To Do

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

47 acres of flora. From the heritage roses and dahlias near the entrance to the untamed woods at the sea, we recommend a stroll. Pause to take in the vista from the glass-sided “cliff house” perched on a bluff. Gardens originally designed over 30 years ago by the landscape architect for Switzer Farm: Gary Ratway.

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

Take a stroll to the Cabrillo Lighthouse (built in 1908) and accompanying keepers' houses

Seaside Beach

10 minute drive south of the house

Blues Beach Trailhead

5 minutes south of the house

Westport Headlands Beach

Right in Westport, west of the hotel, is a town staircase that will take you down to a nice, quiet beach

MacKerricher State Park

Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

Babcock Beach at Hare Creek

This may be the nicest beach on the entire North Coast, and it is virtually unknown except to locals

Russian Gulch State Park

Just north of Mendocino. Some absolutely amazing views from the bluffs.

Van Damme State Park

Just south of Mendocino - there are kayak and canoe rentals for use here

Glass Beach

A very popular beach for visitors

Ricochet Ridge Ranch

Offers horseback rides on the beach, along coastal trails, and in redwood forests

Pacific Star Winery

Dillon and Jordan haven't visited this winery but it came recommended by the owner of Switzer, is a 5-minute drive from the house, and allegedly offers a lovely ocean view.

The Skunk Train

Enjoy the scenic 7-mile roundtrip journey from Fort Bragg along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary and back (called the Pudding Creek Express). Since 1885 the historic Skunk has made its way through old-growth redwood groves, over scenic trestle bridges, through spectacular tunnels, and into the heart of the Noyo River canyon. Today’s riders enjoy the same pristine views that have remained largely unchanged for well over a century. (Someone has to go so they can report back to Owen Dean...)