18 Best Things to Do in Ukiah, California

By VacationIdea Staff on March 6, 2023 - Updated

City of Ukiah

Explore the many wonders of California right from Mendocino County’s beautiful city of Ukiah. Attractions include Montgomery Woods State Reserve, Lake Mendocino, The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, the Grace Hudson Museum, and the Mendocino Tree, which is the 11th tallest tree in the world.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Montgomery Woods State Reserve

The Montgomery Woods State Reserve was established in 1945 and spans nearly 1,323 acres. People once believed that the trees in this majestic woodland were the tallest in the world, specifically a remarkable redwood which towers at 367.5 feet. Though it’s been proven otherwise, the reserve is still home to some towering groves of coast redwoods. Visitors can explore the gorgeous surrounding via the two-mile-long loop trail which can take less than two hours to complete. Amenities that can be found along the way include shaded picnic areas, interpretive panels along the way, restrooms, and a parking area.

15825 Orr Springs Road, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-937-5804

2.Simaine Cellars

Situated amidst Northern California’s beautiful Redwood Forest, Simaine Cellars is a family-owned winery that produces delicious handcrafted wines. The winery was established in 2004 and is a unique destination to explore while in the area. You’re sure to be treated like a member of the family when you stop by; your experience will include meeting the owners who also double as the winemakers and managers and trying their wines which are served straight out of the barrel. You can pair your glass of wine with a number of cheese platters and finger foods that go perfectly with it. Additionally, a visit to Simaine Cellars will give you the chance to browse the beautiful jewelry that is created by one of the owners, Brenda Simon.

3001 South State Street #42, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-462-6300

3.Parducci Wine Cellars

Boasting of more than 85 years of tradition and crafting amazing wines, Parducci Wine Cellars is a must-visit if you’re planning on exploring Ukiah’s wine scene. It is the longest-running winery in Mendocino County and is a cornerstone of California winemaking. They’re renowned for producing excellent petite sirah that is bold, focused, and authentic. Other award-winning craft wines include the True Grit RESERVE Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their tasting room has been called “excellent” by the San Francisco Chronicle and is mentioned in Wine Enthusiast’s list of ‘11 Spots to Sip Wine and Soak Up Fall Views’. Go on a historic 30-minute guided tour through the Redwood Barrel Room and their wine-aging cellar to get a behind-the-scenes view of this legendary vineyard and winery.

501 Parducci Road, Ukiah, CA 95481, Phone: 800-362-9463

4.Grace Hudson Museum, Ukiah, CA

Identified as a California Historical Landmark and on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Grace Hudson Museum is dedicated to American painter Grace Carpenter Hudson, whose artistic career was highlighted by her series of paintings of the Pomo Indians. The museum, as well as the adjacent Sun House where Hudson and her husband lived until they passed, are a dedication to her life and work. The Ivan B. and Elvira Hart Gallery is filled with numerous watercolors, oils, pen and ink drawings, and more which chronicle Hudson’s professional development. The Norma and Evert Person Gallery is more personal and has several intimate belongings of Hudson and her family.

431 South Main Street, Ukiah, CA 95482

5.The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas

The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is the largest Buddhist monastic community in the United States. It was founded in 1974 by Hsuan Hua, a monk of Chan Buddhism who was vital in introducing Chinese Buddhism to the United States. Though you can stay there for extended visits to attend dharma sessions and meditate, day visitors are invited to explore the many points of interest within the complex. Sites that you should see include the Jeweled Hall of 10,000 Buddhas where the walls are adorned with over 10,000 images of the Buddha, the Hall of No Words that contains relics of the Buddha, and the Wonderful Words Hall which is the site for daily gatherings and lectures.

4951 Bodhi Way, Ukiah, CA 95482

6.Things to Do in Ukiah, California: RIVINO Winery

Located beside the Russian River in Mendocino County, RIVINO is a boutique winery that transforms grapes to wines using an intricate process that has been perfected over the years. RIVINO plays a role at every step, from the beginning of harvest to the end of bottling. The family winery handcrafts all of their wines with their very own grapes, letting them have complete control in the wine making process. Their wine list is endless, featuring patron favorites such as Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Portia Scarlet, Amber Lux, Tiger Juice, and Boujee Blanc De Blancs.

4101 Cox Schrader Road, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-293-4262

7.Things to Do in Ukiah, California: Lake Mendocino

With a surface area of 1,922 acres and a maximum depth of 133 feet, Lake Mendocino is one of Ukiah’s largest reservoirs. The body of water was formed in 1958 by the construction of the Coyote Valley Dam. Visitors of all ages can enjoy several recreational activities at the lake and the surrounding area including hiking, camping, fishing, water skiing, boating, and disc golf. Amenities which will make your stay more pleasant include several hiking trails, designated picnic areas, two boat ramps, and over 300 campsites, including boat-in only sites. In addition to the fun aspect, the lake also serves several other purposes for the surrounding community including flood control, hydroelectric power, and water conservation.

8.The Mendocino Tree, Ukiah, CA

Towering at 368.37 feet, the Mendocino Tree is the 11th tallest tree in the world. Getting to the tree involves an easy, twenty-minute hike from the parking lot. At less than a mile each way, you’ll pass through much of the area’s diverse flora and fauna getting to the tree. Once there, you’ll be stunned by the gorgeous sight before you. The coast redwood is magnificent, and just to give you a little comparison, the tree is a whole five stories taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York. Surrounded by one of the last three redwood tree forests in the world, the entire experience will leave you in awe. Be sure to also visit other famous redwoods nearby such as the Norman J. Hendry and the Montgomery Giant.

Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve: 15825 Orr Springs Road, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-937-5804

9.World's Largest Redwood Tree Service Station

In the 1930s there was a spike of ancient wood service stations and the Redwood Tree Service Station in Ukiah happens to be the largest in the world. The service station was constructed using a 1,500-year-old tree from a nearby coastal redwood forest. This tree was 250 feet tall and 81 feet in circumference before it was chopped down in 1936 and transported to the town to be assembled into a service station that locals lovingly call “the Stump”. Though it no longer dispenses gas, it is a popular tourist attraction and houses a small self-guided museum. Visitors will be able to see the vintage pumps under its canopy, old oil cans, assorted signs, an old cash register, historical photographs and newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia.

10.Ukiah Farmers’ Market

The Ukiah Farmers’ Market was created by local farmers in 1977. They gathered every Saturday morning, rain or shine, to share their locally grown produce with the residents and visitors of the community. The tradition continues today, and though it is one of the largest farmer’s markets in the county, there’s a sense of family and community. You’ll find that everyone knows each other, and the market almost resembles a family reunion. In addition to buying delicious, wholesome produce, the market has expanded over the years and houses vendors from the coast who bring fresh seafood to Ukiah. There are many activities and events held there throughout the year including musical performances and other acts - you can enjoy these along with freshly-baked pastries and refreshing beverages every Saturday morning in Ukiah.

735 Vichy Hills Drive, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-462-7377

11.Art Center Ukiah, Ukiah, California

Art Center is a non-profit organization that is completely operated by volunteers. It is a part of the Corner Gallery Ukiah, which is an artist cooperative that brings together many creative people in a shared space in one of the downtown area’s beautiful buildings. The center works to let artists have a peaceful place for their art while also being able to put public art shows for the community’s residents and visitors. There are less than twenty Member Artists all creating various styles of art. There are several events in which you can experience their art; the center hosts an Art Walk every first Friday of the month and features different member and guest artists.

201 South State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-462-1400

12.Things to Do in Ukiah, California: Low Gap Park

Low Gap is an 80-acre park that can be found in the west hills of Ukiah. Prior to being established as a designated park in 1964, the land was used for multiple purposes including a dump, a lumber mill, and a millworkers’ housing development. You can still see remnants of its use as the former two in certain areas around the park. Today, there are many features and facilities to ensure you have a pleasant visit. These include a disc golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds, designated picnic areas, horseshoe pits, an archery range, a fenced dog park, restrooms, and much more. Low Gap Park is also home to an amphitheater which is used to host plays, concerts, and other performances throughout the year.

Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-234-6050

13.Observatory Park, Ukiah, CA

Observatory Park is a unique park that can be found nestled into the community. It’s a wonderful place for visitors of all ages to relax, play, learn, and discover. You can go on tours of the observatory or participate in one of the many interesting and educational events which are hosted at the park. It’s a wonderful place to get together with family and friends and play a game of soccer or football. You can also spend your time there exploring the lovely gardens that are scattered throughout the two-and-a-half acre property. For those of you with furry family members, bring them along as Observatory Park is pet friendly.

400 Observatory Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482

14.The Ukiah Municipal Swimming Pool

The Ukiah Municipal Swimming Pool is a wonderful place to cool off on a hot summer day. It’s open to the public seasonally and is a great place for the community to come together, splash around, and just have fun with friends and family. You can get a day pass or a seasonal pass, which is handy if you’re planning on staying in Ukiah for an extended period of time. There are designated lap swim lanes, kickboards, and pull buoys available for lap swimming. There are swimming lessons available for swimmers of all ages and skill levels six months old and up. Additional recreational classes such as Splash Dance Aqua Aerobics, Senior Aqua Aerobics, and Senior Water Exercise Classes are also available.

511 Park Blvd., Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-467-2831

15.Schat's Bakery

Schat’s Bakery follows a simple philosophy: offer superb service along with consistent, quality products that make the patron happy - and that is what they’ve been doing since the Schat family opened their first bakery in the United States in 1991. Really, the family’s history with baking goes well back to 1893 in their roots in Holland. The family, who now owns three bakeries in Ukiah, has become a neighborhood staple. Customers come day after day in search of delicious baked goods such as breads made with 100% organic flours, stunning cakes, and mouthwatering breakfast and lunch entrees. Their homemade quiche is made fresh daily and should not be missed.

Courthouse Bakery & Cafe: 113 W. Perkins Street, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-462-1670

Friedman Bros. Bakery & Cafe: 1255 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-468-5850

Mendocino College Schat’s Cafe: 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-468-3145

16.Patrona Restaurant and Lounge

Located in the heart of beautiful Ukiah, the Patrona Restaurant and Lounge is a family-run business that is housed in a historical building which has served the community as a grocery store for many years before it became the home of Patrona. The atmosphere is incredibly warm and friendly: the brick walls reflect the soft lighting, tables are topped with crafts by local artisans, and the staff is always smiling. The menu at Patrona is constantly changing based on what is in season and what is freshly available for that day, ensuring that patrons get a delicious meal that’s never frozen or prepared well in advance. Pair your meal with one of their many popular hand-crafted cocktails or a drink from their large selection of organic liquors.

130 W. Standley Street, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-462-9181

17.Stan's Maple Cafe, Ukiah, California

A Ukiah tradition since 1922, Stan’s Maple Cafe started by serving the community with ice cream and candy as ‘The Redwood Empire Confectionary’. Over the years, it transformed into a cafe and cocktail lounge with a new name to reflect it. Local residents and visiting passers-by stop by the cafe for an enjoyable experience and a delicious meal. Their menu includes several breakfast and lunch options that will please even the most particular palate. Choose from house specialties such as huevos rancheros, a breakfast quesadilla, their delicious buttermilk biscuits covered in sausage gravy, old fashioned oatmeal with brown sugar, triple-decker club sandwiches, grilled tuna melt, and their build-your-own-burger.

295 South State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-462-5221

18.Nelson Family Vineyards, Ukiah, California

Nelson Family Vineyards has been farming attractive and stunning vineyards for over 60 years. Within it, you’ll find a number of sections dedicated to olive gardens, Bartlett pears, plum orchards, and live Christmas trees. You can find their tasting room in the Upper Russian River Valley; there’s a short trail walk to get to the tasting room from the parking lot. That in itself is an incomparable experience as you’ll find yourself surrounded by hummingbirds, finches, buzzing bees, wildflowers, and a number of other flora and fauna. The tasting room is intimate and friendly, and the professional and well-informed staff are more than happy to talk to you about the history of the vineyard and introduce you to their array of wines.

550 Nelson Ranch Road, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-461-3755