Arrival & First Impressions
After a long drive up the California coast, arriving at Stanford Inn by the Sea felt like a dream. We checked in around 9 PM, tired but excited. The journey started in San Diego, with a stop in LA, and by the time we reached Mendocino, we were ready for some serious relaxation. Though my travel companion had already eaten, I was grateful for the little touches: a Nespresso machine in the room (my favorite!) and vegan cookies waiting for us. We quickly changed into swimsuits, grabbed our cookies and coffee, and hustled to the spa before it closed. Soaking in the Jacuzzi after hours on the road was just what we needed. If the spa had stayed open later, we might have never left! Back in our cozy room, we unpacked and settled in for the night.
The Greenhouse / Solarium
The greenhouse solarium is seriously one of the most romantic indoor pools I’ve ever been to! Picture this: a saltwater pool heated to the perfect 82°F, a cozy sauna, a bubbling hot tub, and peaceful lounging areas all surrounded by lush plants. The whole space has this inviting warmth that just melts your stress away. But honestly, what really stole my heart were the plants hanging from the ceiling—they made it feel like a dreamy, secret garden.
Our Room
We stayed in one of the two queen-size bedrooms on the top level of the Big River Building. Our private deck was probably my favorite part of the room; it overlooked the property’s extensive, lush gardens and Mendocino Bay. I loved doing my morning journaling, meditating, skincare, and makeup on the private deck while connecting with nature. The room featured a beautiful bathroom, a desk area with chairs, comfortable queen beds, and charming, country-inspired vibes, including a super cute wood fireplace and Ponderosa pine and redwood accents throughout.
Waking up to the lush greenery each morning was a delight. As a nature lover and city girl, waking up in nature every day is one of my ultimate life goals, but until then, I try to get as many nature mornings as I can when I travel. I loved doing my skincare and makeup on the balcony overlooking the big trees and the Pacific Ocean each day of our stay.
Breakfast & Afternoon Tea
Stanford Inn’s amazing breakfast is included with your stay. But if you think this breakfast is like the other disappointing breakfasts titled as “complimentary” at some hotels, you’d be wrong. The cooked-to-order breakfast is also available to restaurant guests; it’s an organic, plant-based menu prepared by their chef. It is hard to find dishes that are both gluten-free and dairy-free, so breakfast at the Inn’s Raven’s Restaurant is a score for vegans. The menu was impressive and full of plant-based options. I was especially excited to see the Stanford Herbed Polenta on the menu and obviously had to order it. I love cooking polenta at home, and I could always use more protein when I’m traveling. It was a unique dairy-free and gluten-free dish, which I love finding when I travel.
Energized, we set out to explore Mendocino—a unique, windswept community perched on the edge of the Pacific. After an afternoon of sightseeing and creating content, we returned to the Inn just in time for afternoon tea and snacks. We debated heading back out but found the property itself too inviting, especially with the chill in the coastal air. Instead, we wandered the grounds, met the llamas and horses, and enjoyed the peace of our room until dinner. For two travelers who rarely sit still, it was a rare moment to unwind this way.
Dinner at Raven’s Restaurant
Raven’s Restaurant is a destination in itself, daring even the most dedicated meat-eaters to try inventive, plant-based cuisine. I’m not vegan, but I try to avoid dairy and gluten as much as I can, so vegan dishes make that selection a bit easier for me.
Dishes at Raven’s Restaurant are made from whole-food ingredients, with a strong focus on local produce—from seaweed to chanterelle mushrooms. Every meal we had was creative, satisfying, and nourishing.
Though I’d planned to try the pasta (it was so popular, it had sold out!), I opted for the mushroom pizza, while my friend tried the Hawaiian bowl. The kale stack and dessert were especially memorable—I have a soft spot for dairy-free, gluten-free sweets, and the Inn’s offerings did not disappoint.
After dinner, we stopped by the lobby area to play with the cats. Did I mention 4 lovely cats live at the property? They’re absolutely fun and add a lovely touch to the property’s warm vibes that I loved.
We ended our night chatting by our in-room fireplace we lit and spent a quiet, relaxing night.
The next morning, we enjoyed another delicious breakfast before reluctantly packing up. We both ordered the Savory Breakfast Crepe, and it was very good, too. Before leaving, we snapped a few last photos from our balcony, said our goodbyes to the lovely owner and the cats, already dreaming of a return visit.
Activities & Amenities
Their certified organic farm and electric car charging are only a few of their sustainability practices.
Adventurous guests can rent bikes, canoes, or paddle boards to explore the nearby estuary and state parks. Cooking classes, wine tastings, and gardening workshops round out the experience. Our stay was only 2 days, and we planned to explore Mendocino since it was my first time, but next time I definitely want to take advantage of the bikes, water activities, canoes, and workshops.
Final Thoughts
With only 38 rooms and a quiet but powerful presence, the Stanford Inn checks my boxes for the intimate vibe I want as a traveler looking for a quiet spot to pause, reflect, and heal. They also offer retreats, and I hope to attend one day.
The property feels more like a charming New England bed and breakfast than the modern stereotype of a “vegan resort.” Mendocino itself is a magical, lightly populated stretch of coastline, far from city crowds and full of character. Its artistic, off-the-grid spirit is alive and well, making it a haven for anyone seeking a true escape.
The weather adds to the atmosphere, too. Mendocino’s marine layer creates dramatic, misty mornings and golden afternoons, similar to the May Gray and June Gloom I’m used to in San Diego. While I initially hoped for sun, the coastal fog made the cozy interiors and roaring fireplaces even more inviting.
Whether you drop in for a dreamy dinner at Raven’s Restaurant or treat yourself to a soul-filling escape on the California coast, Stanford Inn in Mendocino should be at the top of your bucket list.