Best Inns in Mendocino: The Magical Mendocino Coast
Planning a trip to the magical Mendocino Coast? If so, you’ll need this list of the “Best Inns in Mendocino!” Not only does it list the best places to stay in Mendocino, California, it will also help you find the best Mendocino lodging for you.
Whether you’re looking for the best Mendocino inn on the beach, the best Mendocino resort for sports, or the best vegan hotel in Mendocino, we’ve got you covered. The coziest Mendocino bed and breakfast, the most convivial inn in Mendocino, or the Mendocino hotel with the most jaw-dropping scenery? You’ll find them all below too.
As you might expect, because I’m all about the food, all of our picks for best hotels on the Mendocino Coast have fabulous cuisine! From in-room breakfast delivery to some of the best restaurants in Mendocino, food is not an afterthought at any of our choices.
And because the stunning coastline is a key ingredient in what makes the Mendocino Coast magical, each Mendocino inn on our list has gorgeous views.
Is the Mendocino Coast really magical? Yes! My husband Michael and I just returned from a 2-week stay in Mendocino, and “magical” was the one word we kept hearing over and over as we talked to the many locals we met. Now we believe in the magic too!
View of the Mendocino Coast just outside of Elk, California
Why should you visit the Mendocino Coast?
With 90+ miles of breathtaking coastline, Mendocino County offers one of the most romantic getaways in Northern California for couples. And since I love it, you know it’s a fantastic foodie destination too!
Just a 3-hour drive from San Francisco, Mendocino offers the perfect weekend escape to get away from it all. But there’s so much to explore on the Mendocino Coast, you can easily spend a week or two like we did.
In fact, because of the diversity in the scenery and the quaint towns of Mendocino County, California, you may consider staying in more than one of the Mendocino inns on our list. After all, each one has something special to offer. You can even sneak in a day trip to the Anderson Valley wineries.
A Mendocino visit can be full of outdoor activities, spa days, wine tasting, or just relaxing and admiring the dramatic vistas. Popular things to do in the county of Mendocino include touring the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens; visiting such popular state parks as Mendocino Headlands State Park, Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, and Van Damme State Park; checking out Glass Beach and the Int’l Sea Glass Museum; riding the Skunk Train; whale watching; and strolling through the Victorian village of the Mendocino downtown district.
Of course, if you’re a foodie like me, eating at some of the best Mendocino restaurants is a must, no matter what other activities you partake in.
View of downtown Mendocino from the Mendocino Headlands Trail
The Best Inns in Mendocino
Lodging in Mendocino runs the gamut from budget motels to Mendocino luxury hotels. While all of the Mendocino inns on our list are waaay too nice to be called “budget,” I believe they are all excellent values for what they offer.
The Best Inns in Mendocino, California, are listed from south to north.
Best Beachfront Mendocino Inn: Elk Cove Inn & Spa
Mendocino Coast Location: 6300 S. Highway 1, Elk, CA 95432
Surprisingly few Mendocino Coast hotels have direct beach access, so we were thrilled to find our beachfront winner in the tiny town of Elk. When I say tiny, I mean teeny tiny, like population 208 (no zeros missing) tiny. Yet, this old mill town boasts an art collective, more than one restaurant, and a few shops.
Best Beachfront Mendocino Inn: Elk Cove Inn & Spa
Elk Cove Inn Property & Grounds
This oceanfront bed and breakfast sits on a secluded bluff overlooking a captivating cove beach. That means awesome views and sunsets from so many places on the property, including most of the rooms and the restaurant.
A few steps from our room was the short path to the beach. We passed a huge white egret and a great blue heron as we made our way to the shore. They both seemed to enjoy the peacefulness of their surroundings as much as we did.
In addition to the spectacular ocean views and beach access, the property itself is beautiful. Within the picturesque setting, tall trees surround the inn and lush gardens bloom with a colorful array of flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
The beach at Elk Cove Inn
The Rooms at Elk Cove Inn
The Elk Cove Inn offers cliffside cottages, oceanfront suites, and rooms in its carriage house and craftsman-style mansion, which dates back to 1883.
We stayed in the lovely George Burke suite, complete with a microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, board games, and a large sitting area with comfy chairs and a couch. The bathroom had a Jacuzzi tub and the most luxurious bathrobes ever!
Upon arrival, we received a nice gift basket of snacks and wine, and a small carafe of sherry and chocolates that we enjoyed after dinner.
But of course, the star of the show was the scene out our window and from the Adirondack chairs on our patio where the music of the Pacific Ocean played throughout the day.
If you want to hear the waves crashing as you fall asleep, this is the Mendocino Coast hotel for you!
Pet-friendly rooms are available.
Room with a view at the Mendocino Coast bed and breakfast, Elk Cove Inn
Food at Elk Cove Inn
Like most Mendocino bed and breakfasts, your daily breakfast is included with your stay. However, this is no ordinary breakfast. Choose from a long list of made-to-order items like truffled eggs with assorted muffins and champagne, and your gourmet breakfast will be delivered to your room. Added bonus: more time in that amazing robe!
Likewise, the onsite restaurant, Sibo, which serves delicious French bistro-style fare, is not a typical Mendocino Coast restaurant. Chef Victor Passalacqua and his wife, innkeeper, and sommelier, Melissa, make you feel at home as they share their stories while serving your meal.
Chef Victor puts his own twists on some famous French foods, like tender fall-apart Short Rib Bourguignon, Shrimp sautéed a la Provençale, and Baked Brie with candied walnuts, apples, and honey. I also loved the House Smoked Salmon Platter and the stuffed rabbit special!
The ingredients are local or homegrown whenever possible. Victor and Melissa have a great interest in sustainability. They grow vegetables and herbs, and raise chickens, quail, and rabbits for culinary purposes. Soon, they will welcome goats to their fold and begin making their own cheese too.
Even if you don’t stay at Elk Cove, you can come and enjoy a delightful meal with an ocean view. Their formula pricing makes dinner a terrific value. Reservations are required.
The rabbit special at one of the best Mendocino restaurants, Sibo, at Elk Cove Inn
Amenities & Activities at Elk Cove Inn
I am usually not big on relaxing, but that’s what I felt like doing at Elk Cove when I wasn’t walking on the beach. It’s the kind of place you can look out your window or sit on the porch reading a book and feel like you’ve spent the day in nature. Ending the day with the perfect sunset at the gazebo—priceless.
If you want to maximize the relaxation factor, try a massage, body scrub, or steam sauna treatment at the European day spa located on the ground level of the mansion.
Sunset on the deck of Sibo Restaurant on Mendocino’s coast
Best Mendocino Resort for Sports: Little River Inn
Mendocino Coast Location: 7901 N. Highway One, Little River, CA 95456
Even smaller than Elk, the town of Little River has not much to it: a gas station, post office, restaurant, and market—all in one building. But since it’s just 3 miles from downtown Mendocino, Little River is far from isolated.
Best Mendocino Resort for Sports: Little River Inn
Little River Inn Property & Grounds
Perched on a hill across from the Pacific Ocean, with a sprawling green lawn and well manicured grounds, this Mendocino Coast inn has a country club vibe. But when you enter to check in, you feel like you’ve entered someone’s home—and you have: Little River Inn has been family run for 5 generations.
You can see Van Damme State Beach from most anywhere near the main building. Just a short walk down the hill from this commanding 225 acres of woodland, the beach and Van Damme State Park are both easily accessible. You can even explore the tide pools and the Pygmy Forest in the same day.
View of the cove from the Mallory House property at Little River Inn
The Rooms at Little River Inn
Although the historic main house was built in 1857, all of its rooms have many modern amenities. They vary from room to room, but options include Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, hot tubs, and steam rooms.
The ocean view guest rooms are spread out among numerous buildings on the main property, with a few private cottages on two additional properties across the street.
We stayed in the Hannah Madison Suite in a cottage on the Mallory House property, a hidden gem tucked away on the coast just a few minutes away.
The cottages are set back from an oceanside cliff. Large windows afford sweeping views of the rocky cove from just about anywhere in this spacious 1,000-sqare-foot suite. We had a gas fireplace in the sitting area and a private hot tub on our deck. Deer visited in the late afternoon and a curious seal often swam in the cove.
Pet-friendly rooms are available.
Our bedroom facing the Mendocino Coast at Little River Inn. (There's also a whole sitting room that you can’t see in this photo!)
Food at Little River Inn
More like typical Mendocino hotels, neither breakfast nor dinner are included with your room, but both are available and recommended.
Breakfast options include everything from continental fare to Eggs Benedict, and whatever you select will be delivered to your room. The yummy Swedish pancakes with a side of eggs is enough for two.
This Mendocino resort boasts the Ole Whale Watch Bar, the perfect place for drinks with a view. Just steps away, The Little River Inn Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Mendocino, is a great choice for dinner. We dined outside in the heated patio tent filled with flowers and lights.
Wanting to sample the local black cod, we started with the Smoked Cod Rilettes; they were a big winner. We followed with the Bouillabaisse—local rockfish, scallops, shrimp, and clams in a tasty lobster-saffron broth—and a perfectly cooked Flat Iron Steak Diane. For dessert, the Lemon Custard Tart hit the spot. Reservations recommended.
Flat Iron Steak Diane at Little River Inn Restaurant
Amenities & Activities at Little River Inn
The Little River Inn is home to the only Mendocino Coast golf course! Nature-loving golf enthusiasts will especially appreciate this Audubon-certified 9-hole course with redwood trees, roaming deer, and, of course, ocean views. In front of the driving range, motor carts, pull carts, clubs, and balls are all available to rent.
Tennis players can book one of the two courts at no additional charge for guests. Give your muscles a workout and then relax afterward with a massage or body treatment at the spa.
Hikers have the Van Damme State park next door. Also at the park, kayaks can be rented from Kayak Mendocino to explore the nearby sea caves.
The only golf course on the Mendocino Coast!
Coziest Mendocino Bed & Breakfast: SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm
Mendocino Coast Location: 8205 N. Highway 1, Little River, CA 95456
Although Little River is indeed tiny, it houses not one but two of the inns on our list. Both are scenically situated and only a couple of miles from the town of Mendocino.
Coziest Mendocino Bed & Breakfast: SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm
SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm Property & Grounds
Surrounded on three sides by Van Damme State Park, this Mendocino hotel is nestled within a secluded 15-acre spread. The bucolic setting offers a welcoming mix of beauty, serenity, and charm.
Towering shade trees dot the grounds, which feature a pair of open green pastures where the resident llamas graze at their whim. A chicken coop and large enclosure house the impressive variety of hens who provide the inn with a daily supply of fresh eggs.
A gorgeous garden offers a display of both edible plants and decorative flowers that change with the seasons.
Guests can enjoy ocean views from much of the property.
Pacific Ocean view from our room at the SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm
Rooms at SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm
One of the unique features of this B&B in Mendocino, CA, is that it is an adult-only vacation destination. Accordingly, its 20 rooms offer accommodation only to those 18 years old or above.
The Inn offers 10 rooms spread out among 3 buildings. These include the Farmhouse, built in 1867. Although preserving the charm and history of its past, the Farmhouse offers all the contemporary conveniences one would expect today.
The Lodge also offers 10 rooms, all under the same roof. Each room includes a wood-burning fireplace, flat screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.
We stayed in the Inn’s incredibly comfortable Bayloft Room in the Stevenscroft building. It featured a wood-burning fireplace and a large bay window framing gorgeous views of the garden, the pastures, and the Pacific.
The fireplace came with an Eagle-Scout-grade arrangement of kindling and assorted logs already in place, in need of only a match strike to get things going. The fire burned bright and warm throughout the night.
In our comfortable armchairs in front of the fireplace, we enjoyed our inn-provided complimentary wine and homemade cookies. We swiveled from time to time, alternating between views of the crackling fire and crashing waves. What could be more cozy?
Our room at this cozy Mendocino B&B in Little River
Food at SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm
As is the case for every guest, our complimentary gourmet breakfast was delivered directly to our room every morning.
Choices vary from day to day, but always include fresh-squeezed orange juice with coffee or hot tea; an egg offering spotlighting the hens’ handiwork; a fresh-baked muffin, scone, or other breakfast bread; and a fresh fruit assortment with yogurt or granola.
It was lovely to wake up to a tasty homemade breakfast enjoyed in the comfort of our room while lounging in our plush robes and looking out at our beautiful view of the Mendocino Coast.
Gourmet breakfast delivered to our hotel room
Amenities & Activities at SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm
For those looking to visit Mendocino, the SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm offers a great mix of options. One can choose among exploring, pampering, cocooning, or a blend of all three.
Located between the forest and the ocean, the property offers access to wonderful hikes in Mendocino. Two trailheads across the street lead out on a wooded, flat route that meets up with the cliffs on the edge of the Pacific. There, the trail forks off in two directions so you can enjoy different views of tidal pools, rock formations, and whatever hues of blue the ocean is offering up that day.
Inland, a trail leads from the inn’s backyard out into Van Damme State Park where one can spend hours walking the nature trails while exploring the Pygmy Forest and/or Fern Canyon.
At the Lodge Spa, there is a range of massages on the menu. Everything from Swedish to Deep Tissue to Warm Stone treatments is available. Outdoor hot tubs are another great option for deep relaxation alfresco.
For the homesteaders at heart, front desk reception provides satchels of chicken feed that guests can share with the ever-appreciative hens. Guests can also participate in the feeding of the llamas, which takes place every day at dusk.
SCP Mendocino Inn & Farm llamas ready for a feeding
Most Convivial Inn in Mendocino: Brewery Gulch Inn
Mendocino Coast Location: 9401 N. Highway One, Mendocino, CA 95460
Brewery Gulch Inn is located just a mile south of the town of Mendocino.
Most Convivial Inn in Mendocino: Brewery Gulch Inn
Brewery Gulch Property & Grounds
As we exited Highway One, we started our climb up a twisty road. Almost immediately, the sounds of the cars we’d left behind were muffled by the trees that rose up along with us as we went. When we turned the last corner, wild turkeys sauntered across a clearing. There, perched all alone at the top of a densely wooded hill, was Brewery Gulch Inn.
The impressive, beautiful redwood-shake inn seems at one with its surroundings. This might be because the inn was built from enormous redwoods native to the area. The logs were felled over a hundred years ago and salvaged from the nearby Big River late last century. Redwood beams, posts, doors, and cabinetry crafted from the logs are featured throughout the inn.
Bordering a state forest, the inn is wonderfully secluded. It commands majestic views of Smuggler’s Cove in Mendocino Bay. The tranquil setting is both a wonderful base for exploring the area and an inviting destination in its own right.
Smuggler's Cove, as seen from the deck of Brewery Gulch Inn in Mendocino
Rooms at Brewery Gulch Inn
All but one of the inn’s 11 rooms feature an ocean view. Rooms are furnished with either king or queen beds, although two rooms can be reconfigured as double-twin set-ups. Each room offers a gas fireplace and comfy, leather club chairs from which to enjoy the flickering flames.
We stayed in the Manzanita Room, a corner king that opened out onto our private deck. From the comfortable deck chairs, we could enjoy the same gorgeous ocean view as our room offered, but in the great outdoors.
The room was somehow sumptuously appointed yet rustically refined, exhibiting fine craftmanship throughout. I especially appreciated the lovely writing desk, and the bathroom had a separate shower and Japanese soaker tub. Even our bathroom had a wonderful view. We loved it!
Our ocean view room at Brewery Gulch Inn, in Mendocino, CA
Food at Brewery Gulch Inn
Brewery Gulch Inn provides complimentary breakfast and what they call evening “appetizers” to their guests. The kitchen’s focus is on providing delicious food made from natural, organic, and local ingredients. I can tell you that the culinary team has excellent focus.
The breakfast menu comprises inventive made-fresh-to-order dishes. Two of our favorites were the Cheddar-Corn Biscuits & Gravy (with a nice snap provided by andouille sausage and chili-infused hashbrowns) and the Carnitas w/ Blue Corn Grits & Eggs.
The evening “appetizers” are a bit of a misnomer. In my opinion, they’re full-on dinners. Perhaps on the light side, they nonetheless consist of an entrée and a couple accompaniments. The meals are served in a Mendo Box (a locally handmade, Mendocino-redwood Bento Box). Guests are free to enjoy them in the Great Room, out on the deck, or in the privacy of their room.
The menu changes nightly, and each of our meals was delicious. On our first night, we enjoyed a Fennel & Black Pepper Crusted Local Rock Cod w/ Basil-Tomato Cream; Steamed Rice Pilaf & Sautéed Green Beans; and Espresso Cheesecake w/ Chocolate Sauce. It looked as beautiful as it was delicious!
The following night featured Roasted Eggplant Parmesan w/ Marinara & Creamy, Cheesy Polenta; Arugula & Pine Nut Salad w/ Dried Cherries & Feta; and Tiramisu. Again, the food was so beautiful we almost hated to dig in. But, of course, we did, and every bite of this Italian cuisine was a deeply satisfying delight.
Mendo Box appetizers are more like dinner from one of the best Mendocino restaurants.
Amenities & Activities at Brewery Gulch Inn
Life at the Brewery Gulch Inn centers on the Great Room. The enormous space is punctuated by a giant 4-sided glass and steel fireplace. Sunlight fills the room from three-story high skylights, banks of windows along three walls, and 13-feet-high redwood French doors. The doors and windows let not only light in, but beautiful views of picturesque meadows and Smuggler’s Cove.
Through the French doors is the spacious deck, with plenty of seating on which to relax and enjoy the views even closer up. Birds from the surrounding woodland often alight on the nearby trees, and binoculars are available to get a better look at whatever might catch your eye.
Within the Great Room, Stickley tables and dining chairs are available not only for the breakfast and evening meals, but throughout the day. Overstuffed leather couches and chairs are sprinkled about as well. A small library offers books, magazines, and an extensive selection of games. A collection of more than 500 DVDs offers a curated selection of films from which to choose and enjoy back in your room.
An assortment of hot coffees and teas, iced teas, pastries, and fruit are available throughout the day at the sidebar. At Wine Hour, there are not only wine tastings; in addition, complimentary wine and beer from local producers is provided. Sipping a finely crafted beverage while soaking in the views from one of the best hotels in Mendocino is indeed a real treat.
Day or night, there’s always something on offer at the Great Room. Michael and I found the mix of its refined features, comfortable setting, abundance of activities on offer, and easy opportunities to engage in interesting conversation with fellow guests very inviting. Being the inn’s food, drink, and conviviality hub, the Great Room’s “Penthouse Meets Clubhouse” vibe was a big hit for us.
Guests enjoying the deck and the Great Room of this most convivial Mendocino inn
Best Vegan Inn in Mendocino: The Stanford Inn by the Sea
Mendocino Coast Location: 44850 Comptche Ukiah Road, Mendocino, CA 95460
The Stanford Inn borders the Big River, which marks the boundary of the town of Mendocino.
Best Vegan Inn in Mendocino: The Stanford Inn by the Sea
The Stanford Inn Property & Grounds
The Stanford Inn is spread out over a gorgeous expanse of property that’s a vibrant collage of picture-perfect decorative landscaping and the organic gardens that provide ingredients for the resort’s vegan restaurant, The Ravens.
The restaurant, reception, lobby, and bookstore are located in the Main Lodge. Guest rooms occupy two separate buildings. Together, the three rise out of a hill in a semicircle that looks out over the scenic property and beyond to Mendocino Bay.
One of the organic gardens at this vegan hotel in Mendocino, CA
Rooms at The Stanford Inn
The Stanford Inn boasts more than 40 rooms. They range from standard kings and queens to a variety of suites and cottages. Views vary by room, but with options like the lush gardens, Big River, the Pacific, or historic Mendocino, it’s hard to go wrong. All rooms feature a wood-burning fireplace and private deck.
We stayed in a second-story room in the Big River Building. The room was lovely and had a gorgeous vista of the grounds and the Pacific. With all there was to do, we didn’t spend much time in the room, but we loved relaxing on the deck after dinner and discussing the highlights of the day while enjoying the kaleidoscope of views below us.
Pet-friendly rooms are available.
The only Mendocino hotel rooms with vegan cookies waiting for you when you arrive.
Food at The Stanford Inn The Stanford Inn is considered by many to be the premier vegan resort in the United States. One reason is their award-winning restaurant, The Ravens. I was excited to explore its offerings—and they did not disappoint.
Breakfast at the inn is complimentary for guests. My breakfast favorite was a braised greens and polenta with creamy cashew sauce. A big Eggs Benedict fan, Michael found the Portabello Benedict a more-than-worthy rival.
Our other choices were also very tasty. We agreed that, even for non-vegans, The Ravens is a tempting option for an out-of-the-ordinary breakfast in Mendocino.
We also had two delicious dinners at The Ravens. The Kale Stack starter was a big hit! I loved the gorgeous tower of kale, cauliflower, and avocado so much the first night that Michael ordered it the next.
The Trumpet Mushroom Coquille entrée was also a first-rate favorite, with the deeply flavorful mushrooms a truly satisfying stand-in for scallops. Thai Red Curry was another stand out.
Deserts were divine. Michael loved the carrot cake so much, he had it both nights—and he doesn’t even care for carrot cake! I went bananas over the banana split!
The meals were truly scrumptious. If we lived locally, we would eat at The Ravens often.
The Kale Stack at The Ravens vegan restaurant in Mendocino, California
Amenities & Activities at The Stanford Inn
As you might expect at a vegan resort, delicious food is a big draw, but at The Stanford Inn it is far from the only one. The inn’s owners see veganism as the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle that also incorporates exercise, creativity, mindfulness, and living in sync with nature. All of these facets are explored at the inn.
The choices for engagement seem almost endless. There are all sorts of classes on nutrition, gardening, cooking, foraging, artistic expression, and meditation, to name more than a few.
Eager for exercise? Choices include yoga, tai chi, and Pilates. Bicycles are available for free for guests, and canoes and kayaks can be rented for self-use or group outings. Miles and miles of hiking and biking trails beckon nearby. The spa also offers an enclosed year-round pool and a full menu of massages.
You can explore any of these options at your whim—or none at all. There is no hard sell or indoctrinations, just opportunities. Enjoy your stay as you wish. We certainly did.
The indoor pool at The Stanford Inn, Mendocino, is open year-round.
Best Downtown Mendocino Inn: MacCallum House
Mendocino Coast Location: 45020 Albion Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
Originally built as a home for the daughter of one of Mendocino’s founding fathers in 1882, the McCallum House today is one of the most historic Victorian inns of Mendocino. And its location in the heart of Mendocino Village puts you in walking distance of all of the town’s attractions.
Best Downtown Mendocino Inn: MacCallum House
MacCallum House Property & Grounds
MacCallum House is situated on an expansive property with a seemingly endless garland of flower gardens weaving its way through the premisses. Among the myriad of blooms on display are those of roses that Daisy MacCallum, MacCallum House’s original owner, planted back in the late 1800s.
Throughout the grounds, views of the town’s signature water towers and Victorian-style homes comingle with vistas of the blue waters of Mendocino Bay.
It’s hard to decide what’s more enchanting: the gorgeous main house with its window-studded wraparound porch, steeply pitched roofs, and wood trim as intricate as lace curtains; the dazzlingly beautiful gardens; or the views of the charming town and dancing surf beyond.
A fire pit and chairs on the grounds of the MacCallum House in Mendocino Village
Rooms at MacCallum House
This Mendocino boutique hotel offers 19 unique rooms spread among the Main House, the historic barn, and private cottages, all of which are on the main property.
Each room offers its own charms. Among them are claw-foot tubs, gas- or wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves, sleigh beds, soaking tubs, hot tubs, saunas, and city views/ocean views/or both.
We stayed in the Historic Barn in a lovely room with a delightful California King bed, gas fireplace, comfy couch and club chair, flat screen TV, and mini-fridge.
The pristine white marbled bathroom featured a walk-in shower, extra-large sink, and heated floors. Plush towels, luxurious robes, and ShiKai bath products provided a pampered experience.
We also had an enclosed private deck with our own hot tub that took being pampered to the next level. Soaking in the tub and then relaxing in front of the fireplace became a wonderful nighttime ritual.
Our comfy, cozy room at the MacCallum House in the heart of Mendocino Village
Food at MacCallum House
MacCallum House is not only a luxurious historic hotel, it boasts one of the best restaurants in all of Mendocino. Chef Kantor is dedicated to sourcing the freshest seasonal ingredients from local sustainable farms and showcasing the rich flavors of the area’s bounty.
For dinner one night, we started with a wonderful tempura shrimp toast with shiitake mushrooms and cashew wasabi sauce. We followed with perfectly grilled lamb chops with a morel cabernet reduction, deeply decadent mascarpone polenta, and spinach sauteed with black olives and pistachios. We also had a delectable pan seared duck breast with fromage blanc bread pudding, tangerine gastrique, and braised Belgian endive.
Everything was amazing, and the portions quite generous—but we couldn’t pass up at least some sort of dessert. We opted for the goat cheese caramel swirl house-made ice cream. Divine!
In addition to making à la carte choices as we did, diners can opt for the seasonal 5-course tasting menu, which can be accompanied by either a wine or whiskey pairing for each course.
Dinner is served in two rustically elegant dining rooms, each featuring a blazing fire in river-stone fireplaces. Our window table had a sublime view of the town, the headlands, and the Mendocino Bay.
If you’re thinking just drinks or a lighter meal, the MacCallum House is also home to the Grey Whale Bar and Café, steps away from the restaurant. The bar’s signature drinks are popular with both locals and visitors, and there’s also a fine selection of California wines, with a nod to regional standouts.
Complimentary breakfast is served every morning on the Main House’s enclosed porch, an incredibly charming setting for terrific-tasting selections. These include Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Burrito, Wholegrain Pancakes, and Granola Parfait, among other enticing options.
Like dinner, these morning meals tasted great and consisted of hearty portions. We could definitely face whatever the day had to offer after those breakfasts!
Perfectly grilled lamb chops at the MacCallum House Restaurant in downtown Mendocino
Amenities & Activities at MacCallum House
Being among the finest hotels Mendocino boasts, it’s no surprise that the MacCallum House has such basics as free Wi-Fi, free private parking, and complimentary electric vehicle charging covered. But besides its beauty, comfort, and charm, one of this Mendocino hotel’s finest amenities, in my opinion, is its incredible location, smack dab in the center of town.
It’s just a short walk away from so much of the area’s natural beauty and so many of its outdoor activities, cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants.
As a start, just across the street from the hotel is the Kelley House Museum, which shares the history of the town through exhibits, artifacts, and tours of Mendocino’s historic district. A block away is the Temple of Kwan Tai, built by Chinese immigrants in the mid-1800s and today one of the oldest Chinese temples in California. The Ford House Visitor Center on Main Street and the Mendocino Art Center are two other local highlights just minutes away on foot.
Only a 10-minute walk away from MacCallum House is Mendocino Headlands State Park. This local treasure features miles of trails that trace the rugged coastline and is home to two secluded sandy beaches, including a big favorite of the locals, Big River Beach.
With all that the town has to offer, it’s a real pleasure to stay in such a lovely Mendocino accommodation from which a stroll in any direction leads to so many beautiful, interesting, and entertaining destinations.
The sun sets over Mendocino Headlands State Park, just a short walk from the MacCallum House.
Most Jaw-Dropping Scenery: The Inn at Newport Ranch
Mendocino Coast location: 31502 N. Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Eleven miles north of downtown Fort Bragg, you’ll discover one of the most incredible pieces of property on the Mendocino Coast, The Inn at Newport Ranch. The name Newport comes from the now-defunct town that once stood in its place.
Most Jaw-Dropping Scenery: The Inn at Newport Ranch
The Inn at Newport Ranch Property & Grounds
With over 2,000 private acres that stretch from the Pacific Ocean through mountains of redwood forests, the jaw-dropping scenery of this Mendocino Coast inn is in a class by itself.
Meander along the jagged cliffs on the inn’s mile-long strip of coastline for some of the most spectacular vistas of the Mendocino Coast. Stop at the benches, tables, and chairs the inn has built into especially scenic points. Find the cove that seals have taken over, watch the herons fly by, and don’t forget to look for migrating whales.
You may have to walk by some grazing cattle, but we found them harmless. There are 20 miles of trails on which you might spot elk, deer, or possibly bear. We even saw a number of cute crawlers: a couple of banana slugs and an unusually adorable orange and black caterpillar.
One of the many benches from which to view the jaw-dropping scenery
The magical coast at The Inn at Newport Ranch, a short drive north of Fort Bragg
Rooms at The Inn at Newport Ranch
Like some of our other favorite hotels on the Mendocino Coast, at this Fort Bragg inn, each room is unique. Rest assured, from the rooms in the main inn to the suites in the neighboring houses, each has its own charms. We stayed in the Newport Suite in the Redwood House and, seriously, I could live there! And not just because of the amazing ocean views. This suite has it all—a sitting area with a fireplace, a huge bathroom, a hot tub on the deck, and a kitchen with a bay-window dining area. And I adored the floor-to-ceiling redwood beams in the entry way.
Redwood beams at the entry to the Newport Suite
Food at The Inn at Newport Ranch
Complimentary breakfast is served in the dining room at the main inn. Each morning you can help yourself to the cold buffet items of yogurt, fresh fruit, and breads, and order freshly made hot entrees like egg sandwiches or blueberry pancakes with millionaire’s bacon.
Serving what it calls “ranch cuisine,” The Inn at Newport Ranch is one of the best restaurants in Fort Bragg, but it’s only open to guests. Lunch can be ordered daily, and Wednesday through Sunday a 3-course prix fixe dinner menu is offered.
As usual, Michael and I chose each course differently. I enjoyed Butternut Squash Soup, Embered Salmon, and a S’mores Tart. Michael ordered Kale Caesar Salad, Grilled Beef Ribeye, and Creme Brûlée. Everything was superb!
Mike's favorite dessert of our Mendocino trip: my S'more's Tart
Amenities & Activities at The Inn at Newport Ranch
The major attraction of this inn is undoubtedly the magnificent property itself, and the best way to really see it is on a 2-hour UTV tour. A knowledgeable guide will show you the highlights of the coastline as well as the hidden secrets of the hills and the redwood forest inland.
We rode to the top of the first mountain crest of the three ridges on the property. There, we had a panoramic view of the coast, the inn, and the neighboring winery. We learned about the redwoods and even planted a redwood sapling. As part of the inn’s partnership with the Redwood Forest Foundation, they plant one tree for every guest.
I highly recommend doing the UTV tour as early as possible in your stay so that you can go back and explore your favorite spots on your own.
A section of the redwood forest on the property of the Inn at Newport Ranch
Reserve Your Mendocino Lodging
I urge you to make reservations for your lodging in Mendocino ahead of time. Gone are the days of spontaneous stays on California road trips. These are the best Mendocino Coast hotels, after all, so they fill up, especially during the high season (June through August).
Bon voyage!
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