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Mendocino BeachesExploring the Moody and Rugged Mendocino Coast
Mendocino beaches are rugged, dramatic and beautiful. There are numerous rocky headlands and hidden coves along this section of the Northern California coastline, with miles of hiking trails to explore. Go horseback riding on the beach, kayaking among sea caves, or diving in kelp forests. Fishing is popular here, and Mendocino is a prime location for abalone and rockfish hunting. If you prefer to just watch the wildlife, the many headlands and cliffs offer a great view of the gray whale migration in winter and spring. And other types of wildlife are abundant, including seals and sea lions, birds, deer, elk, and more. There are a variety of habitats to explore, from coastal grasslands and dunes to redwood forest and marshy wetlands. Mendocino beaches are typically found at the mouths of streams and rivers, and access is often difficult. But there are also a few long stretches of gentle sandy beach, and there are coves and beaches where access is easy. The ocean here is bitterly cold (in the 50's) and the surf treacherous, so ocean swimming is not a great idea. But you won't miss it; there's so much else to do. And the weather is generally pleasantly cool in the summer (in the 60's and 70's).
Mendocino Coast Hotels & Lodging Includes accommodations in Westport , Fort Bragg, Mendocino , Little River, Albion , Elk , Point Arena, and Gualala. Westport Union Landing State BeachWestport Union Landing State Beach is a scenic park with primitive bluff-top camping, small sandy beaches, fishing, abalone hunting and picnicking. Located north of Fort Bragg near the tiny burg of Westport, California.MacKerricher State ParkMacKerricher State Park is a wild and beautiful spot with some of the sandiest Mendocino beaches, two freshwater lakes, and pristine sand dunes. Camping, fishing, wildlife viewing and horseback riding are just a few of the things you can do here. Located just north of Fort Bragg.Glass BeachThis beach wasn't always so pretty. Until 1967, this little Fort Bragg beach was used as a public dump. It's now been cleaned up, but the glass from the dump continues to wash ashore, tumbled and polished by the sea. It's a great place to collect beach glass and explore tidepools. To get there, take the short dirt trail from the parking area at the end of Elm St.
Jug Handle State ReserveJug Handle State Reserve features the Ecological Terrace, a series of terraces that display ecological succession from prairie to forest, culminating in a pygmy forest of tiny stunted trees. A self-guided nature trail takes you through the terraces.Russian Gulch State ParkRussian Gulch State Park is a lovely spot for hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and more. It offers some truly unique features, and a vibrant spring wildflower display.Mendocino Headlands State ParkMendocino Headlands State Park is an integral part of the village of Mendocino, providing stunning vistas as you walk along the trails situated on the bluffs.
Van Damme State ParkVan Damme State Park is popular with abalone divers, kayakers, campers, hikers, and bicyclists. It offers a protected sandy beach, a pygmy forest, and paved trails through the fern canyon.
More Northern California Beaches InformationNorthern California & Mendocino Beaches VacationsDel Norte County Beaches Humboldt County Beaches Sonoma County Beaches
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