Guidebook for Mendocino
Drinks & Nightlife
Paterson's is one of two freestanding bars in town. It's a combo of Irish pub and sports bar. This is where everyone comes to watch sports or hang out after work. The bartenders are friendly and helpful with all kinds of local tips. The food is really good and reasonably priced. Daily specials, fresh oysters when available and live music, mid-week. Expect it to get crowded and noisy between 4:00-7:00. It's quieter mid afternoon. Weekends are very busy and you may find yourself 2 or 3 deep at the bar. Tell the bartender if you want a table and they'll manage the queue and let you know when its available.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Patterson's Pub
10485 Lansing StPaterson's is one of two freestanding bars in town. It's a combo of Irish pub and sports bar. This is where everyone comes to watch sports or hang out after work. The bartenders are friendly and helpful with all kinds of local tips. The food is really good and reasonably priced. Daily specials, fresh oysters when available and live music, mid-week. Expect it to get crowded and noisy between 4:00-7:00. It's quieter mid afternoon. Weekends are very busy and you may find yourself 2 or 3 deep at the bar. Tell the bartender if you want a table and they'll manage the queue and let you know when its available.
If I'm to be honest, I haven't been in Dick's for at least a decade. This is a bar on Main St., serves all manner of cocktails, beer on tap. There are some interesting historical pictures that have stood the test of time, yellowed by years of smoke (no longer allowed, of course) Now and then there's live music, dancing and is frequented by locals. Not much in the way of food. Sometimes hot dogs but advised to come after eating. Bar fights seem to go with the territory, at times, continued out the door, where there's a gorgeous ocean view, so the scenery is flexible....
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dick's Place
45070 Main StIf I'm to be honest, I haven't been in Dick's for at least a decade. This is a bar on Main St., serves all manner of cocktails, beer on tap. There are some interesting historical pictures that have stood the test of time, yellowed by years of smoke (no longer allowed, of course) Now and then there's live music, dancing and is frequented by locals. Not much in the way of food. Sometimes hot dogs but advised to come after eating. Bar fights seem to go with the territory, at times, continued out the door, where there's a gorgeous ocean view, so the scenery is flexible....
Parks & Nature
This is a must stop. It's a quick detour off Hwy 128 (1 mile) and well worth the effort. I generally encourage guests to stop on their way to or from the coast. It's a treasure that will delight young and old. There are numerous trails, some short and an easy stroll, others that are a little more strenuous and lead up the hills and valleys. It's a small park, approx. 100 acres. This is an old growth redwood grove, full of fairy-like scenes of moss covered logs, tangled root sculptures and burned out stumps for exploring.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hendy Woods State Park
18599 Philo Greenwood RdThis is a must stop. It's a quick detour off Hwy 128 (1 mile) and well worth the effort. I generally encourage guests to stop on their way to or from the coast. It's a treasure that will delight young and old. There are numerous trails, some short and an easy stroll, others that are a little more strenuous and lead up the hills and valleys. It's a small park, approx. 100 acres. This is an old growth redwood grove, full of fairy-like scenes of moss covered logs, tangled root sculptures and burned out stumps for exploring.
The beach can be accessed either from the riverside parking area or down a set of stairs, located behind the Presbyterian Church, if you are in town.
This beach changes on a daily basis. Sometimes long, with coves to explore and when the tide is high, short and sweet. There is a lagoon that forms over the summer that can become landlocked. The water will get warm and is a favorite for kids to play in. The river empties out into the bay and can be quite treacherous. Do not let your children play along the banks!!
There is a huge stand of logs and driftwood piles up during the winter months, leaving twisted building supplies for forts...
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park
The beach can be accessed either from the riverside parking area or down a set of stairs, located behind the Presbyterian Church, if you are in town.
This beach changes on a daily basis. Sometimes long, with coves to explore and when the tide is high, short and sweet. There is a lagoon that forms over the summer that can become landlocked. The water will get warm and is a favorite for kids to play in. The river empties out into the bay and can be quite treacherous. Do not let your children play along the banks!!
There is a huge stand of logs and driftwood piles up during the winter months, leaving twisted building supplies for forts...
For any kind of water (non motorized) or biking items needed, Catch a Canoe will have it. You can rent kayaks, canoes, bikes, as well as take a few guided tours on the river. Big River is a tidal river, easy paddling and very scenic. The staff is extremely knowledgable and helpful.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too!
10051 S Big River RdFor any kind of water (non motorized) or biking items needed, Catch a Canoe will have it. You can rent kayaks, canoes, bikes, as well as take a few guided tours on the river. Big River is a tidal river, easy paddling and very scenic. The staff is extremely knowledgable and helpful.
Arts & Culture
This gallery is what made Mendocino the iconic town it is today. Without the influence and dedication of the artists and free spirited people who ventured north in the '60's, Mendocino would be a totally different place. It was the artists who fought and strived to save the historic ambiance of the town. What was slated for condo and commercial development has been preserved and is now shared as a welcoming town for locals and tourists, alike.
The gallery displays local, as well as visiting artists, changing frequently. The gardens also have several areas, exhibiting sculptures, carvings and various displays.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mendocino Art Center
45200 Little Lake StThis gallery is what made Mendocino the iconic town it is today. Without the influence and dedication of the artists and free spirited people who ventured north in the '60's, Mendocino would be a totally different place. It was the artists who fought and strived to save the historic ambiance of the town. What was slated for condo and commercial development has been preserved and is now shared as a welcoming town for locals and tourists, alike.
The gallery displays local, as well as visiting artists, changing frequently. The gardens also have several areas, exhibiting sculptures, carvings and various displays.
Tiny little community theatre that draws local talent, as well as special guest actors and directors. The seating holds about 80 people, so there isn't a bad seat. Very intimate viewing. The productions are well done and varied. Check the website for latest billing info.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mendocino Theatre Company
45200 Little Lake StTiny little community theatre that draws local talent, as well as special guest actors and directors. The seating holds about 80 people, so there isn't a bad seat. Very intimate viewing. The productions are well done and varied. Check the website for latest billing info.
Essentials
Large (for a small town) this store will have pretty much anything you will need, and a lot you won't...;-) Good choice of local and organic produce, wine and beer selections and a great, old fashion meat counter. (if you enjoy an occasional oink, oink, the bacon located in the counter is exceptional)
There is also an independent pharmacy tucked into the back corner, as well as a good selection of dry goods.
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Harvest Market at Mendosa's
10501 Lansing StLarge (for a small town) this store will have pretty much anything you will need, and a lot you won't...;-) Good choice of local and organic produce, wine and beer selections and a great, old fashion meat counter. (if you enjoy an occasional oink, oink, the bacon located in the counter is exceptional)
There is also an independent pharmacy tucked into the back corner, as well as a good selection of dry goods.
This is a small but well stocked organic health food store. It's been an iconic shopping spot since the '70's. The staff are part of a co-op, friendly and knowledgable. There's a really nice selection of fresh produce, as well as bulk food items. Upstairs is an herb and tea section. There is also a well supplied area for herbal medicines and homeophathy tinctures.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Corners of the Mouth, Health Food Store
45015 Ukiah StThis is a small but well stocked organic health food store. It's been an iconic shopping spot since the '70's. The staff are part of a co-op, friendly and knowledgable. There's a really nice selection of fresh produce, as well as bulk food items. Upstairs is an herb and tea section. There is also a well supplied area for herbal medicines and homeophathy tinctures.
Shopping
If you love to read, then this store will entice and delight. Few towns can boast of a better bookstore. They hold a huge selection, well organized and with a very knowledgable staff. Great children's area. Author nights and educational evenings are offered, as well.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkles
319 Kasten StIf you love to read, then this store will entice and delight. Few towns can boast of a better bookstore. They hold a huge selection, well organized and with a very knowledgable staff. Great children's area. Author nights and educational evenings are offered, as well.