California's Mendocino County with Kids: A Comprehensive Guide

Mendocino County, a coastal county just north of the San Francisco Bay Area, has become one of our family's favorite Northern California destinations over the years. Far too many visitors to Northern California, however, halt their travels somewhere in the middle of Napa or Sonoma County wine country. After living in Northern California for nearly two decades, I highly recommend venturing farther north.

Mendocino has a mix of different climates and topographies to explore. There is everything from the vineyards of wine country along the Russian River to sweeping majestic coastal views of the Lost Coast. And of course, who can forget the redwood forests with trees big enough to drive through.

From what to do to where to stay and eat, here is what you need to know about visiting Mendocino with kids and why it is a worthy destination for families traveling in Northern California.

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Mendocino County Basics

The most important thing to know about Mendocino before visiting is just how vast it is. It stretches nearly 100 miles south to north. It's possible to drive for hours and hours and never leave the county. Plan accordingly.

There are two major north/south thoroughfares through the county: Highway 1 on the coast and Highway 101 inland. Most visitors come into the county by driving 101 from the Bay Area through Sonoma County, before veering off on the more local byways.

Highway 101 and Highway 1 are connected east to west by two major roads: Highway 128 and Highway 20. Highway 128 runs from Cloverdale in northern Sonoma County through Boonville and hits the coast a bit south of the village of Mendocino.

The more northern east-west route is Highway 20. Although these roads are all called "highways," don't be fooled. They are quite windy in many places and not always well-marked or well lit. Pack the Dramamine and plan for plenty of time to slow down and get to your destination. A map isn't a bad idea either because parts of the county are so remote that cell service doesn't work. The drive is half the adventure when it comes to Mendocino County travels.

Mendocino County has a number of different regions family travelers can target. Because the vast size of the county, it isn't exactly easy to pick a single home base and drive to the county's various attractions every day. You'll be on the winding roads far too long.

Towns in Mendocino County

With a total county population of under 100,000 people, it's safe to stay there aren't any big cities in Mendocino County. But there are several larger population centers of note. The three largest include:

• Ukiah: The biggest city in the county located inland on the south end of the county along Highway 101.
• Fort Bragg: The largest coastal city in the county, originally founded as a military garrison that became important in the region's logging industry.
• Willits: A city north of Ukiah in roughly the geographic center of the county, where Highway 101 and 20 meet.

And although they are super tiny towns, a lot of visitors know and travel to the towns of Mendocino (not to be confused with the county) and Boonville. Mendocino is just south of Fort Bragg on the coast and is the quaint seaside village that stood in for the setting of Murder She Wrote. Boonville is well known as the site of the popular Anderson Valley Brewing Company and for its unique local language.

Best Times of Year to Visit Mendocino & Weather

Like a lot of the Northern California coast, Mendocino has fairly temperate weather year round. But since it is such a huge county, you might guess (correctly!) that the weather varies considerably in different regions.

On the coast at least, it never gets particularly warm at any time of year. Seaside breezes can turn into mighty winds. Packing and wearing layers is essential. I'd recommend a fleece layer or a coat for the evenings most times of year. August and September are the warmest months to visit the coast. Visitors in winter need to be prepared for the regular possibility of rain that can spoil outdoor adventures

Inland areas have a climate much more like Napa and Sonoma. Summers can get hot and dry, but winters are pretty mild in the southern half of the county at least. The northern half of the county inland (north of about Willits) can get a fair amount of snow in winter, so travelers need to plan and prepare for potential winter weather driving conditions if venturing farther north.

Best Airports for Flying to Mendocino County

For visitors flying in to the area, be aware than Mendocino is a bit remote. But it's worth the work to get there!

The closest airport with commercial service is the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) to the south. The airport has three airlines (Alaska, American, and Avelo) serving 10 different destinations, mostly located in western states. Those include: Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs.

The next closest airport is the California Redwood Coast Humboldt County Airport (ACV), also known as Arcata-Eureka, to the north, but it's even tinier. It has commercial service on Avelo and United to four cities: Denver, SFO, LAX, and Las Vegas.

Practically speaking, many travelers to the region are more likely to come into one of the San Francisco Bay Area airports like OAK or SFO. Sacramento (SMF) is also a viable alternative as well. These airports will have cheaper fares and more options from destinations farther afield. See my complete guide to San Francisco Bay Airports for the complete details.

Things to do in Mendocino with Kids

So what are the best things for families to do in Mendocino County? Here are our many tried and true recommendations in Mendocino County with kids:

1. Skunk Train (Fort Bragg and Willits)

The biggest draw in Mendocino County for family travelers is undoubtedly the Skunk Train, named for the smelly exhaust on the trains of old. For little train lovers, this historic former logging train is a must-ride.

For families with younger kids, I recommend the shorter coastal redwoods trip (Pudding Creek Express) that departs from Fort Bragg on the coast. Railroad superfans might want also to do the longer two hour ride from Willits, called the Wolf Tree Turn. Just be aware that the origin points of these two routes are quite a distance apart.

The Skunk Train also offers seasonal decorated trains during the Halloween and Christmas seasons as well as electric railbikes for two.

Related: Complete Guide to Train Rides and Attractions in Northern California

2. Mendocino Coast Model Railroad & Historical Society (Fort Bragg)

After riding the rails on the Skunk Train, this model railroad museum in Fort Bragg is just steps away. Admission is free with your Skunk Train ticket, so be sure to save it! In this museum, model train enthusiasts have constructed an impressive scale display of the historic trains that have been the lifeblood of the county's economy for generations. My kids could have stared at the scenes for hours, following each train around the entire building in and out of tunnels.

3. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (Fort Bragg)

Botanical gardens aren't always the most kid-friendly of destinations, but Mendocino's are a must-do for families. We visited the gardens at the end of one of our days in Mendocino, thinking they might not entertain our kids, and ultimately wished we had more time before closing to explore!

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens occupy 47 acres, stretching all the way to the coast with a major payoff: majestic views of the rocks and water below. 

Plan for at least 2-3 hours to make the one-mile hike to the coast and explore the various gardens. One of the paths is paved and stroller and wheelchair accessible, but a baby carrier or hiking backpack may be easier for families with little ones. A worthy detour on the way to the coast is the vegetable garden where kids can pick and eat a fresh strawberry off the vine.

4. Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree (Leggett)

Mendocino County's redwoods are a major tourist draw for many families. But none are as famous as the redwood so big you can drive a car through it. The Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree is not far off of Highway 101 in the northernmost part of the county.

As you might imagine, the lines for this attraction can get long despite its remote location. Guests tend to drive very slowly through it to get all the photos they can. If you can't visit on a weekday, weekend visitors should at least plan on an early morning arrival to beat the crowds.

5. Confusion Hill (Piercy)

Just a few minutes away from the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Piercy, California is Confusion Hill. Confusion Hill is one of several "gravity houses" where balls roll uphill and objects appear to defy gravity. Like the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, it's a chance to teach your kids a little science while they are marveling at the mysteries. During the summer, a small mountain train also runs from Confusion Hill through the redwoods.

6. Point Arena Lighthouse (Point Arena)

The West Coast's tallest working lighthouse is worthy of a stop for families visiting the southern coastal area of the county. Visitors can climb 115 feet to the top, or enjoy the museum at the base where the lighthouse and county's history are on display.

7. Russian Gulch State Park (Mendocino)

For a budget-friendly outdoor adventure (just $10 entry per car), head to Russian Gulch State Park along the coast just minutes from the Village of Mendocino. A very easy hike for young kids is the coastal trek to Devil's Punch Bowl, a collapsed sea cave where waves rush in and churn and froth against the cliffs. For families with about a half-day to spend in the park, continue to the inland portion of the state park where a 2 hour waterfall hike is a major highlight.

8. Anderson Valley Brewing Company (Boonville)

Anderson Valley is one of Northern California's most well-known breweries. And yes, it is kid-friendly! The tasting room allows kids so parents can sample Boont Amber Ale without hiring a babysitter. Plus, the brewery recently expanded its large outdoor lawn areas to make it even more of a family (and dog) friendly space, with disc golf and lots of live events.

9. Glass Beach (Fort Bragg)

One of the most-well known tourist sites in Mendocino County is Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. It's a former city dump where waves slowly pounded the trash, rounding it into clear sea glass that gives the beach its name. Unfortunately, the many tourists have made their mark, removing much of the sea glass which is against local law. As a result, we thought it doesn't quite have the wow factor that it did in years past, but it's still worthy of a quick visit for families.

10. Pudding Creek Beach & MacKerricher State Park (Fort Bragg)

After a visit to Glass Beach, walk a bit farther north to cross the Pudding Creek Trestle into MacKerricher State Park for more outdoor beach adventures. Pudding Creek Beach right below the trestle is a beautiful flat and sandy stretch of beach perfect for kids who will love wading in the creek as it meets the sea. We had a very hard time getting our kids to leave! You'll need to drive a bit farther north to explore the rest of the state park, but you can't go wrong with views just about anywhere.

Where to Stay in Mendocino County with Kids

So where are the best places to stay for exploring the varied attractions and regions of Mendocino County? Here are a few of our family's recommendations.

Accommodations on the Coast

The accommodations on the Mendocino Coast are plentiful. If you are in search of luxury, this is where the higher-end options can be found within the county. The Mendocino coast is a haven for couples travelers, so be aware that not all of the lodging options are ideal for families as a result.

But never fear - many places are great for kids too! We found a gem for travelers with kids on our last Mendocino vacation: the Little River Inn just south of the Village of Mendocino. With incredibly spacious rooms, decks with magnificent coastal views, and a gourmet restaurant that welcomes children, it is definitely the place to stay for families on a more luxury budget. My kids took full advantage of the jetted tub in the bathroom for a swim break too.

Farther up the coast in the city of Fort Bragg are more budget-friendly accommodations, including several chain hotels. For a local favorite that won't break the bank, try the Surf & Sand Lodge adjacent to the Pudding Creek Trestle with excellent coastal views of MacKerricher State Park and direct beach access.

Lodging in Central Mendocino County

The historic Boonville Hotel is pretty much the place to stay in the central part of the county between Highway 101 and Highway 1. It's the kind of place where you'll know everyone within a half hour of checking in. It's the perfect jumping off place for travelers looking to visit the Anderson Valley Brewing Company or a number of Mendocino wineries. Just be aware that only some rooms have air conditioning, so I'd plan carefully for visits during hot summer months! (We stayed here once when I was in my third trimester with my second kid during a heat wave and that was rough!). Bonus: while in town, find a local who can speak a little Boontling to your kids.

For travelers along Highway 101, the largest city with the most accommodations in the county is Ukiah. There are few fancy lodging options, but there are plenty of clean and utilitarian hotel choices in town. The Hampton Inn Ukiah is consistently the best rated in the city, although I can personally vouch for the Fairfield Inn Ukiah as a reliable choice too - especially for travelers who prefer Marriott points.

Although technically in Humboldt County just to the north of the county line, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville as another amazing place to stay. It's the perfect jumping off point for exploring the redwoods, including the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree south in Leggett or the Avenue of the Giants farther north. Stop in for brunch even if you don't stay overnight.

Kid-Friendly Places to Eat in Mendocino County

There is no shortage of family-friendly restaurants in the various towns in Mendocino County. Here are the ones my family has personally visited and enjoyed:

• Eggheads Restaurant (Fort Bragg): Wizard of Oz themed brunch hotspot with the long lines to prove how good it is. Be sure not to miss having the kids take a bathroom break here (not kidding) where the theming continues to great effect!
• GoodLife Cafe & Bakery (Mendocino): Excellent morning stop for good coffee for parents and kid-friendly bakery goodies aplenty. Just be prepared for long lines on weekends.
• Little River Inn Restaurant (Mendocino): One of the finest dining experiences in the county (with a talented chef and impressive wine list), but still remarkably kid-friendly. We took a preschooler here - successfully! - and we were not the only ones.
• Benbow Historic Inn Restaurant (Garberville): Breakfast on the terrace is a must-do if you find yourself that far north at the right hour.
• Ukiah Brewing Company (Ukiah): Mendocino County has quite a beer scene and Ukiah Brewing Company's downtown restaurant lets parents sample those offerings while also offering a kids menu. Win-win!
• Pub at North Coast Brewing Company (Fort Bragg): More quality craft beer for parents, more kid-friendy pub food for picky eaters!
• Be-Bop's Diner (Ukiah): Old school 1950s diner with all the period decor and a jukebox, plus shakes and burgers aplenty. A dinner here at the end of one of our Mendocino County road trips made my kids' evening!

Have you been to Mendocino County on your family's travels? Leave your recommendations in the comments.

Disclosure: I was hosted by the Little River Inn, Skunk Train, and Mendocino Botanical Gardens on a recent visit. All of our other travels to the county have been at our own expense. As always, all opinions are my own.