Philo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

North Coast California
Philo showing farmland, tranquil scenes and landscape views
North Coast California
North Coast California
North Coast California

Discover the best of California’s Anderson Valley wine region, bordered by the Pacific Coast to the west and Mendocino National Forest to the east.

Trees far outnumber people in Philo, a tiny census-designated place in Mendocino County. With a population that doesn’t exceed 500, nature takes center stage here. Discover lush forests and equally lush vineyards in Philo and the surrounding area.

Find Philo in the heart of the Anderson Valley. In the past, it was a redwood logging community full of timber cutting and saw mills. Today, the land is mostly filled with vineyards. Critics all over the world consistently laud Anderson Valley’s wine.

Learn about the history of the area at the Little Red Schoolhouse, run by the Anderson Valley Historical Society. Step back in time as you tour exhibits in the 1891-era schoolhouse. Learn about Boontling, the unique local folk language that was once widely spoken throughout the valley.

Walk among the redwoods in Hendy Woods State Park. Be prepared to feel dwarfed as you surround yourself by trees that are over 300 feet (90 meters) tall and over 1,000 years old. Explore 5 miles (8 kilometers) of woodland trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Discovery Trail.

Indian Creek meets the Navarro River in Philo. Follow the Navarro River all the way to where it spills into the Pacific Ocean or go rafting and kayaking upstream of Rancheria Creek. On the southern shore of Indian Creek, relax in Indian Creek Park. Build a campfire and sleep under the stars in one of its many campsites.

No trip to Philo is complete without a visit to Navarro Vineyards and WineryOpens in a new window, a crown jewel among the Anderson Valley’s many vineyards. Taste some of its famous vintages or tour its rolling vineyards. Learn all about the varieties of grapes produced in the region. Understand the vineyard’s environmentally conscious practices and enjoy lunch, with rolling fields as your backdrop.

Cornelius Prather founded Philo in 1863. It was named after Philomena, his favorite cousin. Between whimsical facts like this, stunning natural surroundings and delightful vineyards, Philo will surprise you at every turn.

Anderson Valley Inn

Anderson Valley Inn

2 out of 5
8480 CA-128, Philo, CA
Stay at this hotel in Philo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Scharffenberger Cellars and Toulouse Vineyards are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (12 reviews)
"Super adorable cottage surrounded by beautiful trees. Self check in was easy, room was spotless. Room and bath is a little on the small size but we didn’t mind it. I would love to stay here again."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Anderson Valley Inn
Harbor Lite Lodge

Harbor Lite Lodge

2.5 out of 5
120 N Harbor Dr, Fort Bragg, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp4.081.110 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp4.081.110
Rp4.701.234 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach motel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a conference centre and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,250 reviews)
"The view from our room and balcony was terrific! Unfortunately (and there's nothing the facility can do about it), the road noise from the bridge and the periodic hooting of a foghorn are very prominent when the sliding window is open. The window provides good sound-proofing, but since there's no ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Harbor Lite Lodge
Surf Motel and Gardens

Surf Motel and Gardens

2.5 out of 5
1220 South Main Street, Fort Bragg, CA
The price is Rp1.507.880 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp1.507.880
Rp1.734.062 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Fort Bragg. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Very nice gardens. Staff helpful and clean rooms."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Surf Motel and Gardens
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mendo Bungalow

Mendo Bungalow

3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Mendocino. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (178 reviews)
"Renovated property just outside of Mendocino. Very friendly and helpful people at the front desk who were more than willing to accommodate our requests for extra coffee, towels etc. Property consists of a group of buildings each with 2-3 rooms; looks like most of the rooms have been recently renovated ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Mendo Bungalow
Cottages at Little River Cove

Cottages at Little River Cove

3 out of 5
7533 California 1, Little River, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Little River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Van Damme State Park and Big River are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"Good communication. Be sure and ask for additional towels if staying more than a night or two."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Cottages at Little River Cove
Sweetwater Inn and Spa

Sweetwater Inn and Spa

3.5 out of 5
44840 Main Street, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly cabin in Mendocino. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a sauna. Popular attractions Kelley House Museum and Ford House ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (129 reviews)
"Very clean, accommodating! Loved the town and surroundings!"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Sweetwater Inn and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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