Things To Do
If you're looking for additional things to do while enjoying the amenities at the Dream Weaver Beach House, we encourage you to check out some of these amazing activities found on the Mendocino coast.
Activities & Destinations
Point Arena Lighthouse & Museum
Celebrating its 153rd Anniversary of lighting the way on the Pacific Coast in 2023, the Point Arena Lighthouse stands as an iconic figure on the landscape of the American Pacific Coast. No other lighthouse offers such a fully interactive experience in the exchange between history, science and natural beauty. Surrounded by water on three sides and shouldered adjacent to the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument, the Point Arena Lighthouse is the premiere visitor destination in Mendocino County. It is also one of the best whale-watching spots on the North Coast, with the annual Gray Whale migration from late November through May, Humpbacks throughout the year, the occasional pod of transient Killer Whales and even Blue Whales. Watch for the spouts, tails and breaches from the bluffs, trails and gazebo.
45500 Lighthouse Rd
Point Arena, CA 95468
(707) 882-2809, extension 1
https://www.pointarenalighthouse.com
Pudding Creek Express
Departing from Fort Bragg on the World-Famous Skunk Train, a scenic journey on some of the first tracks ever laid down by the California Western Railroad in 1885. Travel along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary and pass into primeval ancient redwoods to the tranquil setting of Glen Blair Junction.
Railbikes on the Noyo
Departing from Fort Bragg, ride along the world-famous Redwood Route in electric-powered (and virtually silent), two-person railbikes. The excursion will take you 25 miles far off the beaten path along the meandering Noyo River and deep into old-growth redwood groves.
For more details on the Skunk Train & Rail Bikes & additional experiences (Hike to the Glen, Wolf Tree Turn, & Railbikes on Pudding Creek), call (707) 964-6371 or visit https://www.skunktrain.com.
Point Cabrillo Light Station
This state historic park occupies a spectacular headland extending out into the Pacific. There’s a Lighthouse Museum, the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s House (period museum), Marine Science Exhibit, & Gift Shop. Open to the public from 11am to 4pm year-round. The State Historic Park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The main floor of the Lighthouse is dog friendly.
45300 Lighthouse Rd
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-6123
https://pointcabrillo.org
Glass Beach
Located in Fort Bragg, Glass Beach is the well-known southern beach of MacKerricher State Park. Glass Beach gets its name from the smooth colorful glass pieces that you can find mixed into the pebbly beach. This site was once a trash dump so broken bottles from the garbage cans of local residents have been transformed into little treasures to be found and photographed (and left behind).
MacKerricher State Park
W Elm St and Glass Beach Drive
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/glass-beach/
Ross Ranch Horseback Tours
Go for a horseback ride on the beach or through a redwood forest. The Ross Ranch is a family-owned business with excellent horses that are matched to your riding abilities. The horses receive the finest care.
16401 South Highway 1
Manchester, CA 95459
(707) 489-8579
https://rossranch.biz
Anderson Valley Tasting Rooms & Wineries
30+ Tasting Experiences & 15 Miles of Vineyards Along Highway 128
Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
info@avwines.com
(707) 895-WINE
https://avwines.com/tasting-rooms/
Adventure Rents
Enjoy a canoe or kayak tour on the serene Gualala River through a beautiful redwood forest. Moonlight floats available in the summer. Available seasonally, approximately March through October. Call or go on-line to check availability & make a reservation. $65 per adult & $45 per child for 2 hours (as of 9/30/23).
Mill Bend Rd
Gualala, CA 95445
(707) 884-4386
https://adventurerents.com
Little River Inn Golf Course
Nine-hole, historic golf course tucked among the redwoods with views of the ocean.
7901 Hwy 1
Little River, CA 95456
(707) 397-3000
https://www.littleriverinn.com/golf/
Sea Ranch Golf Links
One of the most highly regarded golf experiences in California & unique on the North Coast. The first nine holes were designed by the Scottish “links” style often featured in the British Open which fully exploits the windy, sandy, relatively treeless seaside environment, with its stunning viewsheds, natural waterways and rolling landforms. The second nine holes were more conventionally designed.
42000 Hwy 1
Sea Ranch, CA 95497
(707) 785-2468
https://www.thesearanchlodge.com/golf/
B. Bryan Preserve
Located in Point Arena, the preserve is committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof stock. Animals range from critically endangered to endangered and include various species of zebra, giraffe, and antelope. Not a zoo, but a private preserve housing majestic African animals in large open fields. No drop-ins, please make a reservation online.
130 Riverside Drive
Point Arena, CA 95468
(707) 882-2297
https://www.bbryanpreserve.com/
Gualala Arts Center
This multi-million-dollar cultural facility in the little community of Gualala is home to art exhibitions, performing arts & community events. The grounds of Gualala Arts are open daily from 11 am to 4 pm, that includes the Elaine Jacob Foyer, the Burnett Gallery, Coleman Hall and the Sculpture Garden.
46501 Old Stage Rd
Gualala, CA 95445
(707) 884-1761
https://gualalaarts.org
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
A nonprofit with 47 acres of botanical gardens fronting the Pacific Ocean. The Gardens is known for its Rhododendrons and also delights with perennials, heaths and heathers, and other collections. The Gardens is also a haven for bird watchers.
18220 North Highway 1
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-4352
https://www.gardenbythesea.org
Mendocino Art Center
Overlooking the ocean with exhibition galleries, a gallery store, studios with workshops, & the Helen Schoeni Theatre which has been home to the acclaimed Mendocino Theatre Company since 1977. See website for current list of classes and ongoing exhibits.
45200 Little Lake St
Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-5818
https://www.mendocinoartcenter.org
Kayak Mendocino
Guided kayak sea cave tours at Van Damme State Park. They also have stand up paddle board tours. Tours leave daily at 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, & 2:00 PM with reservations.
Van Damme Beach State Park
8101 Hwy 1
Little River, CA 95456
(707) 813-7117
https://www.kayakmendocino.com
Trails & Hikes
Pelican Bluffs Trail, Point Arena (1.3 miles)
This loop trail is a preserve, home to the endangered Point Arena Mountain Beaver & several rare plants. Ocean views from high white cliffs. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Mendocino Headlands Trail, Mendocino (4.2 miles)
Unique blend of gentle trails & rugged coastline along the cliffs with spectacular views of sea arches & hidden grottos. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Point Arena Stornetta Public Lands, Point Arena (5.7 miles)
The first on-shore portion of the CA Coastal National Monument. Dog friendly.
https://www.visitcalifornia.com/travel-videos/point-arena-stornetta-public-lands/index.html
Fern Canyon Scenic Trail, Mendocino (8 miles)
Loop trail in Van Damme State Park near Little River. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Big River Trail, Mendocino (16 miles)
Out & back trail in Mendocino Headland State Park. This area offers great kayaking & paddle boarding too. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Russian Gulch Waterfall Loop Trail, Mendocino (3.9 miles)
Loop trail in the Russian Gulch State Park. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Haul Road Coastal Trail to Laguna Point, Fort Bragg (5.6 miles)
Out & back trail in MacKerricher State Park. One of the more wheelchair-accesible parks in Mendocino County. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Noyo Headlands Trail (Ka Kahleh Trail), Fort Bragg (3+ miles)
The trail is multi-use, ADA-accessible, 8-feet wide, and has a paved surface. It offers spectacular views, parking, restrooms, and unique benches made by local artists and woodworkers. Leashed dogs are allowed.
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