Nicholson House | Every Stay Gives Back



Total Positive Impact To Date | Membership Since April 2024

$ 10

will go towards funding informational materials for guided interpretive walks including whale walks, wild flowers, mushrooms and more.

100 %

donated to MendoParks

$ 1

dollar per night goes to MendoParks

Charity MIssion

Support Mendocino Coast’s State Parks by contributing financial and volunteer support to various projects and educational programs.  

 

Why is it important?

In 1984, several local park rangers were concerned that funding was being cut for educational programing in local state parks. To ensure that quality educational programming would continue, they set out to establish what is now known as the Mendocino Area Parks Association MAPA (now called MendoParks).  They established MendoParks’ basic premise: “Appreciation, through Education, leads to Preservation.” Today, MendoParks stands as a devoted guardian of Mendocino County’s coastal state parks, ensuring that their wild beauty, cultural heritage, and ecological vitality remain accessible for all. As the nonprofit partner to the California State Parks in the Mendocino sector, MendoParks works to enrich the visitor experience through education, volunteer programs, and cultural events that foster a deeper connection between people and place. From preserving redwood groves and coastal bluffs to supporting environmental education for local youth, their mission ensures that these natural treasures endure for generations. With every trail maintained, history interpreted, and beach protected, MendoParks helps weave a story of stewardship, sustainability, and shared wonder along one of California’s most breathtaking coastlines.

 

How do they do it?

MendoParks brings its mission to life by championing the natural and cultural richness of Mendocino County’s coastal state parks through immersive education, hands-on stewardship, and community-driven programs. MendoParks curates experiences that inspire visitors and locals alike to become caretakers of the land. Through some of their engaging junior programs, students are introduced to the magic of local ecosystems, cultivating a generation of conservation-minded youth. MendoParks transforms parks into outdoor classrooms with free interpretive talks, guided hikes, and family-friendly activities that deepen understanding of native habitats, wildlife, and indigenous heritage. MendoParks also spearheads vital preservation work that helps protect fragile bluffs and shorelines from erosion and overuse, while enhancing accessibility for all visitors. MendoParks makes it easy to fall in love with Mendocino’s wild coast and makes it even easier to protect it.


 

 

 

How you can #TravelKindly:

  • Reserve a stay at Nicholson House, where every stay gives back. Each stay includes a donation to MendoParks. Reserve Now
  • Kind Travelers are encouraged to join MendoParks’ various coastal cleanup efforts and coastal events held throughout the year
  • Be sure to check out the free State Park experiences including guided hikes and walks also included in the event calendar. Find their list of State Parks here.
  • Contribute your time and talents in gratifying ways and be rewarded with meeting new friends while having fun with their volunteer opportunities. These include Docent opportunities at their five State Park  Visitor Centers for the shoulder and winter seasons, and fundraising events including the yearly Mendocino Mushroom & Wine Train each fall.

About Nicholson House

Nestled in the heart of Mendocino Village, the Nicholson House is a lovingly restored Victorian gem that offers guests a luxurious and eco-conscious retreat. Just steps away from the dramatic cliffs and scenic trails of Mendocino Headlands State Park, this boutique inn provides easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing. Each of its nine bespoke rooms features handcrafted furniture, vintage glassware, and opulent crystal chandeliers, complemented by modern amenities like heated tile floors and contactless check-in. Guests can indulge in exquisite local dining at the adjacent Café Beaujolais or enjoy casual fare at the Brickery wood-fired pizza garden. Demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship, Nicholson House proudly supports MendoParks, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving Mendocino County's coastal state parks through education and conservation initiatives. By choosing to stay at Nicholson House, visitors not only enjoy a charming retreat but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and celebrate the natural beauty of the Mendocino coastline.

Learn more about the partners

Nicholson House MendoPark