If you’re planning a trip to California’s Mendocino coast, there’s no shortage of great places to stay. Whether you want to wake up in a hotel room with ocean views, soak in the history of a Victorian-era inn, or go glamping without sacrificing comfort, these four fab spots are worth checking out.
➞ Don’t miss taking a peek at my picks for the best things to do in Mendocino!
Little River Inn
Little River Inn has been welcoming guests for over 80 years, and after staying there, I can see why people keep coming back. My room was an ocean-view room (#114 is highly recommended!) and where I spent my evenings in a rocking chair on the patio, watching the sunset over the Pacific. Inside, a wood-burning fireplace kept things extra cozy at night.
The on-site restaurant is a local favorite—and for good reason. Even on a Tuesday night, it was packed! The clam chowder was one of the best I’ve ever had, with just a touch of cream and fresh steamed clams cooked in the shell.
The crispy Brussels sprouts with parmesan and capers were a great starter, and for the main course, we went all out: Bouillabaisse overflowing with seafood and a crispy fried Thai-inspired local rock cod. We were so stuffed we had to skip dessert.
The next morning, we had breakfast delivered to our room—pear French toast and eggs Benedict—which was just as amazing as dinner. And if you’re looking for more than just great food and epic views, there’s a golf course on-site too!
Mendocino Grove
If you’re anything like me and traditional camping isn’t your thing but you still want to be close to nature, Mendocino Grove is the answer. This glamping spot, just a mile south of Mendocino, property feels more like a tucked-away forest retreat, with 37 acres of woodsy hills to explore. You won’t be sacrificing warm showers, real beds, or good coffee.
The property has 60 safari-style canvas tents, each outfitted with a king-size bed, bedside lamps with USB ports, heated blankets (a game-changer for chilly coastal nights), and an outdoor deck.
Mendocino Grove is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a full experience. Their communal meadow space is perfect for hanging out, with fire pits, hammocks, and picnic tables. They even recently added a steam sauna and espresso bar, which means you can start your day with a latte before heading out to explore. But, one of my favorites parts was how they started the campfire right outside our tent and left us a s’mores kit to use!
Brewery Gulch Inn
Brewery Gulch Inn is what happens when comfort meets style, and honestly, I didn’t want to leave. The community great room, with its massive fireplace and cozy seating, is the kind of place where you can easily spend an entire evening (and we did!).
Each night, this is where they host what they call a “wine hour,” which is more like a full-on dinner. Instead of just small bites, they fill a wooden box (labeled with your room name) with enough food for a full meal. The night we were there, it included panko-breaded tenderloin of pork schnitzel with a mushroom, tomato, and caper sauce, roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, an organic beet mixed greens salad, and house-made chocolate mousse for dessert. They also had a selection of included wines to pair with the meal.
If you’re into games, they have plenty to choose from. We spent our time after dinner in a fierce competition at their giant Scrabble board. Plus, they have a 700+ DVD collection and a library full of great books. You won’t be bored!
The rooms themselves are designed for relaxation, with fireplaces, plush robes, and ocean views. And if you’re up for an adventure, you’re just minutes from Catch a Canoe (a favorite spot for kayaking), downtown Mendocino, and Van Damme Beach.
And breakfast? Absolutely worth waking up for. I had the Mendocino Coast Morning Protein Bowl, a slightly spicy almond milk, lemongrass, and fennel broth with carrots, sweet potatoes, wilted organic kale, and tofu, topped with cilantro micro-greens. It was unique, flavorful, and exactly what I needed after all the indulgent meals.
MacCallum House
If you love historic stays with a side of luxury, MacCallum House is the place to be. Built in 1882 as a wedding gift for Daisy MacCallum (daughter of Mendocino’s founder), this boutique hotel has all the charm of an old Victorian home with modern amenities that make for a relaxing stay.
The property includes a main house, suites, cottages, and even a luxury mansion overlooking the ocean. Many of the rooms have fireplaces, hot tubs, and ocean views, making it an ideal spot for a romantic getaway. And the location? Right in the heart of Mendocino, meaning you can easily walk to shops, cafes, and the coastline.
MacCallum House is also home to one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the area, serving up seasonal, locally-sourced dishes. Whether you’re sipping a craft cocktail in the bar or enjoying a meal on their garden patio, the food and atmosphere make it a standout dining experience.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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