Mendocino is a tiny community in Northern California that’s become a beacon for fun-loving mavericks. There’s a really exciting energy to this part of the state, and it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery around. When you travel to Mendocino, you’ll probably want to spend most of your time outdoors, enjoying the weather, and trying some new adventure activities.
Mendocino makes for the perfect weekend getaway, or even for a longer visit! However, it’s not on many travel bucket lists, so you might have trouble finding the best places to stay in Mendocino. That’s where we come in!
With this neighborhood guide, you’ll be able to find exactly where to stay in Mendocino to suit your budget and travel style. Whatever you’re into, we have you covered.
Where to Stay in Mendocino
Ready to just choose and book your Mendocino accommodation? Here are our best picks.
Chapman Point Cottage | Best Airbnb in Mendocino
This cottage is an adorable little house with an open floor plan, surrounded by the best that nature has to offer. It sleeps two people and the price puts it on any good list of where to stay in Mendocino on a budget. Nestled under the cypress trees it has a full kitchen, a hot tub, and free parking.
Mendocino Lighthouse | Best Luxury Airbnb in Mendocino
Just two miles from the town centre, this lovely home is in the best neighborhood in Mendocino to stay in for a real beach atmosphere. It’s completely private and offers views of the ocean so you can watch the whales go by (in the right season). The home is completely private and sleeps up to four guests.
Seagull Inn B&B | Best Hotel in Mendocino
This cosy B&B is perfect for travelers with kids or even if you’re on your own. It offers unit accommodation with private bathrooms and a beautiful surrounding garden, right within walking distance of the heart of the town. And make sure you start out your days there with a delicious breakfast cooked by the owner before heading out to explore.
Mendocino Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Mendocino
The Town Center
The Town Center of the coastal community of Mendocino is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mendocino for your first time. This is a tiny area, but it’s surrounded by beautiful beaches, forested areas, and the unique shops and restaurants that make this community so idiosyncratic.
Albion
Albion is south of the community of Mendocino and the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mendocino on a budget. This tiny little town offers a variety of accommodation choices including camping which should help you save money.
Agate Beach
Agate Beach is a short walk from the center of the community of Mendocino, so it gives you good access to all the shops and attractions there. That’s what makes this the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mendocino for families.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is a larger city in the county of Mendocino, home to around 40,000 people, so it’s your best choice for nightlife. This larger city has a good collection of bars, clubs, and restaurants that will encourage you to get out and meet the locals in their favorite watering holes!
Little River
Little River is two miles south of the Mendocino Community and it’s a tiny town that’s home to several hundred people. If you want to experience the real American small-town feel during your vacation, then this is where you should make your base.
Mendocino is a tiny coastal community with a population of around 900 people. It’s part of the larger Mendocino County, with its collection of beach-based communities, unspoiled natural areas, and quirky but friendly people. This part of California is famous for its outdoor activities, so make sure you get outside and try a few!
The Town Centre is one of the area’s best neighborhoods for every kind of traveler. It’s quite literally close to everything, including the best beach, incredible national parks, and enough shops and restaurants to keep any travel group happy.
If you’re on a tight budget for your trip, then why not go camping at Albion? Home to around 168 residents, this unique community offers some quite basic accommodation options where you can enjoy the beach for a really good price.
Agate Beach is the place to stay if you want coastal views and to be able to walk to both the beach and the town center. This cool little area is within walking distance from shops and town amenities but is secluded enough for a peaceful, nature-driven holiday.
Fort Bragg is the place to stay if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Mendocino for nightlife. This is a larger town in the County, so it gives you more pubs and clubs to choose from as well as a faster pace of life that can be ideal for younger travelers.
And the final area on this list is Little River, one of the coolest places to stay in Mendocino. We love its small-town vibe, funky shops, and of course its close proximity to the coast!
Mendocino’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
1. The Town Center – Where to Stay in Mendocino for your First Time
The Town Centre of the coastal community of Mendocino is always at the top of any list of where to stay in Mendocino for your first visit. This area may be small, but it’s surrounded by beautiful beaches, forested areas, and the unique shops and restaurants that make this community so idiosyncratic. It also has some interesting museums, which you might not expect from this part of California!
You’ll probably need a car if you stay here, just so that you can get to more isolated spots. However, it’s small enough that you shouldn’t need a car to go to the beach or to local restaurants. It’s pretty convenient, actually.
Charming Cottage with Dramatic Views | Best Airbnb in The Town Center
This detached building has its own entrance for complete privacy. It’s a short walk from the centre of Mendocino and sleeps up to four guests. The home has its own fireplace for cold nights and amazing views over the coast and the national park.
Mendo Village Penthouse | Best Luxury Airbnb in The Town Center
This home sleeps five guests, so should be top of your list of where to stay in Mendocino with kids. It’s located in the quiet part of town and has a great wrap-around deck so you can enjoy the absolutely stunning views. It’s also close to local shops and restaurants for the ultimate convenience.
Headlands Inn B&B | Best Hotel in The Town Center
Located right in the Town Center, this B&B is a short walk from the beach and sits in a charming building with wood-burning fireplaces, just in case the weather’s not as good as advertised. Each room is uniquely decorated and has an ensuite bathroom. A gourmet breakfast is served every morning at the inn, so you can fuel up for the day ahead.
Things to See and Do in The Town Center
- See the city’s creative heart at the Mendocino Art Center
- Learn about a different way of life at the Temple of Kwan Tai
- Enjoy a beach experience in the center of town at Portuguese Beach
- Take in the views from Mendocino Overlook
- Enjoy some pub food at Patterson’s Pub or Italian dishes at Luna Trattoria
- Learn about the town’s history at the Ford House Visitor Center & Museum
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Albion – Where to Stay in Mendocino on a Budget
Albion is south of Mendocino and the best choice for those visiting California on a budget. This is where you stay if you’re a diehard outdoors person as it offers plenty of camping opportunities, which are a great way to save money. It’s also so small that it rarely sees tourists, which means you’ll enjoy local prices on restaurants and shops while you’re there.
Albion also has its own collection of attractions including hiking trails, a river, and coastal views.
Quiet, Quaint, Quintessential Cottage | Best Airbnb in Albion
This tiny cottage is a real find. It’s surrounded by an acre of private gardens, making it the perfect place for peace and relaxation. It has a private deck with a barbecue, where you can cook up your own meals on warm nights, and is just a few minutes from local restaurants as well! The studio apartment is suitable for up to two guests and is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Luxurious New Coastal Home | Best Luxury Airbnb in Albion
Roomy, spacious, and with a farmhouse feel coupled with modern amenities, this bright and airy home sleeps up to four guests. One of the best things about this house is the deck, where you can enjoy the sunset in the evening and stare out over the rolling hills with your morning coffee. It has a big kitchen where you can whip up a tasty family meal and is also close to some popular local restaurants just in case you prefer someone else cooks for you!
Heritage House Resort & Spa | Best Hotel in Albion
Stuck on where to stay in Mendocino for one night or a longer visit? Why not go for a bit of luxury then? The Heritage House Resort & Spa is close to Albion and offers its own restaurant and bar as well as rooms with fireplaces, fridges, and microwaves. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre and massage services. If you fancy exploring, Medocino’s centre is just 10 minutes away.
Things to See and Do in Albion
- Have a meal at the Albion River Inn Restaurant or the Flats Café
- Spend a day exploring the Navarro River Redwoods State Park
- Spend a night under the stars at the Dimmick Memorial Grove State Park
- Learn to ride horses along the beach at Ross Ranch
- Hike the Navarro Point Preserve and Scenic Trail
3. Agate Beach – Best Neighborhood in Mendocino for Families
Agate Beach is a short walk from the centre of the community, so it’s convenient to all the shops and attractions there. There’s so much to do in this area, making this the best choice for travelers with families. It also offers the laidback beach atmosphere that you really want for a relaxing vacation in California, because the beach is what it’s all about after all!
Agate Beach offers stunning views and accommodation to suit every travel group. However, some of the accommodation can be a little expensive, particularly if you want your base to enjoy beautiful views!
Mendocino Bungalow | Best Airbnb in Agate Beach
If you’re on a tight budget, then check out this cosy apartment. It’s suitable for two guests and is within walking distance of the village and its shops, as well as the beach. It has a hot tub surrounded by lush landscaping and a small kitchen that’s perfect for snacks and simple meals.
Serene & Relaxing Coastal Home | Best Luxury Airbnb in Agate Beach
This is one of the coolest places to stay in Mendocino. It’s a bright studio that sleeps two guests and offers a full kitchen and an open floor plan with comfortable furnishings. There’s also a back deck that looks out over the ocean, the perfect setting to enjoy a quiet drink at the end of a long day.
Agate Cove Inn | Best Hotel in Agate Beach
This hotel in Mendocino offers great views and is just a short walk from the centre of town. You’ll be served a two-course gourmet breakfast each morning you stay at the hotel and make sure you request a room with sea views for beautiful wake-ups every day. The inn also has a terrace so you can spend as much time outside as you possibly can.
Things to See and Do in Agate Beach
- Pack your beach essentials and catch some rays on Agate Beach
- Head up to Keesbury Bay Viewpoint for the most stunning views you’ll ever see
- Explore the blowholes and caves at Point Kelli
- Go hiking and exploring at Point Frank
- Check out the giant sinkhole and go hiking at Sinking Hole
- Go hiking, camping, and check out the waterfalls and tide pools at Russian Gulch State Park
- Have a meal at Fog Eater Café or the Mendocino Market
- Visit Cypress Grove for amazing sunset views
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Grab an eSIM!4. Fort Bragg – Best Neighborhood in Mendocino for Nightlife
Fort Bragg is a larger city in the county of Mendocino. Home to around 40,000 people, this is a livelier area than the rest and is your best choice for nightlife. This place has a good collection of bars, clubs, and restaurants that will encourage you to get out and meet the locals in their favourite watering holes!
But Fort Bragg isn’t just about clubs – it also boasts great beaches, coastline, and forested areas as well as attractions that will keep every member of your travel party happy. This makes it one of the best areas to stay in Mendocino for all types of travel groups.
Pelican’s Pier | Best Luxury Airbnb in Fort Bragg
With enough space for up to six guests, this is one of the best places in Mendocino to stay if you’re travelling with a big group. The space is bright and clean and there’s a BBQ space and private hot tub that you can use during your stay. You can also bring your pet along for an additional fee so over can enjoy a holiday as well!
Beach House Inn | Best Hotel in Fort Bragg
Located close to everything including local hiking trails and the botanical gardens, this hotel offers spacious rooms. Most of the rooms have a balcony and some of them offer sea views, and you’ll also get your own fridge and microwave. The hotel has a BBQ and picnic area that you can use and it serves a great breakfast every morning as well.
Ocean Mist with Ocean and White Water Views | Best Airbnb in Fort Bragg
This one-bedroom cabin is slightly quirky, so it isn’t for everyone. But if you want to be right on the water and within walking distance of local restaurants and shops, then give this accommodation a look. It sleeps four guests, ideal for travellers looking to save money as you can split the bill between friends. The sunsets from this spot are amazing and despite the cabin’s small size, it has its own kitchen and bathroom as well as all the essential amenities.
Things to See and Do in Fort Bragg
- Check out the Historic Redwood, a section of the largest tree grown in the county
- Put on your hiking boots and explore Pomo Bluffs Park
- Learn about local history at the Larry Spring Museum of Common Sense Physics
- Go kayaking off the coast
- Take a picnic and enjoy the views out of Noyo Headlands Park
- Take a railroad tour through the area on the Skunk Train
- Go camping at the MacKerricher Westpine Campground
- Have a drink at the Tip Top Lounge or the Milano Bar
- Fill your belly at Cravingrill or David’s
- Look for colourful glass stones on the famous Glass Beach
- Check out Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
5. Little River – The Coolest Neighborhood to Stay in Mendocino
Little River is two miles south of the Mendocino Community and is home to several hundred people. If you want to experience the real American small-town feel during your vacation, then this is where you should base yourself.
There isn’t a lot to do in Little River apart from heading outside of the town to enjoy everything that nature provides. This town does sit on the river, so you can try some water sports, and it’s also close to national parks for hiking, camping, and wildlife experiences.
Little House River | Best Airbnb in Little River
Located in one of Mendocino’s best neighborhoods for a secluded nature experience, this house sleeps up to six guests. It’s a classic cottage that’s been recently renovated, and there’s a hot tub on the deck so you can enjoy the stunning views while you soak away your troubles.
Rental Historic La Bella Vista | Best Luxury Airbnb in Little River
This home is within walking distance of everything, from local restaurants to the beach and state parks. The home was originally a blacksmith shop in the 1800s but has been renovated to include all the usual modern amenities. And it also has some great extras like a great deck, relaxing garden area, and even a spa!
Inn at the Cobbler’s Walk | Best Hotel in Little River
Located in the heart of Little River, the best neighborhood to stay in Mendocino for a local experience, this inn has great views, a fitness center, a garden, and a tennis court. It’s also set in a lovely garden, perfect for enjoying the famous Californian weather, and offers comfortable units with private bathrooms and seating areas.
Things to See and Do in Little River
- Go hiking on the Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail
- Hike the Blowhole Trail or Fern Canyon
- Have a meal at the Little River Inn Restaurant or Wild Fish
- Relax on the sand at the family-friendly Van Damme State Beach
- Enjoy some secluded time on the coast at the Spring Ranch Nature Preserve
- Take. aday to enjoy Van Damme State Park
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Mendocino
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Mendocino and where to stay.
What To Pack For Mendocino
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Mendocino
There are lots of tiny communities in Mendocino County and while they don’t offer a lot in terms of city attractions, they each have their own unique, small-town vibe that’s the ideal antidote against the troubles of the modern world. Becoming part of the slower way of life in an area like this is like sinking into a warm bath, so prepare yourself for a comfortable, relaxing holiday during which you spend most of your time out in nature!
If you’re still not sure where to stay in Mendocino, we recommend The Town Center. It’s full of accommodation options, places to explore, and provides easy access to areas further afield. Whether you’re in need of a road trip stopover or are planning a longer visit, this is an ideal choice.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
