What to Wear in Mendocino, California: Everything I Packed and Recommend (2023)

October 8, 2023 by jordangassner

What to Wear In Mendocino:

Everything I Packed

and Recommend

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Nestled atop the rugged Northern California coast lies a picturesque haven where the Pacific Ocean crashes against towering cliffs and around which majestic redwoods stand tall in the whispering fog: Mendocino. This charming town is one of my favorite retreats, being full of historic Victorian homes, quaint boutiques, and cozy restaurants. I recently revisited Mendocino and having been swept away by its charm once again, I’m excited to reveal the looks that accompanied my adventure and steer you towards my ideal packing list for this coastal oasis.

what to wear in mendocino

Everything I Wore

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking over her shoulder and smiling along the cliffside in front of the town of Mendocino, California

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner sitting on a plaid blanket enjoying a picnic along the coast in Jug Handle State Natural Reserve near Mendocino, California

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner smiling and adjusting her baseball cap on top of the cliffside in front of the town of Mendocino, California

Pictured: Banana Republic Factory Sweater, Madewell Jeans (Similar), Bernardo Jacket, LA Dodgers Hat, Franco Sarto Flats, Madewell Bandana (Similar), Plaid Scarf (Similar), Brown Bag (Similar)

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner walking alongside a fallen redwood in Hendy Woods State Park in Mendocino County in California

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking up and smiling at the redwoods inside Hendy Woods State Park in Mendocino County

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner smiling while walking alongside a fallen redwood in Hendy Woods State Park in Mendocino County

Pictured: White Tank Top, Black Leggings (Similar), Bernardo Jacket, Adidas Duramo Sneakers

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner screwing a lid on a thermos the Russian Gulch State Park Bridge near the Mendocino Coast in California

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner sitting on a bench overlooking the Russian Gulch State Park Bridge near the Mendocino Coast in California, USA

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner drinking apple cider from a thermos in Russian Gulch State Park Bridge near the Mendocino Coast

Pictured: MISA Los Angeles Dress, Nordstrom BP Peacoat (Similar – 1, 2), Miz Mooz Boots (Similar), Madewell Bandana (Similar), Plaid Scarf (Similar), Wide Brim Hat (Similar), Brown Bag (Similar)

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking over her shoulder and smiling at the Philo Apple Farm in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley

What To Wear in Mendocino: Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner picking apples to take home at Philo Apple Farm in Mendocino County, California

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner moving her hair out of her face while exploring Philo Apple Farm in Mendocino County, California

Pictured: Ulla Johnson Dress (Rent), Miz Mooz Boots (Similar)

what to wear in mendocino

Packing List

Lightweight Casual Top

Mendocino’s weather can be fickle. Bring 1-2 options to wear alone in warmer seasons or layer under jackets when the cold arrives.

Long Dress or Skirt

Pack 1-2 long dresses or skirts that are easy-to-wear along the breezy coast and comfortable to layer or wear solo as the weather changes.

Warm Sweater

Can be separate from or mix-and-matched with lighter tops for exploring around town.

Workout Tank Top

Bring a sweat-wicking top for long outdoor activities around Mendocino.

Pair of Jeans

1 Pair of Comfortable Jeans are great to have on hand for exploring town or taking a day trip to the Anderson Valley.

Pair of Leggings

1-2 Pairs of Leggings for mystic hikes through the redwoods and along the coast.

Warm Peacoat

To layer on when the temperatures drop at night or for early morning exploring.

Sunglasses

Traveling in the summer? Protect your eyes during those ultra-bright days along the coast.

Seasonally-Appropriate Jacket

For unexpectedly misty mornings or evening dinners. An optional piece from late June to early September

Dressy Flats

For perusing the trendy boutiques, delicious restaurants and historic buildings around town.

Athletic Sneakers

To keep your feet happy while hiking the coastal redwoods.

Vintage-Inspired Lace-Up Boots

An in-between option for those who want both comfort and elegance.

Plaid Blanket Scarf

To wrap around you during chilly mornings and lay out a picnic on in warmer afternoon weather.

Wool Hat

To protect your hair from the coastal wind and sun while exploring around town.

Baseball Cap

Protect your scalp and hair from the sun with a practical hat while exploring the outdoors.

Bandana

A fun and practical accessory to wear during outdoor excursions.

Thermos

With ample nature hikes and picnic opportunities, don’t forget to bring a thermos to keep your warm or cold drinks the perfect temperature.

Large Tote

Bring a large tote bag or backpack to hold any hiking and/or picnic essentials.

These are the core wardrobe pieces I recommend based on my own weekend travels to Mendocino. This guide is simply meant to be a starting point to help you determine what to pack. Please remember that what’s best for you will ultimately depend on your travel style and trip duration.