Cape Mendocino Beach

Located in the town of Ferndale, Cape Mendocino Beach is a long, narrow, and less crowded beach that is also the westernmost beach in Humboldt County as well as in California. Cape Mendocino Beach is situated on the east side of a large ranch owned by the Russ Ranch and Timber Company. Cape Mendocino Beach offers a couple of amenities, including a lighthouse and driftwoods. 

If you want additional amenities, Sugarloaf Island is a beautiful haystack-shaped rock island offshore from the beach. 

There are a few fun activities at Cape Mendocino Beach, including beachcombing and beach exploration. Getting to Cape Mendocino Beach requires a little work – the beach is at 15847 Mattole Road and the ranch has blocked the closest access point to the beach. 

To access the beach, park near the second bridge south of the beach and walk two miles north during low tides. Free street parking is available along Mattole Road.

If you are looking for nearby attractions, there are many options within a one-hour drive of Cape Mendocino Beach. Spread across 793 acres, Arcata Community Forest is home to an expansive trail network for mountain biking, hiking, and dog walking, incredible redwood trees, and many animals including deer, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, and wolves.  Immortal Tree is a 1,000 years old Coastal redwood tree that is 258 feet tall and has survived the Flood of 1964, lightning, and fire – it is a fantastic place for Instagram-worthy pictures and picnicking. The non-profit children’s museum Redwood Discovery Museum features many interactive exhibitions and thematic education programs in the fields of science, art, culture, technology, and healthy living. Another great museum near Cape Mendocino Beach is Phillips House Museum which is home to many historical exhibits, photographs, and antiques from the city of Arcata.

If you get hungry, it is advisable to plan and carry snacks as there are not many restaurants near Cape Mendocino Beach. The closest restaurant, Ferndale Pizza Co., is 40 minutes away and serves excellent thin-crust pizzas, homemade pasta, and vegan items. Double D Steak & Seafood features seafood items, chips, bacon, sandwiches, beer, and picnic tables. Another good restaurant is Hot Deli which offers burgers, hot dogs, steaks, pastrami, wings, salads, French fries, and shakes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Cape Mendocino Beach, you can drive 50 minutes. The 3-Star hotel Hampton Inn & Suites Arcata, CA features a pool, fitness center, and whirlpools. If you are looking for affordable hotels near Cape Mendocino Beach, Comfort Inn Arcata-Humboldt Area offers a pool, fitness center, and tennis courts – and the 2-Star Days Inn & Suites Arcata welcomes dogs on leash.