• Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park - Where the Big River’s fresh waters meet the Pacific Ocean, this vast sandy cove provides a peaceful retreat for both paddlers and beachcombers. It’s an ideal location to observe the changing tides against the backdrop of Mendocino’s iconic weathered cliffs.
• Blair House Inn - Known to TV fans as Jessica Fletcher’s home in Murder, She Wrote, this magnificent 1888 Victorian embodies Mendocino’s cinematic legacy. Beyond its Hollywood fame, the inn is a prime example of the town’s beautifully preserved redwood architecture.
• Crown Hall Inc - Originally constructed as a meeting place for the local Portuguese community, this historic hall is a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. Today, it serves as a lively venue for local events, resonating with over a century of community celebrations and coastal tales.
• Ford House Visitor Center & Museum - As the official entrance to the Headlands, this 1854 residence provides an intriguing insight into the lumber industry that established the town. Visitors can explore detailed scale models of the original village and learn about the local gray whale migrations just offshore.
• Kelley House Museum - Nestled within a lush historic garden, this museum preserves the personal stories of the pioneers who transformed a rugged outpost into a bustling port. It’s a must-visit for those interested in authentic artifacts and photographs from Mendocino’s 19th-century golden age.
• Mendocino Art Center - Established in 1959 to rejuvenate the town, this creative haven helped turn Mendocino into the renowned artist colony it is today. Stroll through the galleries and courtyards to discover why this picturesque retreat continues to inspire artists from around the world.
• Mendocino Headlands State Park - Just a short walk from the downtown shops, the grassy bluffs of the Headlands offer some of Northern California’s most breathtaking coastal views. Miles of winding trails lead past hidden sea caves and wildflower-filled meadows that define the town’s untamed perimeter.
• Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites - With its polished wood paneling and antique stained glass, this historic landmark transports guests back to the elegance of the 1870s. Whether stopping for a cocktail or a quick tour, the lobby feels like a living museum of California’s North Coast history.
• Mendocino Masonic Lodge No. 179 - Renowned for the unique Father Time and the Weeping Virgin sculpture carved from a single redwood trunk on its roof, this building is one of the most photographed in town. It serves as a striking architectural anchor on the Mendocino skyline.
• Mendocino Presbyterian Church - As one of California’s oldest continuously used Protestant churches, this elegant redwood structure is a masterpiece of Carpenter Gothic architecture. Its simple white steeple against the deep blue Pacific offers one of the village’s most tranquil views.
• Heeser Drive - This scenic drive and walking path provide front-row views of the ocean’s power, featuring jagged sea stacks and crashing waves. It is widely regarded as the best spot in town to witness a legendary Mendocino sunset over the Pacific.
• Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park - A short journey north of town leads to this beautifully restored 1909 lighthouse, which still guides mariners with its original British-built lens. The surrounding park is a coastal preserve where visitors can explore historic lightkeeper homes and spot migrating whales.
• Portuguese Beach - Named for the seafaring immigrants who once brought their catches here, this sheltered cove is a hidden treasure for tide-pooling and quiet reflection. It offers a more intimate coastal experience, framed by the dramatic natural arches of the Headlands.
• Temple of Kwan Tai - This modest red building is a rare and valuable remnant of the Chinese community that contributed to building the California coast in the 19th century. As one of the oldest rural Taoist temples in the state, it provides a poignant glimpse into the spiritual life of Mendocino’s early settlers.
• Corners of the Mouth - Situated inside a converted old church, this worker-owned natural foods store is a quirky cornerstone of the local community. The soaring wood-beamed ceilings and stained glass create a shopping atmosphere unlike any other in the country.
• Highlight Gallery - Featuring the exceptional craftsmanship of local woodworkers and artisans, this gallery showcases the high level of talent found along the Mendocino coast. It’s the perfect place to admire the fine art and functional design that have become synonymous with the region.

• Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
• Audio Guide
• App and Tour Download

• Smartphone (bring your own)

Stroll through Mendocino, a charming coastal village featuring Victorian homes perched above stunning Pacific cliffs, with a self-guided audio tour that activates automatically as you wander. Beginning near the town center, you’ll embark on a walkable path through historic streets, picturesque viewpoints, and notable landmarks.

During your journey, explore attractions such as the Ford House, Kelley House Museum, the Temple of Kwan Tai, and the Mendocino Headlands. Discover how a distant logging outpost transformed into an artist haven, from the shipwreck of the Frolic to the town’s preservation efforts and its role as a filming location for Murder, She Wrote.

Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace—pause to visit galleries, relax at a café, or admire the ocean vistas. The audio will continue whenever you’re ready, allowing you to explore without the constraints of a group.

This is a self-guided adventure (no live guide). Download the tour ahead of time and use it whenever you wish—it functions offline and tracks your location along the route.

• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.