If you’re searching for the best places to stay in Mendocino, you’ll quickly realize this stretch of Northern California offers far more than standard hotel rooms. From luxury coastal ranches and redwood treehouses to historic inns and glamping under the stars, Mendocino has a stay for nearly every travel style and budget. After multiple visits to the Mendocino Coast, these are the places we’d personally recommend – whether you’re planning a special occasion, a romantic weekend, or simply want to wake up somewhere unforgettable.
HOW WE PICK PLACES TO STAY IN MENDOCINO
It’s easy to tell that we love Mendocino – and take our stays seriously. We’ve covered the full range of types from luxe to camping. When we are looking for stays, we almost always take the same few things into consideration: location, price, and can we bring the dog. Then of course there’s the battle of on-site restaurants vs. full kitchens, seclusion vs. close-to-everything, cost vs. amenities.
Here, we’ll share a stay for every tier and break down the details so you can make the most of your visit to Mendocino. We will tell you what we love about each place, average cost, and pet-friendliness. Let’s start at most expensive per night and work our way down!
THE INN AT NEWPORT RANCH – A LUXURY RANCH ON THE COAST
One of the most luxurious places to stay in Mendocino, The Inn at Newport Ranch is in a category of its own. Set on more than 2,000 private acres where old-growth redwoods meet dramatic ocean bluffs, this is less of a hotel stay and more of an experience.
Guests can explore private hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and guided ranch adventures before returning to refined accommodations and elevated dining sourced from the surrounding landscape. For anniversaries, bucket-list trips, or anyone wanting to splurge on the Mendocino Coast, it’s hard to top.
A COASTAL RANCH WHERE LUXURY FEELS PERSONAL AND WILD
What stood out most about our stay at Inn at Newport Ranch in Mendocino County was the deeply private and intimate atmosphere. With fewer rooms (about 10), the experience felt personal, and staff quickly learned our names.
Beyond that, the on-site experiences made it unforgettable. We loved the variety of excursions offered, especially getting to plant our own redwood sapling! It felt meaningful and uniquely tied to the land. And someday we hope to revisit our little tree.
Finally, the food alone is reason to stay here! Every meal was memorable, beautifully prepared, and elevated the entire experience. Not to mention the cocktails! Definitely an experience we will remember.
BEST FOR: Luxury, Romantic, Couples, Secluded
AVERAGE COST: $850-$1,100+ per night
PET-FRIENDLY: Limited rooms allow pets, $150 per pet
BOOK: THE INN AT NEWPORT RANCH
READ OUR FULL ARTICLE HERE: INN AT NEWPORT RANCH: THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RESORT YOU MUST EXPERIENCE
MENDOCINO TREE HOUSE – UNIQUE AIRBNB EXPERIENCE
For travelers wanting something truly unique, The Mendocino Tree House delivers one of the most memorable overnight experiences on the coast. Built around an 80-year-old redwood tree, this octagon-style retreat feels equal parts luxury cabin and childhood dream. Surrounded by forest, complete with spa-like outdoor amenities and total privacy, it’s perfect for couples looking for a quiet escape that still feels close to Mendocino’s coastal attractions. If “one-of-a-kind” is what you’re after, this is one of the most unique places to stay in Mendocino.
Every room in the house has windows that allow you to view the magnificent redwood in the center of the home. This stay is thoughtfully designed to highly not only the unique building, but the incredible nature it’s surrounded by.
A SECLUDED REDWOOD TREE HOUSE ESCAPE THAT FEELS LIKE ITS OWN WORLD
Our stay at the Mendocino Tree House Airbnb felt like one of the most secluded and immersive places to stay in Mendocino. Everything we needed was onsite, which made it easy to fully disconnect. Moreover, we didn’t see another person during our entire stay, which made it feel incredibly private and peaceful. The home is surrounded entirely by towering redwoods.
In addition, the design of the space made it even more special. The full kitchen allowed us to cook and make cocktails at home, while the tree growing through the house added a surreal touch. Outdoor features like the sauna, tub, shower, and firepit elevated the experience further.
At the same time, it still felt close to the village, offering the perfect balance of remote and accessible. We loved the elevated touches of the home and how it combined comfort of indoor luxury with outdoor elements, without needing to go anywhere else.
BEST FOR: Luxury, Romantic, Couples, Secluded
AVERAGE COST: $680-$1,100 per night (3-night minimum)
PET-FRIENDLY: Pets allowed
BOOK: MENDOCINO TREE HOUSE AIRBNB
NICHOLSON HOUSE – IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE
Located right in the heart of the village, Nicholson House is ideal for travelers who want charm, walkability, and easy access to Mendocino’s restaurants, galleries, and bluff trails. This historic property blends Victorian character with thoughtful modern touches, making it feel cozy without sacrificing comfort. We especially love that you can park the car, settle in, and explore town entirely on foot. For couples who want classic Mendocino charm without the luxury-resort price tag, Nicholson House strikes a sweet balance.
A WALKABLE BOUTIQUE STAY IN THE HEART OF MENDOCINO VILLAGE
Nicholson House is one of the most convenient places to stay in Mendocino if you want to be fully immersed in the village. The location is ideal, with everything within walking distance. Additionally, the boutique feel makes it both charming and comfortable. The rooms are cute, and the garden adds a quiet, relaxing space to unwind.
What makes it even better is the connection to the Beaujolais restaurant group. We loved being able to walk to The Waiting Room, Brickery, and Cafe Beaujolais for easy, high-quality meals. Overall, it’s a perfect blend of location, design, and walkability.
BEST FOR: Couples, Girls Weekend, Walkable
AVERAGE COST: $250-$800 per night
PET-FRIENDLY: Limited rooms allow pets, $65 per pet per night
BOOK: NICHOLSON HOUSE
LITTLE RIVER INN – UNBEATABLE OCEAN VIEWS
Just a few minutes south of Mendocino village, Little River Inn has been welcoming guests for generations and remains one of the most iconic places to stay on the Mendocino Coast. Nearly every room features sweeping Pacific views, and many include fireplaces, soaking tubs, or private hot tubs overlooking the ocean. With an on-site restaurant, golf course, and easy access to nearby beaches and redwood hikes, it’s the kind of place where a quick weekend can easily turn into a tradition.
OCEAN VIEW COMFORT WITH CLASSIC COASTAL CHARM JUST MINUTES FROM TOWN
Little River Inn offers some of the best ocean views of all places to stay in Mendocino. The balconies alone make it worth the visit, especially at sunset. And the on-site restaurant exceeded expectations with excellent food and cocktails. It made dining incredibly easy without leaving the property.
The location is also a major plus! It sits close to both the ocean and nearby towns, while still feeling relaxed and scenic. Finally, it’s a more reasonably priced option compared to other coastal stays, making it a strong value for the area.
BEST FOR: Ocean Views, Couples, Near Town
AVERAGE COST: $160-$580 per night
PET-FRIENDLY: Pets allowed, $30 per pet
BOOK: LITTLE RIVER INN
MENDOCINO GROVE – GLAMPING AMONGST REDWOODS
If you love the idea of camping but still appreciate a comfortable bed, Mendocino Grove offers one of the best glamping experiences on the California coast. Luxury safari tents are tucked among coastal pines just minutes from town, blending outdoor adventure with thoughtful comforts like heated blankets, campfire setups, and hot showers on-site.
It’s one of our favorite budget-friendlier places to stay in Mendocino for travelers who want the feel of camping without bringing all the gear. Whether you’re road-tripping Highway 1 or introducing someone to camping for the first time, Mendocino Grove makes it easy!
ELEVATED CAMPING UNDER THE REDWOODS STEPS FROM THE MENDOCINO COAST
Mendocino Grove Glamping is one of the most memorable places to stay in Mendocino for a nature-forward experience. The property is beautifully designed and surrounded by trees just across from the ocean.
Moreover, the communal spaces create a welcoming and social atmosphere while still feeling peaceful. The tents themselves are stylish, cozy, and thoughtfully equipped. We absolutely love the bed warmers as they make the experience surprisingly comfortable, even on chilly coastal nights.
Most importantly, the location strikes the perfect balance between being close to the village while still feeling tucked into nature. The property has a short dirt trail that follows along Highway 1 and leads to ocean views – right on the edge of camp. Fall asleep to the sound of the breeze in the trees and waves crashing on shore.
BEST FOR: Outdoors, Families, Group Getaways
AVERAGE COST: $170-$360 per night
PET-FRIENDLY: Pets allowed, $35 per pet
BOOK: MENDOCINO GROVE
READ OUR FULL ARTICLE HERE: MENDOCINO GROVE: A MAGICAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA GLAMPING EXPERIENCE
VAN DAMME STATE PARK CAMPGROUND – FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
For travelers looking for more budget-friendly places to stay in Mendocino – without sacrificing location – Van Damme State Park’s lower campground is one of our favorite options on the Mendocino Coast. Located just south of Mendocino village near the small community of Little River, this campground sits tucked among towering redwoods and lush ferns, while still being just a short walk or drive from the coastline.
The lower campground is especially convenient for campers who want easy access to amenities, flatter campsites, and quick access to the park’s most popular attractions, including the scenic Fern Canyon Trail and nearby kayak rentals on Little River. It’s a great choice for tent campers, van travelers, and families who want to experience the magic of camping under the redwoods while staying close to everything Mendocino has to offer.
COASTAL CAMPING WITH BEACH ACCESS AND TRAILHEADS AT YOUR DOORSTEP
Van Damme State Park Campground is one of the most budget-friendly places to stay in Mendocino, making it a great option for travelers looking to experience the coast without a high price tag. Despite being inexpensive, it still offers an incredible location and access to nature.
Additionally, the campground sits directly across the street from the beach, which makes spontaneous ocean walks incredibly easy, we love doing this at sunset. It also feels surprisingly close to Mendocino town, so you never feel too far from cafes, shops, or restaurants.
Even better, there are hiking trails start right from the campground, which makes it ideal for soft adventure travelers who want to explore without driving. As a bonus, your reservation receipt gives you free access to all surrounding state parks, which adds even more value to your stay.
BEST FOR: Outdoors, Camping, Beachfront
AVERAGE COST: $45 per night
PET-FRIENDLY: Pets allowed
RESERVE: VAN DAMME STATE PARK CAMPGROUND
PLACES TO STAY IN MENDOCINO FOR EVERY BUDGET
Whether you’re celebrating something special, planning a romantic coastal escape, or simply looking for a memorable basecamp, these are some of our favorite places to stay in Mendocino across a range of budgets and travel styles. From private redwood retreats and oceanfront inns to glamping under the stars, each stay offers a different way to experience one of California’s most beautiful coastal regions. Wherever you choose, the hardest part may be convincing yourself to leave.
MAP OF CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES
Want to see everything we covered in this article, plus more? If so, this map is for you. Not only does our interactive map of California have ALL the details and location info for each of these stays, but it also has over 850 other points of interest in California in it. With all of the location specific details and information like GPS location, dog-friendliness, cost, and more, as well as an itinerary creator, this map is the perfect trip planning companion!
Happy Soft Adventuring!
-Katy & Ryan Smilko
