Running along 90 miles of Pacific coastline, riddled with redwood trees, surf, hot springs and hiking opportunities, Mendocino County, California
, is a treasure trove for outdoorsy families. Two hours north of San Francisco, Mendocino County is an idyllic location for active adventures, relaxing swims and endless beauty. Check out this list of must-see locales to explore before your next visit.
Parents and adult children will love Anderson Valley for its famous wine region and notable Sauvignon Blanc grapes, while the kids may prefer a hike through the Redwoods for a dip in nature. Explore the region’s lush vineyards and Redwood trees lining Navarro River Red Woods State Park. Hike through the woods enjoying the natural beauty before cooling off and relaxing with a swim in Big Hole.
Explore the folklore and beauty of Hopland at Frog Woman Rock. A mythical, powerful and intelligent Pomo Indian, Frog Woman was said to devour men who passed by the enormous volcanic rock. Now more welcoming than the stories would have you believe, families and adventure travelers head out kayaking, swimming, hiking and sipping wine along the Russian River. While recommended for more experienced kayakers, Hopland is a haven for scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
vineyard in Mendocino County, California © Nathanphoto | Dreamstime.com
Mill Creek is home to lush forests, fields of wild flowers, secret swimming holes and endless walking trails. Take the scenic route along any of the 400-acre park with Ukiah Valley in the near distance — tucked away off of Highway 101 and Talmage Road.
Leonard Lake in Redwood Valley
Located in one of Mendocino County’s most beautiful and underrepresented wine regions, Redwood Valley is worth the trek. Rent a ranch for a night or two on Leonard Lake. Get out on a boat with the kids on a fishing trip or jump in for a swim after a long nature walk.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Jul 16, 2026Take on This New Glaciers & Grizzlies Alaska Adventure from Gondwana Ecotours
Gondwana Ecotours invites family travelers to embark on a one-of-a-kind summer trip — Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure. This nine-day ecotour caters up to 16 guests, offering unparalleled access to Alaska’s most iconic landscapes such as Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park and Katmai National Park.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
North America
Jul 16, 202613 U.S. Lighthouses to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these lighthouses with us.
Destinations / North America
Jul 16, 2026Ogunquit: Maine’s Perfect Beach Town
Maine’s south coast has beaches for every taste. There’s Old Orchard for the razzle-dazzle of an old-school pier and oceanside amusement park, Parson’s Beach in Kennebunkport for those who like just sand and dunes, and York’s Long Sands for surfers.
North America
Jul 15, 2026Grand Canyon West Launches Kids Free Offer, July Discount to Celebrate America’s 250th
It’s not too late for family travelers to take advantage of America’s 250th savings, even if the Fourth of July has passed. Grand Canyon West offers families a fun, affordable getaway with a Kids Free promotion and a special July promotion to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Destinations / North America
Jul 15, 2026The Best NYC Neighborhoods to Book (And Not to Book) a Family Stay
New York City can be a lot for tourists, especially if they’ve never been there before. The city feels massive and confusing at times, and it can be hard to decide which neighborhood is the best place to book your stay — especially if you’ve got kids. To mak planning a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of neighborhoods that are great, and not so great, options.
ShareThis