Mendocino is an unincorporated community in Mendocino County, California, United States. The name comes from Cape Mendocino 85 miles (137 km) to the north, named by early Spanish navigators in honor of Antonio de Mendoza, Viceroy of New Spain. Despite its small size, the town's scenic location on a headland surrounded by the Pacific Ocean has made it extremely popular as an artists' colony and with vacationers.
Mendocino, California
Antonio de Mendoza, the namesake of Mendocino
View of Mendocino from the northwest, with the Mendocino Music Festival tent to the right
Jug Handle Creek bridge 5 miles (8 km) north of Mendocino
Antonio de Mendoza was a Spanish colonial administrator who was the first viceroy of New Spain, serving from 14 November 1535 to 25 November 1550, and the second viceroy of Peru, from 23 September 1551, until his death on 21 July 1552.
Antonio de Mendoza