ADDRESS

18220 North Highway 1
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

HOURS

Mar - Oct: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Nov - Feb: 9:00am to 5:00pm

CONTACT

(707) 964-4352
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

AMENITIES

Picnic Facilities, Restrooms, Trails, Wheelchair Accessible

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a 47-acre non-profit botanical garden stretching from Coast Highway 1 to the Pacific Ocean containing a wide variety of world-recognized plant collections. This botanical gardens is one of the few with an ocean view. Come experience the peaceful tranquility of our garden by the sea mixed with the rugged beauty of the Mendocino Coast.

WHERE THE WHALES ARE

Where the Whales Are on the Mendocino Coast: Just past the Cliff House lies our coastal grasslands extending to the Pacific Ocean. The Coastal Bluff Trail leads you along the edges of this sensitive prairie where whales and other marine mammals can be spotted throughout the year. California Gray Whales: November – May From November to February, the California Gray Whales can be seen migrating south past our bluffs to Baja. There, the pregnant females give birth. Starting in February and March, the whales migrate back north to Alaska with their newborn calves. Humpback Whales: April – November Humpback Whales spend most of their time further offshore than the Gray Whale but can be seen fluking, spy-hopping, and breaching! Blue Whales: June – October Occasionally seen from the shore in summer and early fall, these gentle giants produce a tall spout. Orcas (Killer Whales): In recent years, these beautiful predators have been spotted off the Mendocino Coast. Unlike other whales, Orcas are not considered to be predictable migrants.

WHICH ANIMALS YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE

COMMONLY SEEN

SEASONALITY

Gray Whale: November through May Humpback Whale: April – November Blue Whale: June – October Dall’s Porpoise: not predictable Harbor Seal: year-round California Sea Lion: year-round Elephant Seal: April – August River Otter: not predictable

PLANT COLLECTIONS AND AREAS OF INTEREST

Plant Collections and Areas of Interest On your way to the bluffs lies our 47 acre botanical garden. With manicured formal gardens, a dense coastal pine forest, native flora and habitats, fern-covered canyons, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias, conifers, heaths, heathers, and coastal bluffs overlooking the blue ocean, the garden is a jewel on the Pacific Coast. The front portion is home to the Perennial, Woodland, Heritage Rose, Succulent, and Mediterranean Gardens. The larger western portion of our Gardens contains the seasonally spectacular Dahlia Garden, organic demonstration Vegetable Garden, and countless peaceful trails that weave through our Natural Area toward the Coastal Bluff and Marine Zone.

MAP AND DIRECTIONS

TRAVEL TIPS

The Gardens encompasses 47 acres of land with a half-mile walk to the ocean (one way). The main loop to the ocean and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Drinking water is a available at the seasonal café and vending machine in our entry plaza. Dogs are welcome and must be kept on a 6 foot leash. This is a non-smoking property.

VIEWING GUIDE

View our guide on how to watch marine animals from shore.

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