Coming from the San Francisco Bay Area, beautiful Highway 128 spills onto the Pacific Coast Highway 1, and I can feel my shoulders relax. Heading north, the rugged coastline, though dangerous for ships, invites the weary traveler to stroll, sit, rest, and let the view do the work. And that’s the moment the Stanford Inn by the Sea Historic Farm & Eco-Resort magically appears on the hillside, an ideal spot to explore everything Mendocino has to offer, whether your family likes to go-go-go or just sit back and relax.
Things to Know About Stanford Inn by the Sea
- Ideally situated on the Big River and Highway 1, Stanford Inn is in a central homebase for exploring the Mendocino Coast.
- Highly attuned to individual needs, Stanford Inn has multiple accommodation options, offers sensitivity to dietary restrictions, and welcomes pets and electric cars.
- With an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub, it’s a year-round property.
- Respectful of both the land and the indigenous people, the inn is not just a place of relaxation and leisure, it’s also a spot to learn about the history and natural beauty of the coast.
- Known nationally for its Ravens Restaurant, Stanford Inn is worth visiting just for the (vegan) dining experience.
What Families Need to Know
Though most definitely a luxury property, it also has a grounded and homey feel that’s relaxed and welcoming to families. When I learned just how pet-friendly the property was, I was disappointed that I had left my younger son and bunny at home (though I was reassured they would both be welcome next time!). Young guests can explore, swim, boat, and let their imaginations run wild here.
FUN FOR ALL: Mendocino family vacation guide
There are accommodations to suit families of all sizes; multiroom suites give ample room for spreading out and varied bedtimes. Guests with children will feel comfortable letting their young ones stroll the property safely (though of course, children should be supervised in the pool house at all times).
Families without children who enjoy the quiet need not be concerned that Stanford Inn is a free-for-all; the property invites calm, and though there were several children there during my stay, I was able to enjoy the peace that comes with solo travel. There were several couples, friends traveling together, and families with adult children.
Stanford Inn by the Sea Reviews
Stanford Inn by the Sea earns a rating of 9.6 out of 10 on Kayak, 4.6 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, and 9.2 out of 10 on Expedia. Reviewers can’t get enough of the well-appointed rooms, the beautiful grounds, and “perfect temperature” of the pool and hot tub. It’s hard to find a critique of this spot.
Important Details About Stanford Inn By the Sea
Location
Stanford Inn perches above Highway 1, the ocean cliffside to the west and Big River to the north. Visitors can access both on foot easily. For those keen to explore the Big River estuary and inland access, Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too is right on property for rentals. Trails along the coastline are easily accessible on foot or via a short drive, and the town of Mendocino s a quick five minutes up the road. Anything you want to see or do in Mendocino is easily accessible and yet the Inn and Resort is, in and of itself, a destination.
The Property
Stanford Inn and Resort’s property is positively magical. With gardens that feed its exceptional vegan restaurant, an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, a spa, and incredible views of ocean, river, pasture, and garden the property alone is reason enough to visit. I particularly enjoyed spending the morning strolling through the gardens and the main building where the lobby area blends in with a library, living room, bar/dining room, each delivery incredible views.
Downstairs is an impressive exhibit about the history of boats and indigenous boat building; I spent over an hour reading and learning. This is one of the aspects of the Inn and Resort that I appreciated most; it’s both a relaxing place to enjoy the beauty of Mendocino, but it is also a learning center. There are books and magazines, placards and guides that help guests understand about the flora and fauna of the area as well as the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. It’s informative without being doctrinaire. The staff and owners are all knowledgeable and friendly and are so clearly invested in not only the land but of the importance of a sustainable and ecologically respectful lifestyle and footprint.
Rooms
So many choices! The Stanford Inn and Resort has six different types of rooms, from double and queen rooms to two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites. All rooms are beautifully wood-paneled and feel like a part of the forested surroundings. Most have a fireplace and desk, but some also include an extra sitting area or daybed. All of the rooms in the Big River and Forest buildings have large decks that offer even more space and another place to relax.
Activities
Catch a Canoe and Bicycles Too is a business that’s part of the property and offers guests an opportunity to explore the area trails and river. Bicycle rentals are included in your stay at Stanford Inn, and there are several different kinds of boat rentals including redwood outrigger, traditional canoe and kayak, and catamaran canoes. (the redwood boats are particularly impressive in both size and beauty). The owners and staff also provide a wealth of information about hiking and other nature pursuits as well as guides to local shops, historical sights, and restaurants. Of course, one could easily pass the day reading in the garden or on the deck or taking advantage of the indoor pool complex and spa.
Dining
Many travel to the Stanford Inn just for Ravens Restaurant; a standout among vegan restaurants nationwide, Ravens offers a gourmet, plant-based dining experience for all three meals of the day PLUS afternoon tea and happy hour. When I saw that breakfast was included, I assumed it would be a few choices like granola or banana bread and coffee. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a full breakfast, so many options, in fact, that I couldn’t stay long enough to eat everything I wanted to try.
Afternoon tea and snacks are included in your stay, and this window pours into the delightful happy hour during which guests stroll in from their days to discuss bird sightings and hiking adventures or just relax by the window or on the deck. The Ravens dinner also includes a wide selection (as a non-vegan, I had no idea there were so many ways to make such diverse offerings) of options that should appeal to everyone in your party. One additional offering from Ravens is its Lunch on the Go!, an order-ahead option if you plan to spend the day on the trail. The Ravens team is highly attuned to allergies and dietary restrictions and you can be guaranteed that your needs will be met in this very customer-centered dining experience.
Spa
Though small, the Spa at Stanford Inn offers a variety of massage, skin and ayurvedic treatments to help you settle into the natural setting. Treatments like Biofield Tuning, Aromatherapy Wraps, and traditional Swedish or Hot Stone massage are offered in a spa space tucked in among the trees.
