Mighty Canines on the Mendocino Coast of California
- Luie Boone
- Jul 13
- 7 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our third series of blog posts titled Rover Ready.
Luie Boone knows a good getaway when he sniffs one out, and he's got his snout sniffing out the Mendocino Coast. This is a stunning stretch of the Northern California coastline, which offers rugged cliffs, redwood forests, charming small towns, and a unmistakably laid-back vibe that's perfect for exploring with your loyal pooch by your side. Whether you're strolling along windswept trails or relaxing on the shore, the Mendocino Coast is a dream destination for dog lovers and their hooman companions.
If Luie Boone could plan this vacation, Fort Bragg would top his list. With off-leash beaches like Noyo Harbor and Seaside Beach, pups can run free with salty air in their fur. Leashed trails along the Coastal Trail and through MacKerricher State Park offer nose-worthy views and miles of sniffing. Even the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens welcomes four-legged friends! For a unique treat, hop aboard the dog-friendly Skunk Train for a ride through the redwoods. Afterward, relax on a patio at one of many dog-welcoming restaurants. In Fort Bragg, dogs aren’t just allowed, they’re invited!
A short drive south from Fort Bragg will bring you to Mendocino, a picturesque town full of historic charm and dramatic ocean views. It’s surrounded by open space and stunning coastal cliffs—perfect for peaceful strolls with your pup. Nearby, large public gardens welcome dogs to explore vibrant flower beds and forested paths. Many local shops and cafés open their patios to pets, like Goodlife Cafe and Bakery, where Luie Boone insists on taste-testing their house-made dog treats to ensure they’re truly paw-some. He has no doubts they are.
Just a bit beyond the town of Mendocino is the peaceful towns of Little River and Albion. This spots can provide a quieter retreat. Surrounded by forests and rugged coastline, they offer peaceful spots to walk your dog, all while soaking in the area's natural beauty. Be sure to visit Navarro River Redwoods State Park in Albion, where leashed dogs are allowed to explore the park's trails and enjoy the serene redwood forest. Luie Boone will share more about this exciting park below. But, he does want to mention the coastal bluffs in the Little River and Albion area. These coastal bluffs rank among the most breathtaking along the Mendocino coast. Luie Boone would paw-se his sniffing to enjoy the perfect sunset views.
Keep on heading south and you'll find yourself in Point Arena. This is a true hidden gem along the Mendocino coast, with dramatic high cliffs and sweeping ocean views. It's a spot perfect for leash-led adventures along bluff-top paths and dog-friendly beaches. The town itself has a laid-back and artsy vibe, as it is full of galleries and cozy eateries. You don't want to miss wandering the nearby countryside, where scenic drives lead to tucked-away beaches and peaceful trails perfect for sniff-filled explorations. As night falls, Point Area transforms into a stargazer's paradise. Luie Boone says it would be so stunning that he (or any pup) would have to roll onto their back, tummy up, just to soak it the canopy of twinkling stars. And if you're a lucky pup like Luie Boone, there might even be a few tummy scratches to go with the view!
Throughout the entirety of the Mendocino Coast, local businesses and accommodations take pride in being pup-friendly. Restaurants with outdoor seating often welcome dogs, like Silver's at The Wharf, which Luie Boone will dive into below.
While enjoying your stay, it’s important to observe leash laws and clean up after your buddy. Though many communities offer waste stations, it’s a good idea to bring your own bags just in case.
The Mendocino Coast is a special place where you and your dog can explore side by side, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and savor the slower rhythm of coastal life. Whether wandering beneath towering redwoods, sharing a peaceful picnic with breathtaking ocean views, or cozying up by the fire after a day full of adventure, this stretch of California promises unforgettable moments for both you and your furry companion.
Luie Boone says it’s the kind of place where he may forget to chase his tail, because the views (and the company of his hoomans) are just that good.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay on the Mendocino Coast of California. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Sandborn
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 3 baths.
Photos courtesy of Vacasa LLC
It features the following amenities:
Oceanfront with unobstructed views of the beach and the mountains
Sits near the MacKerricher Dunes and trails, which is a perfect place for a headland hike with your dog
Large deck, which provides a wonderful place to sit and gaze out at the great Pacific Ocean
Private hot tub
Gas BBQ
Fully fenced in property, so it’s very safe for dogs to roam
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
Okay, so we haven't even left for vacation yet, but I'm already tail-wagging excited. My hoomans are planning to go to some fancy beach house on the Mendocino Coast in California, called "Sandborn." I'm totally allowed to come! However, there's apparently a tiny nightly fee... whatever that means. Hopefully, it doesn't cut into my treat and toy budget. From what I hear about this rental house, it's right on the oceanfront, with just enough space for the whole pack to lounge and stretch out. Do you want to know the best part? The yard's fully fenced-in, so I can roam safely and keep an eye on everything from my favorite sunny spot. There are two decks where I can soak up the salty sea breeze, giant windows perfect for wave-watching, and plenty of cozy spots for epic naps after a day full of sniffing and exploring. Oh! And they've got a hot tub for the humans, plus comfy furniture for all of us. The place even runs on solar power, which is fancy tech stuff that I don't quite understand, but I do know that it will keep my snacks in the fridge nice and cold. I also heard something about a telescope. No clue what that is, but if it helps me spot squirrels from far away, I'm all in.
Paws Venture Here
Skunk Train
This world-famous attraction will appeal to railroad and history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone else who would enjoy a ride through old-growth redwood groves! Dogs are welcome throughout the train, both in the open and closed carriages. From what Luie Boone researched, the only "skunk" that you'll smell is in the name of the train itself!
Glass Beach
Take your pooch to explore Glass Beach, which gets its name from the smooth colorful glass pieces that light up the ground among the pebbles. This former trash dump was once covered in broken bottles that have been smoothed by the tide. Don't take any glass away with you, because it's part of what makes the beach so unique!
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
Spanning 660 acres along a 14-mile stretch of river corridor, this state park warmly welcomes your canine companion to explore alongside you. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including raccoons, black-tailed deer, and river birds like the striking belted kingfisher.
Portuguese Beach
This expansive beach offers ample space for leisurely walks and refreshing surf wading, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing coastal experience with their best friend.
All Aboard Adventures
Climb aboard the Sea Hawk at All Aboard Adventures for a deep sea adventure that you and Fido won't soon forget. This 45-foot charter boat will take you deep-sea fishing and whale watching. It’s a good idea to bring a life jacket for Fido, along with plenty of water and waste bags for the journey.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
At the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, savor the breathtaking botanical bliss of formal gardens, coastal bluffs, pine forests, and fern-covered canyons, as you wander along the trails with your furry friend.
Jackson Demonstration State Forest
This outdoor recreational area features 48 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails, including the popular Chamberlin Creek Waterfall Trail. The trails here are filled with a variety of different trees, with redwoods being the most prevalent.
Silver's at The Wharf
This restaurant sits right along the harbor. It features outdoor seating and a dog menu, which includes a beef burger patty and a grilled chicken breast. Local seafood and continental favorites are featured on both the lunch and dinner menus for hoomans! Luie Boone can't wait to try it all!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Mendocino Coast of California
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
I've never been to the Mendocino Coast in California, but I hear there are huge beaches, giant sticks, and trails packed with the best sniffs. It sounds like a dog paradise! But then I overheard them talking about something called a "sneaker wave." At first, I thought it had something to do with shoes, but nope, it's way scarier. These sneaky waves come out of nowhere and rush way up the beach. No warning, just whoosh! They're strong enough to knock over hoomans and sweep pups like me right off our paws. The scariest part? They can strike even when the ocean looks calm and peaceful. My hoomans say sneaker waves are pretty common along the Mendocino Coast at anytime of the year. One minute you're chasing your favorite tennis ball. The next? Whoosh! Cold water's racing up the beach fast! I love the ocean, but cold surprises like that? No thanks. So I made a genius plan: No running too close to the water and definitely no-off leash antics near those big waves. Plus, my hoomans promised to keep me safe and check the tide reports. Mendocino, I'm still super excited to visit, but you won't catch me making any tidal mistakes!
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