales [Paperback]
• Watching Giants: The Secret Lives of Whales [Kindle Edition]