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Mendocino is in a unique region of Northern California. Visitors come for the sprawling vineyards, majestic vistas, parks and seaside villages. The area's award-winning wines and exceptional coastline also make it an attractive vacation spot for guests of Mendocino vacation rentals and Mendocino hotels, who will find themselves immersed in redwoods or wide-open meadows and a Victorian village full of quaint shops and restaurants.

The outdoor activities offers visitors top notch choices. Guests can take advantage of the terrain by hiking, biking and horseback riding, among others activities. As well, there's plenty for the mind and body, including day spas and massages. There is also some of the best kayaking and fishing experiences around. And the coastline is ideal for surfing, beachcombing, whale watching, and relaxation.

Mendocino is a small town of just under 1000 people, located in Mendocino County. The town is 154 miles north of San Francisco, and has a total area of 7.4 miles. It is set on a small peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the Mendocino Headlands. The coastal bluffs with scenic trails offer a sparkling view of the Pacific Ocean. On the fourth side are Big River and the peaceful, awe-inspiring redwoods. In the eastern region of the county is the Russian River and Lake Mendocino. Visitors cannot help but feel closer to nature with each visit.

Mendocino has a rather clement and delightful climate. Due to its proximity to the ocean, each season has its own character. Guests will experience year round averages in the mid 50s, and humidity is usually around 80 percent. The summer months bring temperatures in the low 60s, with mild breezes and lots of sunshine. Guests of Mendocino hotels will want to pack their sunblock and sunglasses. The fall months see temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the low 70s, with very little precipitation. Winter brings overcast skies and a good amount of rain, and the spring offers lush green grasslands and bright blue skies, with occasional showers. Visitors should always pack a sweater or light jacket, just in case, as the coastal winds can bring in a cool air.

Mendocino is situated in a county that offers so much when it comes to activities and sites that it's only natural they would also have award-winning lodging. Guests will always be treated with hospitality and offered a wide assortment of choices. There are so many great spots in the region that guests of Mendocino vacation rentals can visit again and again and have a different experience each time. If coastal housing fits the bill or a cabin in amongst the redwoods is more suitable, visitors will not be disappointed. There's everything from quaint bed and breakfast inns, to exceptional Mendocino hotels, vacation rentals and cottages. And each choice comes with an assortment of amenities. Many Mendocino vacation rentals and Mendocino lodging options offer oversized rooms, large windows with views, hot tubs, and fully-equipped kitchens.

The Mendocino Music Festival has enchanted visitors and locals alike for many years. This festival is held on the Mendocino Headlands in beautiful tents overlooking the ocean. Guests will be treated to three orchestra concerts, a fully staged opera, a big band concert, chamber music ensembles, blues, and world music. Groups such as the world-renowned Kronos Quartet and The St. Petersburg String Quartet with Justin Blasdale have captivated attendees at this event. This festival takes place in the summer and visitors should get their tickets early.

Over in Anderson Valley, visitors can partake in the annual California Wine Tasting Championships. This event takes place at Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Winery. Guests can participate as tasters where they challenge their palates by identifying numerous wines. The event is of a casual atmosphere with live entertainment, great food, and stunning panoramic scenery. All visitors can participate as amateur or professional tasters; or they can simply watch the best and enjoy the wines without any competition.

Just north of Mendocino is Fort Bragg. Guests of Mendocino hotels can take a short trip there for the Blue Ox Beer Festival. This event benefits Redwood Coat Seniors. Visitors will be entertained with live music, bocce ball and some of the finest handmade brews around.

The county is host to a wide assortment of award winning restaurants. Visitors should go to the MacCallum House Restaurant during their visit to Mendocino. This restaurant offers guests a fantastic casual dining experience with panoramic views and a sunny, wrap-around deck for lounging and enjoying the climate. Diners should try the Liberty Farm duck breast with locally grown pinot noir-wild berry sauce and wild mushroom hash if they want a dish that reflects the region perfectly.

For the vegetarians there's The Ravens at the Stanford Inn. This restaurant presents a wonderful assortment of vegan and vegetarian dishes such as their roasted beet salad or their spring vegetable lasagna fresca for local residents and guests of Mendocino vacation rentals.

Guests looking for a late night will find it at Patterson's, Mendocino's only Irish pub. Patterson's has a little something for everyone with great food, friendly staff, sports on the TV, and a beautiful garden area for visitors. They have an extensive list of wines, micro-brews and spirits. All ages are welcome.

For the plant enthusiast or simply those guests that appreciate beauty, there's the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Visitors to this botanical garden will have a unique experience, as it's the only one in the U.S. directly on the oceanfront. Guests of Mendocino vacation rentals can divert their gaze from waves of colorful flowers to the crashing waves of the Pacific in one simple movement. Manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, fern-covered canyons, diverse plant collections, and flower-filled coastal bluffs overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean all make up this incredible display. And for the bird watching enthusiast, this garden is home to over 100 species of birds.

A landmark of interest to many visitors is the Point Arena Lighthouse and Museum. This attraction is perfect for families. Visitors will learn the history of this landmark through guided tours and can climb to the top of this 115-foot high lighthouse -- one of the tallest on the west coast. The Point Arena Lighthouse is visible for miles, and once guests reach the top the view will astound them. Mendocino vacation rentals located near the Point Arena Lighthouse are historic sites and were once used by the lighthouse keepers.

To get a real feeling for the local culture, guests should visit the Mendocino Art Center. The center is a cultural center for the Mendocino coast. The center has presented plays and housed exhibitions of art and musical performances from local as well as international artists.

Mendocino is located in a region of majestic beauty and variety. Guests discovered this gem many years ago and have continued to frequent it for its countless attractions and events. Whether guests are interested in simple walks along a beautiful coastline, festivals, art, or wine and fine food, they'll get their fill in Mendocino. Outdoor activities are plentiful with hiking trails running through the regal redwoods, and the ocean is ripe for windsurfing. As well, nearby areas offer some great opportunities for kayaking, fishing and rafting. Visitors will never forget their visit, and will continue to return to capture an experience unique only to the Mendocino coast.