View from highway - Welcome to Mendocino highway sign Community of Mendocino California, established 1852.Mendocino's history dates back to California Gold Rush days. Access to Mendocino Headlands State Day Park - West of highway. The park features grass-covered headlands and a beach, with access from the mouth of the Big River south of town. California Pacific Coast Highway This coastal highway winds along some of the most spectacular ocean views in the U.S. The highway contains countless examples of the many intrinsic qualities that make a highway a National Scenic Byway--qualities like perfect views of ocean waves breaking on rocky shorelines and cliffs, dozens of historical landmarks like Spanish Missions and Spanish settlements.