If you visit Mendocino in the winter or early spring, you will probably see a rainy day or two. Romantic, rainswept days are the perfect time to explore the area’s museums, starting with Mendocino’s “house” museums, the Ford House, Guest House, and Kelley House, giving you a glimpse of what life was like here when the quaint village of Mendocino was first founded.

Jump on the world-famous Skunk Train for a ride through pristine redwoods that have never been logged and look the same as they did a century ago, or hike in the cathedral-like Montgomery Woods, where the canopy of the towering trees will protect you from the weather.

Stop in at the Mendocino Art Center to admire the local art on display or take a lesson, or shop in some of the area’s delightful boutiques, like Out of This World with its out of this world view of the ocean.

The ocean has a particular beauty on stormy days, with high, foamy waves crashing against the black rocks of the coast, the water slate blue or deep lavender. But it might be best enjoyed from inside, perhaps curled up in one of Gallery Bookshop’s comfortable window seats with a good book or from a seat at Dick’s Place, a welcome port in any storm.