Things to Do in Anderson Valley

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Need a peaceful retreat in Northern California wine country? Head to Anderson Valley! Nestled between redwood forests and rolling hills, Anderson Valley is a serene destination known for world-class Pinot Noir, artisanal foods, and scenic drives. Whether you're wine tasting, hiking, or just unwinding, this Mendocino gem offers rustic elegance and unspoiled nature.

Anderson Valley, CA Highlights:

For Adventurous Travelers: Hike through Hendy Woods State Park – Stroll among towering redwoods and picnic by the Navarro River in this peaceful park.
For History Buffs: Discover Boontling lore at the Anderson Valley Museum – Learn about the valley’s quirky language and rich logging and ranching history.
For Shoppers: Pick up wine and local goods in Boonville – Browse tasting rooms, cheese shops, and boutique stores in this charming village.
For Couples: Wine tasting along Highway 128 – Savor Pinot Noir and sparkling wines in intimate, scenic vineyard settings.
For Families: Picnic and explore at Navarro River Redwoods State Park – Enjoy forest hikes, wildlife viewing, and shaded riverside fun for all ages.

Best Time to Visit Anderson Valley, CA

The best time to visit Anderson Valley is from spring through fall (April to October), when the weather is warm, vineyards are vibrant, and outdoor events and tastings are in full swing. Fall brings harvest celebrations and colorful vineyard foliage.

How to Get to Anderson Valley, CA

If you are traveling by car: Located off CA-128, Anderson Valley is about 2.5 hours north of San Francisco and 1 hour from the Mendocino coast.
By Air: The nearest major airport is Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS), about 1.5 hours away by car.
By Shuttle: Private wine country tour operators and car services offer transport from Bay Area cities.

Where to Stay in Anderson Valley, CA

Recommended for Families: The Madrones – Elegant suites and family-friendly grounds surrounded by tasting rooms and redwoods.
For Couples: Boonville Hotel & Restaurant – A romantic and rustic inn with garden views and seasonal farm-to-table dining.
For a Boutique Stay: The Brambles – Upscale glamping and cabins in the redwoods with stylish design and natural serenity.

Best Things to Do in Anderson Valley, CA

1. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Rating: ★★★★★

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Where are the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens located?
- The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are situated between Highway 1 and the Pacific coast, in former homestead territory.
What is the history of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens?
- In 1893, David and Sarah Parish built their farmhouse on their allotment with the intention of raising potatoes and peas.
What is the Conservation and Education Center?
- The original Parish farmhouse has been refurbished and is now the Conservation and Education Center.
What plant collections are featured at the gardens?
- Among the collections in the gardens are:
  - Roses
  - Magnolias
  - Mushrooms
  - Heathers
  - Succulents
Are there guided tours available?
- Yes, docent-led walks take place all year round.
Are plants available for purchase?
- Yes, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plants are sold at the nursery and during the spring and autumn plant sales.
What can visitors find at the Garden Shop?
- The Garden Shop sells gifts, books, and garden accessories.
Is there a restaurant on-site?
- Yes, but the restaurant is open in summer only.
Where are the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens located?
- 18220 North Highway, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, Phone: 707-964-4352

2. Anderson Valley Historical Museum

Anderson Valley Historical Museum

What is the Anderson Valley Historical Museum?
- The Anderson Valley Historical Museum is located half a mile from Boonville and showcases exhibits in four historic buildings depicting Native American heritage and the daily lives of early settlers.
What is the history of the Little Red Schoolhouse?
- The Little Red Schoolhouse was in operation from 1891 to 1979.
What economic activities are highlighted in the museum?
- The museum highlights the area's economic activities, including:
  - Farming
  - Ranching
  - The lumber industry
  - Fruit growing
What is Boontling?
- The museum explains Boontling, which is Anderson Valley's own language.
What items are available for purchase at the museum shop?
- The shop sells:
  - Books about the valley
  - Prints
  - Branded apparel
  - Bags
How does the museum participate in the Boonville Beer Festival?
- Museum staff participate in the Boonville Beer Festival, handing out mementos and free water and soda.
Where is the Anderson Valley Historical Museum located?
- 12340 Hwy 128, Boonville, CA, Phone: 707-895-3207

3. Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile

Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile

What is Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile?
- In the fall of 2005, the owners of The Apple Farm joined forces with Sandy Mailliard to open this general store.
What was the purpose of opening the store?
- The store was intended to be a gathering place and a showcase of local talent and resources, including repurposed materials.
What products are available at Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile?
- The store offers:
  - Luxuries for the home
  - Jewelry
  - Art that reflects the history, traditions, and craftsmanship of the area
  - Collectibles from the region and around the world
Where is the store located?
- It is housed in the old Farrer building across the street from the Boonville Hotel.
Where is Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile located?
- Bates & Mailliard Farmhouse Mercantile, 14111 Hwy 128, Boonville, CA, Phone: 707-895-3996

4. The Madrones

The Madrones

What is The Madrones?
- The The Madrones is an Italianate complex near Philo that was originally a design center and creative think tank.
What architectural features does The Madrones have?
- The cloistered rural homestead features courtyards, arcades, and a kitchen garden. It has received awards for architectural design.
What wineries have tasting rooms at The Madrones?
- There are three distinctly different tasting rooms on the property, representing:
  - Drew
  - Smith-Story
  - Long Meadow Ranch wineries
What can visitors find at The Madrones shop?
- The shop sells:
  - Antiques
  - Stationery
  - Curios
  - Gift items
What accommodation options are available at The Madrones?
- The Madrones offers a range of overnight accommodations, including:
  - Family suites
  - Cabins among the redwoods
- Guests must stay for a minimum of two nights.
Are there any special events at The Madrones?
- A schedule of garden tours and artisan workshops is advertised locally.
Where is The Madrones located?
- 9000 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466, Phone: 707-895-2955

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

5. Ford House Museum & Visitor Center

Ford House Museum & Visitor Center

What is the Ford House Museum & Visitor Center?
- The Ford House Museum & Visitor Center is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and serves as the Information Center for the Mendocino Headlands State Park.
Who built the Ford House?
- The house was built in 1854 by Jerome Ford for his bride, Martha.
What was Jerome Ford’s role in Mendocino?
- He was the superintendent of the first mill in the area and is thought to be a founder of Mendocino.
Where is the Ford House Museum located?
- It is situated on the main street of Mendocino.
What are the exhibits at the Ford House Museum?
- The museum houses several exhibits, including:
  - A scale model of Mendocino, circa 1890
  - Artifacts belonging to the Pomo Indians
  - Tools used in the logging trade
  - Seasonal displays depicting the wildlife and mushrooms found in the area
Where is the Ford House Museum & Visitor Center located?
- 45035 Main Street, Mendocino, Phone: 707-937-5397

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

6. Goldeneye Winery, Anderson Valley

Goldeneye Winery, Anderson Valley

What is the history of the Duckhorn family as winemakers?
- The Duckhorn family has a long history as winemakers, achieving success in the 1980s with Bordeaux varieties.
Why did the Duckhorn family choose the Anderson Valley for Pinot Noir?
- In the 1990s, they sought to expand their range to include Pinot Noir wines and chose the Anderson Valley due to its cooling coastal fogs and clay soil.
What property did they acquire?
- They purchased an 80-acre ranch, planted 12 acres of vineyard, and established a small winery.
How much wine does the vineyard produce?
- The vineyard produces 7 tons of grapes annually, yielding enough for 375 cases of wine.
What other wines do the Duckhorns produce?
- In addition to Pinot Noir, they also produce:
  - Gewürztraminer
  - Pinot Gris
  - Brut Rosé
What tasting experiences are available at Goldeneye Winery?
- Tastings at Goldeneye Winery can be paired with food, or on occasion, with caviar.
What special events does Goldeneye Winery host?
- Special events include Harvest Dinners and international wine-tasting tours.
Where is Goldeneye Winery located?
- 9200 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466, Phone: 866-367-9945

7. Hendy Woods State Park

Hendy Woods State Park

What are the main redwood groves in Hendy Woods State Park?
- There are two groves of towering redwoods in the park: Big Hendy and Little Hendy.
How tall and old are the redwood trees in Hendy Woods?
- Many of the trees are over 300 feet tall and estimated to be more than 1000 years old.
What trails are available in Hendy Woods State Park?
- There are five miles of trails through fern-filled forests and riverside meadows.
- The Discovery Trail is 0.6 miles long and is wheelchair accessible.
- The Hermit Trail passes some of the makeshift shelters used by a Russian immigrant who inhabited the area for 18 years. One of his homes was inside a downed redwood.
What seasonal activities are popular in Hendy Woods State Park?
- Swimming is popular in the summer.
- Canoeing and kayaking are best in late winter and early spring.
Where is Hendy Woods State Park located?
- 18599 Philo Greenwood Rd, Philo, CA 95466, Phone: 707-895-3141
- Hendy Woods State Park Website

8. Kayak Mendocino

Kayak Mendocino

What is Kayak Mendocino?
- Kayak Mendocino specializes in sea cave tours by kayak along the Mendocino coast.
How often do the sea cave tours operate?
- Tours operate twice daily, entering narrow coves and two dark chambers.
What natural features can be seen during the tour?
- The tours offer views of spectacular towering sandstone cliffs.
Are the tours suitable for all ages and skill levels?
- Yes, the tours are suitable for all ages and skill levels.
What does the overnight tour include?
- The overnight tour includes:
  - Starry nights
  - Camping for a night or more on secluded beaches
  - Dinner
  - Continental breakfast
What other excursions does Kayak Mendocino offer?
- The company also offers stand-up paddling excursions on the Albion River.
Where is Kayak Mendocino located?
- Van Damme Beach State Park CA-1, Little River, CA 95456, Phone: 707-813-7117

9. Kelley House Museum

Kelley House Museum

Who lived in the Kelley House?
- William Henry Kelley, his wife Elizabeth, and their four children occupied this house in the latter half of the 19th century.
What features does the Kelley House have?
- The house has an ocean view and period furniture dating back to the late 1800s.
- The three upstairs rooms are furnished and decorated as they were when the Kelleys lived there.
What historical event is featured at the Kelley House Museum?
- The story of the Frolic shipwreck, the most significant shipwreck on the west coast, is told here.
What other exhibits are displayed at the Kelley House Museum?
- Other exhibits include:
  - 'Then and Now' photographs
  - History of the local Native Americans
Are tours available at the museum?
- Yes, guided tours of the museum and the town of Mendocino are available.
- Visitors can also rent a tablet and do a self-guided tour.
Where is the Kelley House Museum located?
- 45007 Albion Street, Mendocino, CA 95460, Phone: 707-937-5791
- Kelley House Museum Website