Mendocino Headlands and Big River Beach

Mendocino County

Mendocino headlands, Mendocino County, California
Mendocino headlands, Mendocino County, California

Mendocino Headlands and Big River Beach

Mendocino County


Mendocino Headlands

The Mendocino Headlands wrap around the quaint, coastal town of Mendocino, offering dramatic views of the rugged coast. Visitors can park at convenient spots around the headlands and stroll along trails as they enjoy the waves crashing against the islands and rushing through sea arches.

The Headlands have become a favorite place for whale watching during the winter migration months. The Headlands attract artists and photographers to the endless vantage points along the bluffs. Reach Portuguese Beach by a footpath and stairs off Main Street.



map of Mendocino Headlands, Mendocino County, CA

The Big River Unit

The Big River Unit, as it has been designated, consists of more than 7,000 acres along Big River. The property includes a popular beach, wetlands, and a long, scenic estuary. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle 8 miles up the gently flowing river.

Big River Beach is a broad, sandy expanse of white sand at the mouth of the river. Waves are constantly reshaping the beach. Access is via a road on the east side of Highway 1, immediately on the north side of the bridge. A parking area is located by the estuary and a short trail leads beneath the bridge to the beach.

Big River Beach, Mendocino County, CA

Big River Beach


Big River Estuary State Marine Conservation Area

The Big River Estuary State Marine Conservation Area extends from the Highway 1 bridge upstream about 1½ miles. Regulations permit the recreational take of surfperch (family Embiotocidae) by hook and line from shore only; and Dungeness crab by hoop net or hand is allowed.


Ford House Museum

The historic Ford House at 45035 Main Street in Mendocino serves as a museum and as the Visitor Center for Mendocino Headlands State Park. The house was erected in 1854 by Jerome B. Ford who was the superintendent of the first Mendocino sawmill. The museum has exhibits, historic photographs and relics from the early days of Mendocino. It is open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM. The Ford House is operated by the Mendocino Area Parks Association.

Mendocino coast, Mendocino County, CA

North of Mendocino


Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park

The Point Cabrillo Light Station was erected in 1909 after damage to the Point Arena Lighthouse in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. More than a dozen other buildings were also constructed as housing for the keepers and for storage. Today visitors park near the Visitor Center at the entrance off Point Cabrillo Drive and walk a little more than a half mile out to the point. The park is 3 miles north of Mendocino.


The Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park consists of the lighthouse, four historic houses and cottages which may be rented, a museum, a small blacksmith shop/marine science aquarium, and trails along the bluffs. Guided site tours are available on Sundays, and during the summer they offer four lantern room tours.
Information: (707) 937-6122.
See a map and read more about Point Cabrillo on the ACTIVITIES page.

Point Cabrillo Light Station, Mendocino County, CA

Point Cabrillo Light Station


Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

Located along the coast mid-way between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Jug Handle State Natural Reserve features a 2½-mile self-guided nature trail known as The Ecological Staircase. The trail passes through wave-cut terraces that span 100,000 years of geologic history. Each terrace with its unique ecology. See a map and read more about Jug Handle State Natural Reserve on the ACTIVITIES page.

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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety