Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens - Fort Bragg, California

Paula P.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is an absolute treasure and a must-visit for anyone traveling along the northern California coast. Lush gardens with the most beautiful flowers.

The variety of plants here is truly remarkable. The gardens are divided into distinct sections, each with its own charm. The rhododendron collection is particularly breathtaking, especially in bloom. Walking through the vibrant dahlia garden feels like stepping into a painter’s palette.

Don't forget to walk down the trail that leads to a stunning coastal view. It’s a gentle, meandering path lined with wildflowers and native plants, culminating in a dramatic vista of the Pacific Ocean. Watching the waves crash against the cliffs while standing in such a serene environment was a moment I’ll never forget.

The gardens are also incredibly well-maintained, with clear paths, helpful signage, and informative plaques about the plant species. The staff and volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions or share fun facts.

a place to breathe, to pause, and to reconnect with the natural world. Whether you're visiting solo, with family, or even with your dog (yes, it's pet-friendly!), there’s a sense of inclusivity and relaxation here.

Susan C.

Such a pretty place to wander around to see local floral. Coastal views and fabulous dahlia garden. Easy to navigate and not too large as we saw everything in about 90 minutes. Also grabbed lunch at their cafe which was to notch, fresh and creative offerings. So much more than I had ever expected. Worth a stop, the cost of admission to enjoy this beautiful garden.

trish L.

What a special garden. Loved the ocean walk, fern canyon walk and Heather garden. So unique.
The Garden store has very nice items and the plant store excellent selections.
Would love to see the dahlias in Bloom this summer!

Bucky B.

I can’t recommend visiting the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens enough. The place is beautiful, and seems to go on and on with so much to look at. The staff is super friendly willing to answer any, and all questions you may have about any of the various plants. The coast trail leads to a beautiful coastal view. It’s definitely worth taking a day to explore everything this place has to offer. There’s a great place to grab lunch right on the property.

Sandeepa D.

We went to Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden to see the Festival of Lights. This is a holiday light display they go put up from Thanksgiving time to around Christmas time every year. The ground is small and it was quite filled up with a lot of decorative lights in the shapes of animals, stars, trees, nature and such. The entry fee is only $20 per adult (at the gate) or $10 per adult pre booked online and free for children. The display is certainly well worth the ticket prices. Definitely recommended if you are visiting Mendocino during the holiday season !

Rachelle R.

You can choose to walk as far as you want to the coastline. Many little trails from the main trail. A lot to look at. Beautiful scenery!!

M. M.

This has become one of my favorite spots in all of Northern California. This sprawling garden runs from Highway 1 to the sea. There are several sections to the garden, but it is divided (literally with a fence) between a natural area and a cultivated garden. There is a begonia & fuchsia house, a rhododendron grove, an evergreen grove, a grass lawn and "English" garden and more. Besides the begonias, I love the heather garden and dahlia gardens the most. I've taken dozens of stellar pictures here. There's even a vegetable garden where kids can learn how various vegetables grow. There is something blooming year round, though early spring and late summer are favorites of mine.

I'd recommend setting aside at least two or three hours for the complete tour. If you are coming on a holiday weekend, I'd suggest buying tickets in advance as they limit the number of people who can enter at any one time. A lot of the garden is wheelchair accessible, though not all of it. There are three restrooms in different locations, a giftshop, and a sandwich cafe (nothing to write home about) as well as a small but impressive nursery to buy some of the beautiful plants you see. Annual membership gives you reciprocity for free or discount entry at hundreds of other gardens nationwide.

May L.

There’s nothing I can say, it’s a magical place. I admit I was selfish at the idea of paying to walk through a garden in the coast when there’s so much free, breathtaking scenery. But I’m so glad we went back the next day to visit after all!