Spend the Day Outdoors
Mendocino, California, is becoming increasingly popular amongst tourists due to miles of gorgeous coastline, breathtaking views, imperial forests, and seemingly endless outdoor activities. Visitors and locals alike appreciate Mendocino for its growing art community, amazing sense of culture, gourmet restaurants, exquisite wineries, and pristine natural beauty. During your stay, be sure to visit Ricochet Ridge Ranch and MacKerricher State Park.
Visit Ricochet Ridge Ranch and MacKerricher State Park
If you’re looking for a great time for the entire group or family, explore the beautiful outdoors at Ricochet Ridge Ranch and MacKerricher State Park. Minutes apart, these two popular destinations offer horseback riding adventures, camping, boating, hiking and bicycle trails, fishing, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving (including classes and certifications!), bird and whale watching, guided tours, picnic areas, and a Visitor Center with rotating nature exhibits and exciting educational programs.
Once claimed as part of the Mendocino Indian Reservation, and located a few miles north of Fort Bragg along the beautiful, winding Highway 1, MacKerricher State Park consists of most of the land stretching from the quaint town of Cleone and the Ten Mile River and has endless opportunities for natural fun for individuals and groups alike. The park offers a multitude of natural habitats, (including forest, beach, dunes, and wetlands, to name a few) which provides visitors a unique opportunity to observe a large variety of wildlife roaming about, swimming below, or soaring above. Young children enjoy playing and exploring in any of the dozens of available tide pools. Playful seals are often visible on the rocks along the coastline and over 90 species of birds are available near Cleone Lake. The local headlands provide the perfect vantage point for whale watching during spring and winter months. MacKerricher State Park also hosts dozens of hiking, horse-riding and cycling trails.
Stop by the Visitor Center and enjoy a frequent rotation of local artwork, nature exhibits, educational classes for all ages. Sign up for one of their many certification classes (including for scuba diving) or receive training and licensing for abalone diving along with helpful snorkeling tips. Kayak and Canoe rentals are also available for those curious to explore the waters rather than search the land. Forest and ocean-view campsites are also available with nearby picnic areas for guests, shower stations, restrooms, drinking water, and RV access sites.
Ricochet Ridge Ranch offers guests daily tours, private and custom tours and extended coast riding vacation packages for guests. There is no better way to explore the local beaches and forestry than on horseback. The most popular adventure offered is the 6-day/night Coast Riding Vacation offering a tour of a different trail each day. Explore the entire coast, mountain range, and a working cattle ranch. Other, less extensive, tours include a one-hour beach ride (either with a group, or as a private tour), a three-hour group forest ride just north of Fort Bragg within MacKerricher State Park, a four-hour private forest ride through the grandiose redwood forests, a three-hour private beach ride along Ten Mile Beach in MacKerricher State Park, or an all-day private ride through the forests and along the coast for the best of both worlds.
Stay at Hill House Inn
Treat yourself to tranquility, striking coastal views, and unsurpassable relaxation at Hill House Inn. Located near the scenic Highway 1, and walking distance from multiple attractions, this Inn offers its guests choice amenities, friendly staff, complimentary WiFi, newspaper service, self-parking, as well as coffee and tea service. Hill House Inn also offers concierge service, and a restaurant and bar, and makes an ideal wedding venue. If guests prefer to stay close, they may enjoy time in the picnic area, reading or lounging by the fireplace or taking a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens. Additionally, amazing city attractions are within walking distance of the hotel. For the lowest rates book direct at: www.hillhouseinn.com .