Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Peering in the window of this 1852 temple reveals an old altar dedicated to the Chinese
god of war. Tours are available by appointment.
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
LIGHTHOUSE
11am-4pm Sat & Sun Jan & Feb, daily
Mar-Oct, Fri-Mon Nov & Dec)
Restored in 1909, this stout lighthouse stands on a 300-acre wildlife preserve north of
town, between Russian Gulch and Caspar Beach.
Guided walks
of the preserve leave at
11am on Sundays from May to September. You can also stay in the lighthouse keeper's
house and cottages which are now
vacation rentals
.
Activities
Wine tours, whale-watching, shopping, hiking, cycling: there's more to do in the area than
a thousand long weekends could accomplish. For navigable river and ocean kayaking,
launch from tiny Albion, which hugs the north side of the Albion River mouth, 5 miles
south of Mendocino.
Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too!
CANOEING, KAYAKING
Comptche-Ukiah Rd; kayak & canoe rental adult/child from $28/14; 9am-5pm)
This friendly outfit at the Stanford Inn south of town rents bikes, kayaks and stable outrig-
ger canoes for trips up the 8-mile Big River tidal estuary, the longest undeveloped estuary
in Northern California. No highways or buildings, only beaches, forests, marshes, streams,
abundant wildlife and historic logging sites. Bring a picnic and a camera to enjoy the ram-
shackle remnants of century-old train trestles and majestic blue herons.
Mendocino Headlands State Park
OUTDOORS
A spectacular park surrounds the village, with trails crisscrossing the bluffs and rocky
coves. Ask at the visitor center about guided weekend walks, including
spring wildflower
walks
and
whale-watching
.
