State Park

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Mendocino County, CaliforniaAbout 7,546 acresEstablished 1974
Status
Open (per official listing)
Entrance fee
Statewide rule — see below
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Statewide rule — see below
Camping
None listed
Official site
parks.ca.gov(707) 937-5804

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Overview

Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino Headlands State Park. Photo: Mike Linksvayer. CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication)

Mendocino Headlands State Park is a 7,546-acre park in Mendocino County, about 10 miles south of Fort Bragg.

Visitors come for snorkeling and diving, horseback riding, historic sites, boating, and fishing. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp.

Fees and passes

Per vehicle at most parks (vehicles of 9 people or less, walk/bike-in free); per person at State Historic Parks and museums; amounts vary by park and are listed on each park page.

Statewide fee rule from California's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.

California park passes

  • California Explorer Annual Pass — $195. Vehicle day-use entry to 134 state parks incl. high-demand Southern California beaches Details
  • Golden Poppy Annual Pass — $125. Vehicle day-use entry to 112 state parks Details
  • Historian Passport — $50. Admission for up to four people at per-person-fee State Historic Parks Details
  • Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Annual Pass — $50. Entry to State Vehicular Recreation Areas that collect day-use fees Details
  • SNO-Park Pass — $40 season / $15 day. 18 SNO-PARK winter recreation areas Details

From the California state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Booking system
ReserveCalifornia
Phone
(800) 444-7275

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Pets

See the park’s wording

Are dogs allowed?

Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.

Things to do

BoatingHistoric sites and toursFishingSnorkeling and scubaWildlife viewing and birdingGeocachingHikingHorseback riding

Amenities

Facilities

  • Restrooms
  • Drinking water
  • Visitor center
  • Nature center or museum
  • Parking

Water

  • Swimming beach
  • Boat ramp

Recreation

  • Horse trails

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

Overview

Mendocino Headlands State Park with its unique blend of gentle trails, rugged coastline, secluded beaches, and timeless history surrounds the picturesque Village of Mendocino on three sides. Miles of trails wind along the cliffs, giving the casual explorer spectacular views of sea arches and hidden grottos. Phone (707) 937-5804 for more information.

Other Information

The restroom building on Main Street, adjacent to the Historic Ford House/Visitor Center, is accessible. On-street designated accessible parking is available nearby.

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
45000 Main Street
Mendocino, CA 95460
Nearest town
Fort Bragg — about 10 mi south (straight line)
Coordinates
39.3001, -123.7904
Phone
(707) 937-5804

Entrances

  • Directions point

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Directions from the park

The park surrounds the town of Mendocino, just off Highway One.

Nearby state parks

Van Damme State Park
1.8 mi south (straight line)
Russian Gulch State Park
2.3 mi north (straight line)
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
3.8 mi northwest (straight line)
Caspar Headlands State Beach
4.3 mi north (straight line)
Caspar Headlands State Natural Reserve
4.6 mi northwest (straight line)
Mendocino Woodlands State Park
5.1 mi east (straight line)
Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
5.3 mi north (straight line)
Navarro River Redwoods State Park
10.6 mi southeast (straight line)

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

Report a correction for this park