Nestled in the redwoods of Northern California, Mendocino is a charming coastal town that feels like a magical oasis. With its quaint Victorian architecture, picturesque cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and streets lined with artisan shops, cozy cafés, and vibrant gardens, it's also a place with a small town feel that’s big on hospitality. This is why, surrounded by towering redwoods and scenic coastal trails, one of the town’s most charming offerings is a place called the Stanford Inn, a resort located atop a meadow with sweeping views of the ocean below.

The Stanford Inn is an eco-friendly hotel situated on what could be described as a small farm. As donkeys and llamas graze below, the rooms above offer plenty of moments of coziness. A great example of the resort’s commitment to coziness is that the rooms in the hotel are built around wood-burning fireplaces that provide both warmth and a sense of relaxation.

The inn is truly a treat for all five senses. With individual patio balconies that look out over the Mendocino Bay, this resort doesn’t need its own fragrance. Instead, the smells of the fresh redwood-cleaned air mixed with the smell of the ocean below, and the wood-burning fireplaces from the rooms creates an unforgettable and lovely scent that will stick with you long after you check out.

Upon arriving at the resort, it’s typical to be offered a cup of hot tea and a seat with a view while the front desk staff goes over the hotel’s offerings. With so many provided options, including yoga classes and various wellness events, there’s plenty of choices in how to create the ideal relaxing vacation. For those who don’t want to stick to a schedule, the hotel also includes an indoor pool, with a hot tub and sauna available for guests. There’s no better oasis to create your ideal deep relaxation trip.

The resort is also known for its on-site restaurant, Ravens, which is known for being one of the area’s first fine dining plant-based menus. Featuring organic and vegan dishes made with ingredients sourced from nearby, each dish is both innovative and regional. Besides the restaurant and spa offerings, the resort also features a variety of outdoor activities on and off site. Canoeing, biking, hiking, and (nearby) surfing and swimming are just a few ways to explore the beautiful landscape. For convenience, the inn provides guidance (and sometimes equipment) to help you accomplish more outdoor fun during your stay.

Outside of the inn, the town of Mendocino is a place where breathtaking nature meets small-town warmth, a relationship with the earth, and artistic spirit. The town is a haven for artists, nature lovers, and anyone in search of peace. Wander through streets adorned with colorful gardens, browse local galleries filled with beautiful handcrafted art, or pop into one of the cozy cafés for a cup of coffee and friendly conversation with locals. The sense of community here is palpable. Local watering holes like the dive bar Dick’s offer a place to meet locals.

What truly sets the Stanford Inn apart is the way it invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in nature. Imagine waking up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the redwoods, sipping coffee on your balcony while listening to birdsong and the distant crash of waves. Days can be spent wandering through the inn’s organic gardens, where you can pick fresh herbs or simply enjoy the vibrant greenery. For those seeking a more mindful experience, the resort offers meditation classes and nature walks designed to cultivate peace and presence. Each detail here is thoughtfully curated to help guests feel not just relaxed, but deeply connected to the stunning surroundings.

And if you’re looking to explore beyond the inn’s grounds, Mendocino’s coastline beckons with breathtaking hikes along the bluffs, tide pools teeming with marine life, and hidden beaches perfect for quiet reflection. The nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park offers spectacular ocean views, while the Big River Estuary invites kayakers to glide along serene waters framed by ancient trees. No matter how you choose to spend your time, the blend of outdoor adventure and soul-soothing relaxation makes Mendocino and the Stanford Inn an unforgettable destination. Here, it’s easy to rediscover a sense of wonder and the kind of tranquility that stays with you long after you’ve left.

At the end of the day, any way you plan your trip to Mendocino, the Stanford Inn will be one of your favorite highlights. With plenty of cozy corners for warm conversations and great food offerings, you’ll find a temporary sense of home at this small and charming inn. A great way to connect with nature –and yourself– a trip to Mendocino promises serenity, beauty, and that special kind of magic you can only find on California’s rugged, breathtaking coast.