Mendocino, CA, is a coastal gem known for its breathtaking cliffs, serene beaches, and a welcoming community that adores dogs. It’s by far one of our favorite dog-friendly road trips in Northern California and it’s just 3 hours north of San Francisco. While the drive isn’t too long, it is windy as you cut in fro the 101 to Highway 1. So, if you get car sick easily – definitely take some dramamine before hitting the road. The windy roads always get me. Thankfully this part isn’t too long and you’re rewarded with gorgeous views at the end.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, this dog-friendly Mendocino guide will help you discover the best activities for itinerary and also covers dog-friendly lodging and eateries in the area.

Dog-Friendly Lodging in Mendocino, CA

Finding the perfect place to stay is paramount when traveling with your furry friend. Mendocino boasts several accommodations that warmly welcome dogs, ensuring a comfortable experience for both you and your pet.

Mendocino Grove

For those who relish the great outdoors, Mendocino Grove offers a luxurious glamping experience. Dogs are welcome for an additional fee of $35 per night, with amenities like a dedicated dog park and a dog wash station to keep your pup clean after a day of adventure. Check out our full review of Mendocino Grove and don’t forget to take advantage of our 20% off discount using RUBY20 when booking weekday stays. 

Nicholson House

Situated in the heart of Mendocino, Nicholson House provides pet-friendly accommodations in select Garden Rooms (Rooms 8 & 9). A fee of $65 per pet, per night applies, with a maximum of two pets per room. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring the village with your dog.

Little River Inn

The historic Little River Inn offers designated pet-friendly rooms for an additional $30 per pet, per night. Guests must call ahead to book these rooms. The inn also features on-leash walking areas and waste stations, and dogs are welcome on their restaurant patio.

Stanford Inn & Resort

Renowned for its eco-friendly practices, the Stanford Inn welcomes dogs in nearly all areas except the pool and dining room. However, guests can dine with their dogs in the lobby. Upon check-in, pets receive a handmade treat, stainless steel food and water dishes, and waste bags.

Heartwood Mendocino

Just minutes from the coast, Heartwood Mendocino offers handcrafted cabins that are both family and dog-friendly.Guests appreciate the proximity to bike trails and the cozy ambiance, making it a delightful retreat for you and your pup.

Mar Vista Farm and Cottages

Located across Highway 1 from the Pacific Ocean, Mar Vista offers vintage cottages amidst nine acres of natural areas.Dogs aged three years and older are welcome, with a per-stay pet fee of $85 for one dog or $110 for two. Advance reservations for pets are required.

Dog-Friendly Eateries in Mendocino, CA

Exploring Mendocino’s culinary scene is a treat, especially when you can share it with your four-legged friend. Here are some dog-friendly establishments to consider:

The Brickery

• Address: 961 Ukiah St, Mendocino, CA 95460

• Cuisine: Wood-fired pizzas and seasonal specials

• Overview: Located in the garden of Café Beaujolais, The Brickery serves mouthwatering pizzas with fresh ingredients. Enjoy lunch in an idyllic outdoor setting. This pizza has been living rent free in my head since 2024. 

GoodLife Cafe & Bakery

• Address: 10483 Lansing St, Mendocino, CA 95460

• Cuisine: American, Cafe, Healthy

• Overview: A local favorite, GoodLife offers homemade food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to go. With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, it’s a great spot to relax with your pup on the outdoor patio. 

Mendocino Cafe

• Address: 10451 Lansing St, Mendocino, CA 95460

• Cuisine: International cuisine with organic ingredients

• Overview: The Mendocino Cafe prides itself on serving healthy dishes composed of organic ingredients. The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly.

Trillium Cafe & Inn

• Address: 10390 Kasten St, Mendocino, CA 95460

• Cuisine: California cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood

• Overview: Trillium offers garden-fresh savory dishes and flavorful salads. The outdoor dining area is perfect for guests with dogs, providing a serene environment to enjoy your meal.

Stanford Inn’s Ravens Restaurant

• Address: 44850 Comptche Ukiah Rd, Mendocino, CA 95460

• Cuisine: Plant-based, organic

• Overview: Ravens Restaurant offers gourmet plant-based dishes for breakfast and dinner. While dogs aren’t allowed in the dining room, guests can dine with their pets in the lobby area indoors.

Café Beaujolais

• Address: 961 Ukiah St, Mendocino, CA 95460

• Cuisine: Fine dining with a focus on local ingredients

• Overview: A historic Mendocino restaurant, Café Beaujolais offers a refined dining experience. While the main dining room is indoors, the garden area is dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a meal with your pet

The Waiting Room

• Address: 961 Ukiah St, Mendocino, CA 95460

• Cuisine: Artisan coffee, baked goods, and small bites

• Overview: Serving artisan coffee and baked goods from 7 am daily, The Waiting Room is a cozy spot to relax with your dog. In the evenings, enjoy small bites and craft beverages in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Dog-friendly Actvities in Mendocino, CA

Mendocino offers a plethora of activities that you and your dog can enjoy together, from scenic hikes to unique experiences like canoeing in a dog-centric outrigger or hopping aboard a train heading into the redwoods.

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.

default

Canoe Big River with Catch a Canoe

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.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

A hidden gem along the Northern California coast, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is one of the few botanical gardens in the country that welcomes dogs. Spanning 47 acres from Highway 1 all the way to the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, these gardens offer a spectacular array of native and exotic plants, including vibrant rhododendrons, succulents, fuchsias, and rare conifers. Dogs are allowed on-leash throughout the entire property, and water stations and waste bags are provided to ensure a clean, pet-friendly experience. It’s the perfect setting for a tranquil walk surrounded by natural beauty.

You and your dog can stroll along winding paths through manicured gardens, shaded forest groves, and open meadows bursting with color—eventually arriving at breathtaking ocean views on the western edge of the property. The air here feels fresh and earthy, filled with the scent of pine and blooming flowers. Many visitors say it’s one of the most peaceful ways to spend an afternoon with a canine companion in Mendocino County. For gardeners, nature lovers, and dogs alike, it’s a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience.

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.

Noyo Beach

Noyo Beach, located at the mouth of the Noyo River in Fort Bragg, is one of the few off-leash beaches in the Mendocino area where dogs can truly roam free. With its soft sand, gentle waves, and driftwood-strewn shoreline, it’s a dog’s dream playground. Whether your pup loves chasing tennis balls into the surf, digging in the sand, or simply trotting along the tide line, this beach offers ample space and freedom to explore. There’s parking available nearby, and access is easy from the Noyo Harbor area, making it a convenient stop during your coastal adventures.

After some seaside playtime, consider walking the nearby Noyo Harbor to grab a bite or enjoy the boats bobbing in the water. While it’s not a large beach, the laid-back vibe and dog-friendly rules make it a must-visit for travelers looking for a safe, scenic spot to let their dogs stretch their legs. Just remember to pack some fresh water for your pup and always be mindful of the tides and other beachgoers.

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 into the Redwoods

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.