A Nature (and Beer) Lover’s Guide to Mendocino
The combination of natural scenic beauty, quaint small-town charm, and some of the best beer in the world makes Mendocino County a pilgrimage worthy destination for craft beer aficionados, outdoor enthusiasts, and road trippers alike. In fact, there’s so much to see and do that it helps to have some local knowledge.
Our taproom manager Ronnie has logged some serious trail time so with her help, we bring you our definitive guide on where to go with your Anderson Valley Brewing Company to-go beer:
Fort Bragg Coastal Trail
Located near the MacKerricher State Park campground, the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail is situated adjacent to the world famous Glass Beach. The trail features a brand new 8-foot wide paved trail extending along carefully restored coastal bluffs that, for most of the last 100 years, sat behind the fences of the former mill site. Our long time friends at North Coast Brewing are a worthwhile stop if you find yourself in Fort Bragg.
MacKerricher State Park
Alcohol and glass bottles aren’t permitted inside the park itself, but the locals know to book a campsite where you can eat, drink and be merry in one of the 114 campsites that are a stone’s throw from the park itself. 10 Mile Beach and the sand dunes await those looking for salt air and solitude. The campground adjacent Lake Cleone offers fishing, a boardwalk, and places to ride bikes with the kids so you can pack the small fry and some bait and tackle.
Van Damme State Park
A crown jewel of Mendocino, Van Damme State Park (no relation to Jean-Claude) is almost literally out of this world. With hiking routes such as the Fern Canyon Scenic Trail and the Pygmy Forest Loop you’ll find yourself transported to another planet of bogs, bonsai trees and windswept rocky beaches. Feeling frisky? The site is also a noted destination to watch the wild salmon spawn.
Accessible trails and boardwalks make it a great destination for all activity levels, just make sure to reserve a campsite. Our best insider tip? We recommend the nearby Little River Blowhole Trail which leads to an actively eroding sinkhole (much cooler than it sounds—Google it).
Blues Beach
Whether you’re looking to watch the waves or paddle out into them, Blues Beach is a local favorite for both surf and seclusion. Its stunning rock formations are instagram-worthy and you can drive right onto the sand, just check the tide chart first.
Skunk Train
Since 1885 the historic Skunk Train has been chugging its way through old growth redwood forests in the Noyo River Canyon. Take a trip back in time and view Mendocino through the window of the 19th century. You can even ride the rails on an electric powered two-person railbike. Fun fact—we brew a special beer for the Skunk Train that you can only get on the trains.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
If botany is your jam, make sure to visit the world famous Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Even if you don’t know a perennial from a pale ale, we think you’ll still enjoy being surrounded by the flowers, fungi, forests and spectacular seaside bluffs. Please save your Winter Solstice for a post botanical picnic, outside food and beverages are not allowed.
Disc Golf Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Maybe we’re just playing favorites but we saved the best for last—a world class brewery with an on-site disc golf course. Our 30 acre, 18 hole disc golf course is open from 8am to 6pm and meanders through oak groves and pastures throughout our property. The best part? The course surrounds and traverses our Tap Room and there’s plenty of space to post up and take a break from the rigors of your round in an outdoor socially distanced way. Have a round, play a round and stay for the day in our very own little slice of paradise.
And there you have it, our insider’s guide to visiting Mendocino. Did we miss anything? Stop by the Tap Room and tell us about it!
