This iconic lighthouse was constructed in 1870, destroyed in a 1906 earthquake and then rebuilt in 1908. It remains the tallest on the US West Coast (tied with nearby Pigeon Point) at 115ft. Check in at the museum and have a look at the Fresnel lens, then climb 145 steps to the top for the jaw-dropping view. You can stay nearby in keeper's homes and apartments. The turnoff is 2 miles northwest of town off Hwy 1.
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
17.35 MILES
Sample standout (and organic!) Pinot Gris, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir from a stunning hilltop tasting room tucked into the forest.
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve
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16.98 MILES
One of the most visitor-friendly options around with award-winning Pinot Noir and dry Gewürztraminer; has twice-daily free tours (10:30am and 2pm;…
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16.6 MILES
The oldest vineyard in the valley serves exquisite tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.
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22.35 MILES
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Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
29.3 MILES
Between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Jug Handle preserves an ecological staircase that you can view on a 5-mile (round-trip) self-guided nature trail. The…
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27.56 MILES
Built in 1909, this stout lighthouse stands on a 300-acre wildlife preserve north of town, between Russian Gulch and Caspar Beach. The grounds also…
Nearby attractions
2.41 MILES
For fabulous bird-watching, hiking on terraced rock past sea caves and access to hidden coves, head 1 mile down Lighthouse Rd from Hwy 1 and look for the…
12.17 MILES
Tucked into a tiny clapboard house looking across the road to the ocean, this gallery is run as a cooperative by 30 local artists and is a fascinating…
16.58 MILES
For the best fruit, skip the obvious roadside stands and head to this gorgeous farm for preserves, chutneys and organic heirloom apples and pears. For…
16.6 MILES
The oldest vineyard in the valley serves exquisite tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.
16.96 MILES
The best reason to come here is to view the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired tasting room, which was built from a single fallen redwood trunk. The Pinot Noir…
16.98 MILES
One of the most visitor-friendly options around with award-winning Pinot Noir and dry Gewürztraminer; has twice-daily free tours (10:30am and 2pm;…
17.35 MILES
Sample standout (and organic!) Pinot Gris, Valdiguié and Pinot Noir from a stunning hilltop tasting room tucked into the forest.
17.67 MILES
Inland along Old State Hwy, at the south end of town, and beautifully built entirely by volunteers, this center hosts changing exhibitions, organizes the…