One of our favorite dog-friendly road trips in Northern California is up Highway 1 to the Mendocino/Fort Bragg area. About 3 hours north of San Francisco, the drive is not for those with weak stomachs. As you cut in from the 101, you’ll hit some windy roads leading to Highway 1 where you’re rewarded with the most gorgeous views.

Mendocino County is a coastal community known for its cliffside trails, beaches, and dog-loving community. Many come here to relax and enjoy, and we’ve rounded up all of our favorite activities to just that when visiting with your dog.

explore mendocino headlands

Mendocino Headlands State Park is a unique blend of gentle trails, rugged coastline, secluded beaches and timeless history surrounded by the picturesque Village of Mendocino on three sides.  Miles of trails wind along the cliffs, giving the casual explorer spectacular views of sea arches and hidden grottos.

Great to visit year-round, this state park offers spring wildflowers and a cool summer climate. You can also witness the winter migration of grey whales from this area November through April.

glamp at Mendocino Grove

Nestled amongst the redwoods right off the coast of Highway 1, you can find a peaceful campsite with luxury safari tents, fun outdoor activities, pristine bathrooms, and all the amenities you need for an enjoyable, yet unplugged weekend.

Mendocino Grove is a destination and you should take full advantage. The tents are easy to access from your car, yet 30’ apart from other visitors so you have a sense of convenience but also privacy. Situated on a wooden platform, these large safari tents are already a big step above your usual camping tent with heated, queen-sized beds, additional furniture, and electricity to charge your phone. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring with a grill nearby for cooking.

The campground has a host of additional amenities to enjoy during your weekend and also has your dog in mind with a dog park, dog wash, and a bed, bowls, and blanket in your tent upon arrival.

We’ve stay at Mendocino Grove twice – once in 2019 and the other in 2024 – and loved both stays. To see more of our glamping experience, check out our blog post on Glamping at Mendocino Grove with a Dog.

hop in a canine cruiser and hit the water

In a small cove on Big River Estuary, just before it flows into Mendocino Bay is Catch a Canoe and Bicycles Too. Water sports are very popular when visiting the area, and the unique, locally handcrafted redwood outrigger canoes are what sold us on adding this activity to our itinerary.

The Canine Cruiser outrigger series accommodates both humans and furry friends with a raised padded floor providing a comfortable area for dogs to sit, stand or lie down! The design also includes a float that ensures stability and a foot-operated rudder system allowing for easy control for both novice and experienced paddlers. They also have double canoe setups that accommodate larger groups. We done both and they’re all fun!

The rates for a canoe are $35/human for 3-hours and doggos are free. We were able to paddle for about 1.5 hours down the estuary where we got to see otters and a harbor seal.

Both times we’ve done this activity, it’s been really windy on our way back to the dock so be prepared for your way back to be harder. I’d recommend packing a waterproof bag with water, treats, and sunscreen. You won’t get wait unless you intentionally do so, but there are sand bars where you can pull off to let your pup play in the water and when they return you’ll want your stuff protected. If your dog does plan to swim, they offer life jackets or you can bring your own, and I’d also recommend packing a towel.

If you stay at Mendocino Grove you can walk to Catch a Canoe from the campground. There’s a designated trail that leads to the main rain road that you’ll cross to head down to the water. It’s a 5ish minute walk.

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN MENDOCINO

Mendocino, the only town on the California Coast that is designated as a historical landmark, was established in the 1850s. The architecture of downtown is reminiscent of that with its small town Victorian charm.

There are several boutiques, bakeries, and restaurants to enjoy and downtown is just a few streets off the coast from the Mendocino Headlands and Mendocino Arch. You’re safe to dine with your pup anywhere that has a patio – Mendocino really loves dogs. A few of our favorites were GoodLife Cafe & Bakery, The Brickery, Trillium, Luna, and Ravens Restaurant (vegan) at The Stanford Inn where dogs are allowed inside.

HIKE AROUND RUSSIAN GULCH

Right outside Mendocino is a beautiful state park, Russian Gulch. The park has 15 miles of trails, with a satisfying mix of shady forest and open coastal hikes. There is an $8 fee to enter the park and only trails on the west side of the road are dog-friendly.

We’re suckers for coastal views, so we walked the Headlands Trail for the Russian Gulch bridge viewpoint and the dramatic bluff drop-offs. This trail is a .4-mile loop and can be accomplished in less than an hour and also leads to Devil’s Punchbowl surrounded by diverse greenery and best enjoyed during high tide.

Ride the skunk train to glen blair

Step back in time for a magical ride through the redwoods on the world-famous Skunk Train. Since 1885 the historic Skunk has made its way through old-growth redwood groves, over scenic trestle bridges, through tunnels, and into the heart of the Noyo River canyon.

We took the Pudding Creek Express train ride. Tickets are 49.95/person and dogs are welcome along for the ride with a $10.95 dog ticket.

The ride is a relaxed and scenic 7-mile roundtrip journey departing the Depot in downtown Fort Bragg, traveling along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary and passing into primeval ancient redwoods to the tranquil setting of Glen Blair Junction.

The train stops at Glen Blair Junction for roughly 30 minutes, allowing you to get off and stretch your legs and explore. There is a pavilion for picnicking in the afternoon and if you take the Glen Blair night train on Friday and Saturday nights it turns into a bar.

If you’re planning a trip to Mendocino, drop any questions you have in the comments or let us know how you enjoyed your trip.

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