The Mendocino Coast is reached by one of several routes that take off from Highway 101, one of the main north/south routes in California.

From the south: Take Highway 101 to Cloverdale, take the third exit to Highway 128; Highway 128 meets Highway 1 at the Navarro River bridge. Take Highway 1 north through Mendocino, 10 miles to Fort Bragg. Crossing the Noyo bridge past the fourth traffic light you will enter "old" Fort Bragg. Turn right at Laurel Street (5th traffic light) and then right again at the first intersection (Franklin Street).

From the north: take either the Leggett Road (very windy) or Highway 20.  If taking the Leggett Road (Highway 1) you will enter Fort Bragg crossing the bridge at Pudding Creek. At the second traffic light (Laurel Street) turn left and follow directions above. If taking Highway 20, when coming to the intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 1 (end of Highway 20) turn right and follow directions from crossing the Noyo bridge.