Garden by the Sea

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

05.04.2015

As one of the most spectacular botanical gardens in the country, Fort Bragg's Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens makes a splash in more ways than its fabulous flora. Its 47 acres includes a stunning bluffside hiking trail overlooking the Pacific, where cliffs drop dramatically to the wild waves below. Pack a picnic and plan to stay awhile; there's plenty to admire here with pathways that lead to garden collections galore. The Heritage Rose Garden is starting to bloom in time for Mother’s Day, featuring the Heritage Rose with a lineage dating back to the 1500s. Succulents demonstrate that even cacti can grow on the Mendocino Coast. The marquee attraction: over 400 species of fragrant rhododendron, including the big leaf, which grow up to 40 feet high, and the prized "Noyo Chief" (Fort Bragg's official flower) with its vibrant red trusses. Blossoms like camellias, irises, and dahlias are spring favorites. Take a stroll through the Parrish Family Homestead, a farmhouse with apple and cherry orchards, ponds, and a cemetery. Then follow trails beyond the well-tended gardens to reach a much more rugged side. The Coastal Bluff Trail slinks along the coast, where you'll also find the Cliff House, a protected shelter perched on ocean's edge, looking out to spectacular vistas.

BEER BONUS: A pioneer in craft beer, North Coast Brewing Company in the historic town of Fort Bragg just keeps winning awards. Taste the proof for yourself at this legendary local brewery taproom, popular for its premium Red Seal Ale and ultrapremium 94-point Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout (the Gold Medal Winner at the 2014 World Beer Championship). Pair it with the pub menu.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is on the ocean side of Highway One, 2 miles south of Fort Bragg and 7 miles north of Mendocino. North Coast Brewing, 444 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View