Mendocino
“Mendo.”
-California-
Lat. 39.3047 | Long. -123.7930
Victorian Homes & Saltbox Cottages
In the 1850s, settlers discovered the area's rich redwood forests, and the town of Mendocino was founded in 1852 by pioneers led by Henry Meiggs, a San Francisco businessman. He started a sawmill to provide timber for the booming construction needs of San Francisco, especially following the California Gold Rush. The redwood logging industry became Mendocino’s economic backbone, and the town grew rapidly as logging operations expanded.
During this period, immigrants, particularly from New England, migrated to the area, building the town in a distinct architectural style resembling villages from the northeastern U.S., with Victorian-era homes and saltbox cottages. This gave Mendocino its distinctive look, which remains a key feature today. Parks Guide.
Video: The broader Mendocino area and history.
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Mendocino, California, is a small coastal town with a rich history, shaped by its natural environment, indigenous cultures, and later waves of European settlers. Here's an overview of Mendocino's history:
Indigenous Peoples
Before European settlement, the area that is now Mendocino was inhabited by the Pomo people for thousands of years. The Pomo people were skilled basket weavers and lived in harmony with the region’s abundant natural resources, including fish, game, and plant life. They established a complex culture and economy based on trade and the sustainable use of the environment.
European Exploration and Early Settlement
The first Europeans to explore the Mendocino coast were Spanish navigators in the 16th and 17th centuries, but it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Europeans began settling in the area. Mendocino’s early European history began with the establishment of the town in the 1850s, spurred by the region’s timber resources.
Timber Industry Boom (1850s–1900s)
In the 1850s, settlers discovered the area's rich redwood forests, and the town of Mendocino was founded in 1852 by pioneers led by Henry Meiggs, a San Francisco businessman. He started a sawmill to provide timber for the booming construction needs of San Francisco, especially following the California Gold Rush. The redwood logging industry became Mendocino’s economic backbone, and the town grew rapidly as logging operations expanded.
During this period, immigrants, particularly from New England, migrated to the area, building the town in a distinct architectural style resembling villages from the northeastern U.S., with Victorian-era homes and saltbox cottages. This gave Mendocino its distinctive look, which remains a key feature today.
Decline of the Timber Industry
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the timber industry in Mendocino began to decline due to the depletion of accessible redwood forests and the advent of more modern logging techniques and infrastructure. As the logging industry waned, many of Mendocino’s residents left in search of work elsewhere. The population dropped significantly, and the town entered a period of relative quiet and isolation.
Artistic Revival and Preservation (1950s–Present)
In the 1950s, Mendocino began to experience a revival, driven largely by the arrival of artists, writers, and other creatives who were drawn to its scenic beauty and quiet, inspiring atmosphere. The town’s historical architecture, coastal cliffs, and fog-draped landscapes became a magnet for artists.
The establishment of the Mendocino Art Center in 1959 played a crucial role in transforming the town into a vibrant cultural hub. The center attracted artists such as painters, sculptors, and potters who sought inspiration from the rugged coastlines and serene environment.
This wave of artists also helped preserve Mendocino’s unique architecture. Recognizing the historic value of the town, efforts were made to conserve its 19th-century buildings. In 1971, Mendocino was designated as a California Historical Landmark, ensuring that its historic character would be protected.
Modern-Day Mendocino
Today, Mendocino is known for its historic charm, stunning coastal landscapes, and artistic community. Tourism is a significant part of the local economy, with visitors drawn to its scenic beauty, quaint bed-and-breakfast inns, and art galleries. The nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park offers breathtaking ocean views and hiking trails, while the town itself continues to host artistic events and workshops.
Mendocino’s blend of natural beauty, history, and culture makes it a unique destination, preserving the legacies of its indigenous and pioneer roots alongside its more recent artistic renaissance.
Best Visitor’s Guide & Events Schedule
Step back in time thousands of years by exploring the ancient redwood groves. Taste the wonders of alchemy in the myriad distilleries, wineries, and breweries. Let the everyday world fall behind as you make your way through mist-shrouded hills and valleys. Magic is real, and you can discover it in every corner of this place some call home.
Guide & Charters
Mendocino Whale Watching, Fishing, Charter Boats & Diving.
Three Distinct Inns of Mendocino Connector.
Mendocino.com Lodging Guide
Mendocino Grove
The Mendocino Land Trust was founded by a group of engaged community members in 1976 in order to pursue the conservation of Heider Field in Mendocino. Over the past 40-plus years, MLT has facilitated more than 25,000 acres of land conservation in Mendocino County. About 12,000 of those acres are family-owned lands protected with voluntary agreements between landowners and MLT, called conservation easements. They’ve expanded significantly since then, with an amazing network of board, staff, volunteers, supporters and partners who have contributed to an impressive list of projects and accomplishments.
BEAUJOLAIS
A hallmark of Café Beaujolais' cooking is the use of organically grown produce. In addition, most of their meat, poultry and eggs come from animals humanely raised in a free-range environment without chemical-supplemented feed. As for the sea's harvest, their purveyors often provide wild caught seafood.
The Brickery
In 2017, they decided to add some flare. As most people do, they love wood-fired pizza and wanted to introduce thin crust Neapolitan-inspired pizza to Mendocino. Seeing that they already had the perfect brick oven, they decided to test it out, and it ended up being quite the hit with locals and tourists alike.
WHALES
FLOW
A Mendocino restaurant where exquisite ocean views pair with delicious dining.
They offer local, organic meats & vegetables blended to perfection, as well as many vegan and gluten free options. Dine in bliss with breathtaking coastal views from the outdoor patio or indoor dining room.
The historic black-box stage has been the site of 282 productions since the company’s founding in 1976. The comfortable lobby boasts a full bar offering cocktails, beer, wine and a variety of locally-made treats.
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Mendocino water tanks are an iconic part of the landscape in Mendocino County, California. They have a rich history tied to the region's settlement and development, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
1. Origins and Necessity
The town of Mendocino was established in the early 1850s, originally as a logging and shipping hub. Water, however, was not easily accessible due to the geography of the area, which included cliffs and a lack of naturally abundant fresh water sources. Residents and businesses needed to find ways to store water for drinking, domestic use, firefighting, and industrial purposes.
2. Wooden Water Towers
The solution was the construction of wooden water towers, which became a prominent feature in the area by the late 19th century. Early settlers built these tanks and towers next to their homes and businesses. The tanks were usually cylindrical wooden structures, often elevated on stilts or towers, to create gravity-fed water pressure. Redwood, abundant in the region, was the primary material used for these tanks, as it was resistant to rot and could hold water without leaking.
3. Community and Individual Use
Each home or property typically had its own water tank to collect rainwater or store water delivered by other means, as there was no centralized water system in the early days of settlement. Water tanks were crucial not just for household use but also for fighting fires, which were a significant hazard in the wooden buildings of the town.
4. Cultural and Architectural Importance
Over time, these water tanks became an iconic part of Mendocino's coastal architecture. The water towers, often standing alongside the classic New England-style saltbox houses, contributed to the town’s unique charm. Many of the original tanks were built with intricate woodwork, reflecting the craftsmanship of the time.
5. Decline and Preservation
With the advent of modern plumbing and centralized water systems in the 20th century, many of the water tanks and towers fell out of use and were either demolished or left to decay. However, some residents and preservationists recognized their historical and aesthetic value. Today, many have been restored and preserved, some repurposed as art studios, guest houses, or simply kept as historical landmarks.
6. Symbol of Mendocino
Mendocino’s water towers are now emblematic of the town's heritage. They reflect both the ingenuity of early settlers and the community's ongoing commitment to preserving its architectural history. The water towers and tanks have been the subject of numerous paintings, photographs, and literary works, helping to maintain their status as symbols of the town’s history and character.
In summary, the water tanks in Mendocino tell a story of self-sufficiency, adaptation to a challenging environment, and a commitment to preserving the past. Today, they are a beloved feature of Mendocino’s historical identity.
Their collection is a veritable treasure trove for history buffs, genealogists, and researchers interested in this region of Northern California. Their archive contains books covering local history, historic photographs and negatives, an extensive newspaper collection, microfilms, maps, documents, great registers, county records, genealogies, diaries, and more.
Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa
Fog Eater Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant located in the heart of Mendocino Village, inspired by both the hearty recipes of the deep South and the fresh plant-based cuisine of Northern California. Their produce is all organic, and sourced from within Mendocino or Sonoma counties.
MacCallum House Inn
There are three distinct dining areas. The Gray Whale Bar/Cafe has a wrap-around sun porch and old Victorian sofas in front of the fireplace. Two fire lit dining rooms are elegantly situated in the wainscoted library and parlor. The atmosphere throughout is warm, friendly and inviting.
At Luna Trattoria, they take pride in serving authentic Northern Italian Cuisine made from family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Their fresh handmade pastas, bread, and desserts are made daily in-house to ensure that their customers enjoy the freshest and most authentic flavors. They invite you to experience a taste of Italy in the heart of Downtown Mendocino.
Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle's Children's Books serves local residents and visitors from around the world with an extensive inventory of current and relevant titles, plus a large selection of eclectic volumes not likely to be found online or at any urban mega-store. Honoring the local heritage on California’s north coast, Gallery Bookshop and Bookwinkle’s Children’s Books prominently features sections on local history, logging, ocean life, wine country, mushrooms, marijuana culture, the arts, and books and gift items by local authors and artists.
By constantly scouring the beaches that dot the Mendocino coastline, Craig is able to retrieve the best of the burls that have washed up after winter storms. Some are left over from previous dead falls at his home and friends property. Craig works to create the highest quality in all of his furniture, clocks, sculptures and any other furnishing. Because of Nature's Limitation of his raw materials each piece is “One-of-kind!”
Photo: Cassandra Young
“…this restaurant is beloved for its quintessential California cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood.”
Travel & Leisure
The mission of the Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association is to ensure a Mendocino Woodlands experience for future generations. We fulfill our mission through group camping, environmental education, and historic preservation.
Harvest Market, a family-owned business started by Tom Honer in May 1985, began as a single, traditional grocery store and has evolved into three stores that reflect a unique blend of conventional, specialty, organic, domestic, international, and local products.
To continue the family tradition and expand the vision, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Tim Bosma joined the business in 2005. Their focus has included community support and sustainability practices.
Sea Rock Inn
Mendocino Cafe prides itself on serving their local and global community international cuisine composed of organic ingredients healthy for the planet and their customers.
Organic salads, soups, entrees, desserts, snacks, daily specials and tons of Gluten Free options. Organic pastries baked fresh every morning, authentic New York style bagels made from scratch, and locally roasted fair trade organic coffee and espresso drinks. They offer indoor seating and a spacious sunny deck to dine on.
Stanford Inn
Frankie’s in the village of Mendocino is all about Nourishing Community. They provide the highest quality ingredients in their homemade creations. Come by Frankie’s and at any time you will see a true community gathering place. WiFi hot spot, students visiting with friends and neighbors. They are family owned and run, serving pizza, falafel and locally made ice cream as well as other items from their own kitchen. Enjoy espresso drinks, tea, beer or wine.
In 1959, with the help of many friends, artists, and townspeople, Bill and Jennie Zacha founded the Mendocino Art Center. The Zachas acquired the property, the site of a mansion that had burned down, with a $50 deposit. The remaining carriage house was converted to the nucleus of the art center, while other outbuildings and animal sheds became the first studios. During the ensuing years,the Mendocino Art Center became the focal point of a thriving art colony which revitalized the nearly abandoned town.
Mushroom , Wine & Whiskey Train!
All aboard the Mushroom, Wine, and Whiskey Train for wine, whiskey, and of course, mushrooms (you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about mushrooms from local mushroom experts plus explore the nearby trails)! Journey deep into the redwoods aboard the Skunk Train, departing from the Fort Bragg Depot and winding your way along the World-Famous Redwood Route to a mushroom and whiskey wonderland at The Glen.
The Highlight Gallery
Elk & Little River
The Harbor House Inn rests on the edge of the rustic Mendocino coastline. Guests retreat to the Harbor House Inn to enjoy an intimate, rejuvenating stay surrounded by pristine nature. The 10-guest room property features a private cove with panoramic views, walkable gardens, and a 20-seat Michelin-starred restaurant that serves a coastal-cuisine focused tasting menu Thursday-Monday evenings. The Inn is located just 30-minutes south of the historical village of Mendocino.
