Mendocino Outdoor Recreation Activities for the Best Adventure
For a breath of fresh air, beautiful landscapes, and quality bonding time, look no further than the best Mendocino outdoor recreation. Our area in Northern California boasts some of the best places for hiking, biking, kayaking, and participating in outdoor group retreats. Mendocino is one of the best destinations to enjoy time in the great outdoors.
If you plan on taking a trip to Mendo, make sure to download our free Mendocino Itinerary! We want you to have a stress-free vacation experience, so we’ve created this guide so that you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Plan your trip with ease and take a look at our itinerary packed with the top restaurants, attractions, parks, and shopping in the area!
Mendocino Outdoor Recreation
Fishing and Whale Watching in Mendocino
Take a boat out and experience the catch of a lifetime with All Aboard Adventures! Then, choose from salmon fishing, rock cod fishing, crabbing, and whale watching off the rugged Mendocino Coast. You can take a cruise around the harbor and experience Mendocino from a different perspective. The captain and crew will teach you everything you need to know for experiencing the ultimate catch.
Hiking and Biking in Mendocino
Lace up your hiking boots or put the bicycle wheels in full force for some of the best hiking and biking trails in California. Mendocino National Forest offers nearly 30 scenic trails for both a peaceful stroll or a bike ride. This gorgeous park is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along for a morning hike as well!
Another stunning place to admire nature is at Mendocino Botanical Gardens. The gardens feature 47 acres of colorful flowers along the ocean, including conifers, fuschias, and magnolias! Mendocino Botanical Gardens hosts some fantastic events throughout the year, so keep an eye on their calendar for Art in the Gardens or the Festival of Lights!
Kayaking and Canoeing in Mendocino
Discover the Big River Estuary when you rent a canoe from Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too. You have the option of renting kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards, as well as bicycles. Then, take a Mendolea River Tour on a catamaran made of old-growth redwoods. It’s a fantastic way to explore the abundant wildlife in the area!
Or, you can travel eight miles up the lower part of Big River on the Big River guided tour. Paddle up the river as a naturalist guides you to see the home of otters, harbor seals, and great blue herons! You’ll be amazed at the sights you encounter!
Catch Some R&R at Cottages at Little River Cove in Mendocino
A day of exploration around one of the best wildlife and outdoor recreation destinations calls for some much-needed R&R at the end of the day. Kick your feet up in our comfortable accommodations at Cottages at Little River Cove.
Choose from any of our charming cottages nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the forest, and surround yourself with the most peaceful wildlife scenery. Check our availability and start planning your Mendocino retreat today!