3 Things to Do in Mendocino in Winter
Northern California is a fantastic winter getaway. The weather is just chilly enough to where you can easily get in the holiday spirit, but it’s still bearable so you can have a good time! Plus, there are many things to do in Mendocino in Winter, so that you can have a relaxing and adventurous getaway this year. Wildlife, culture, and outdoor memories that last a lifetime spread throughout the rugged Mendocino coastline. Before you hop on the fastest route to Mendo, make sure you access our complimentary Vacation Guide. It includes the best places to eat and must-see attractions on the California coast.
Things to Do in Mendocino in Winter
1. Skunk Train
The Skunk Train is a fascinating piece of Mendocino history and is a must this holiday season. The Fort Bragg Railroad has been carrying lumber, workers, and family since 1885. Now, you can see what Mendocino workers experienced as the train takes you through the towering redwoods.
Ride the train in the winter, and you can enjoy the Magical Christmas Train experience! Bring the kids, and Santa will visit you at your seat! You can enjoy cookies and Christmas singalongs as the Christmas spirit travels with you through the forest. It’s a truly magical journey.
2. Whale Watching
You can’t come to Mendocino in the winter without going on a whale-watching excursion! The Pacific Gray Whales migrate along the Mendocino coast every November through February, and there are several whale watching festivals you can attend as spring draws near. The celebrations include chowder and wine tastings, excursions, and art galleries.
Or, you can find the perfect vantage point for whale-watching at Mendocino Headlands State Park or Point Arena Lighthouse. If you’d like to get up close to the magnificent mammals of the Pacific, you should try a whale watching tour. You can head out on the water for a two-hour excursion with Telstar Charters. For $40 per person, you can see the California Gray Whale on their 5,000-mile journey along the coast.
3. Mendocino Festival of Lights
If paradise for you is twinkling Christmas lights and gardens of beautiful flowers, add the Mendocino Festival of Lights to your holiday wish list of things to do. Every November through December, you can take a stroll through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens for an evening of holiday spirit, great family memories, and sweet treats!
The lit path of flowers eventually leads you to a heated tent, where you can enjoy fantastic live music. Then, you can dance the night away for an unforgettable evening in Mendocino.
Cozy Up at Inn at Schoolhouse Creek in Mendocino
Inn at Schoolhouse Creek welcomes you to Mendocino, California, with cozy rooms and charming cottages for a spectacular getaway on our coast. Our high-quality accommodations allow you to relax and leave all your cares behind as you experience the best nature escape California has to offer.
Warm up this winter in our Whale Watch Lodge Room. This stunning accommodation features a breathtaking ocean view and is surrounded by a peaceful meadow. Get cozy by the fireplace or soak all of your troubles away in the Whirlpool tub. Then, have a professional massage therapist smooth away your cares at the Spa at Schoolhouse Creek!