Perched along the rugged coast of Fort Bragg in Northern California, is a luxury boutique resort that is an absolutely must-stay. The 2,200-acre private preserve at the Inn at Newport Ranch, includes miles of coastline, forests, and meadows offering a unique getaway experience with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. But the inn is more than just a luxury resort, it is an experience and it’s one you can’t get anywhere else.
WHERE IS FORT BRAGG?
Fort Bragg is a small coastal city located in Mendocino County, Northern California, along the rugged shores of the Pacific Ocean. It lies about 170 miles north of San Francisco, accessible by scenic routes through redwood forests and winding coastal roads. Fort Bragg is known for its stunning natural beauty, including dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush forests. The town itself has a rich history as a former military outpost and lumber town but is now a popular destination for travelers seeking outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and whale watching. Some of its popular attractions include the Glass Beach, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, and the picturesque Noyo Harbor. The surrounding Mendocino Coast region is renowned for its quaint villages, local wineries, and art galleries, making Fort Bragg a perfect blend of nature and culture. Which is exactly what you’ll get at the Inn at Newport Ranch!
HISTORY OF INN AT NEWPORT RANCH
The Inn at Newport Ranch has a rich history tied to the land and the rugged Northern California coast. The property it sits on, was originally part of a historic logging and ranching area. In the 1800s, this region was pivotal to the timber industry, with vast forests of old-growth redwoods being logged and transported via coastal schooners from nearby mills. The Newport Ranch itself was established in the late 19th century as part of a larger community called Newport, which once thrived as a small but active town serving the logging industry. Though the town of Newport eventually faded into obscurity as the logging era slowed, the ranch remained, transitioning into agricultural use and cattle ranching.
WILL JACKSON
In the early 21st century, Will Jackson, a San Francisco-based real estate developer and long-time admirer of the Mendocino coast, purchased the property. Inspired by its natural beauty and history, he envisioned a unique luxury retreat that would preserve the land’s heritage while offering a secluded getaway. The Inn at Newport Ranch opened in 2015, with the goal of blending modern comfort with the rustic charm of the historic ranch.
The inn incorporates the local redwood and stone into its design, and the landscape remains largely untouched, maintaining the essence of the original ranch and surrounding wilderness. Today, it stands as a peaceful sanctuary, where guests can experience the history and beauty of the Mendocino coast while enjoying modern amenities.
WHAT MAKES THE INN AT NEWPORT RANCH SO GREAT?
We’ve stayed at budget hotels and motels, and we’ve stayed at some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts around the world. And what usually sets the luxury resorts apart from the non-luxury resorts, typically lies outside of the room. There are only so many amenities that you can get that make that luxury resorts worth the substantially elevated price. Things like heated floors or beds, luxury materials and decor, or maybe inclusive meals and drinks. And while Inn at Newport Ranch is packed with luxury amenities, it’s what is outside of the room that truly makes it special.
EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES AT INN AT NEWPORT RANCH
Five star meals and high-end beverages are great, and we’ll get to those in a bit. But what truly makes a place unique, and sets it apart from other options, is the memories and experiences it leaves you with. And boy does Inn at Newport Ranch leave you with the most amazing memories and experiences!
PRIVATE UTV TOUR WITH PICNIC (AND PLANT YOUR OWN REDWOOD TREE!)
The inn offers a number of different activities could be considered pretty standard for higher end resorts, like spa services, s’mores by a fire or sunset cocktails. But they also offer a number of very unique activities as well. Like a private guided mushroom foraging tour where you’ll learn about the land and the ingredients that right in to the food served on the ranch. Or horseback riding along the properties coastline.
But our favorite… A guided UTV tour of the 2,200 acres where you’ll not only learn about Will Jackson and the history of the land (and all of the viewing benches he built along the coast!), have a private picnic perched up on the hillside with 180º panoramic views, but you’ll also get to plant (and name!) your own personal redwood tree on the ranches property! If you only have an opportunity to do one of the guides tours and activities on the property, let it be the UTV tour. It truly is incredible!
WALKING AND HIKING TRAILS
Are you someone who likes to take a nice quiet stroll first thing in the morning? Or maybe a post-dinner outing to walk off the delicious meal you just had. Either way, Inn at Newport Ranch’s 2,200 acres of land provides miles of walking and hiking trails. Whether you want a nice coastal view as you walk, or you want more of a stroll through some redwoods, we assure you… You will not regret soaking in as much as you possibly can of this property.
PERSONALIZED AND INTIMATE EXPERIENCE
Most luxury and boutique hotels or resorts, have a large number of rooms. From all-inclusive resorts that can have rooms in the hundreds, to even smaller luxury resorts with rooms in the 20-30 range. And one of the major downsides to resorts like these, is the level of personalization and intimacy that you get while staying there. In most cases, there is none. Unless you request and pay up for it. But at the Inn at Newport Ranch, there are a total of 10 room options. 11 if you include renting out Will Jackson’s personal home which sits on the property. The rooms range from smaller and cozier rooms, to full on suites and a home that can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Because of the smaller and limited number of rooms, this means that the staff can truly get to know YOU. From your dining preferences to what types of activities and experiences you might enjoy, so that they can tailor your itinerary and stay specifically to you. What hotel or resort have you stayed at that offers such a personal experience? For us… It was none. And because of this, The Inn at Newport Ranch left an everlasting mark on our hearts and minds.
DINING AT THE INN AT NEWPORT RANCH
Speaking of personal and intimate, dining at The Inn at Newport Ranch is hands down one of the most incredible dining experiences we’ve ever had. If you consider yourself a foodie, then this might be what seals the deal for you.
Because Inn at Newport Ranch is a full working ranch, and because its 2,200 acres spans both rugged coastline and redwood forests, much of which has its own microclimates, it is a haven for natural produce. And the inn takes full advantage of this in their kitchen. Every day, the kitchen rotates out their tasting menu based on ingredients that are farmed and grown right on the property (or sourced locally). If you’ve never enjoyed a tasting menu dining experience before, dining here will set the bar VERY high for any future experiences you have. The flavors are simply out of this world. And because the resort only has 10 rooms, and is a private resort, this means you’ll get to enjoy this incredible meal in a very quiet and intimate setting.
If you typically base many of your travel decisions around food… This truly is an absolute MUST!
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
One of the common themes you’ll find as you read this (and when you stay here!) is the inn’s commitment to sustainability. From the materials used to build the resort, the ingredients used in the kitchen, so the practices the inn uses across the board, The Inn at Newport Ranch cares deeply about leaving the environment better than they way they found it. This all started with Will Jackson and his vision for the property. While we could easily talk your ear off about this, we think it best if you go and learn and experience it first hand from the staff and people who have lived on this land.
WILL JACKSON’S VIEWING BENCHES
We mentioned early that Will Jackson built benches along the coast of the property. But what’s really amazing about them, is why Will built them. It began with him simply loving the views up and down the coastline himself, and wanting to sit and enjoy the view. But over time, it also became a way to encourage guests to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. The benches, strategically placed along the rugged coastline, offer guests peaceful spots to stop, reflect, and take in the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the cliffs, and the surrounding landscapes.
Jackson’s intention was to create a place where people could slow down and connect with nature. Each bench provides a moment of solitude and an opportunity to experience the tranquility of the ocean and the expansive coastal views. The benches serve as more than just seating—they are part of the experience of the inn, inviting guests to pause, reflect, and appreciate the dramatic scenery around them. This reflects Jackson’s overall vision for the inn, which is to blend luxury with a deep appreciation for the natural environment.
THE ROOMS AND SUITES
At the end of a day full of amazing experiences, you still want that cozy and comfortable room to go back to. And luckily, the Will Jackson didn’t hold back on the rooms either. Most of the inn and its rooms are built and designed using reclaimed wood and stone found right not the property, or locally. So what you’ll get is a very modern yet rustic feel to the rooms.
Each room and suite has a different feel or theme to it. Like the Newport, Grove and Bird Suites that literally have giant redwood tree trunks and pillars in them, to the Captain’s Quarters which has a number of aquatic and ship related decor in it, and probably the best coastline view from bed you’ll ever see. We stayed in the Hearthstone Junior Suite which includes heated hardwood floors and rustic stone walls. No matter which you choose, you are going to love it!
ONE OF THE BEST RESORTS IN CALIFORNIA!
Our stay at The Inn at Newport Ranch lasted two nights, and it wasn’t NEARLY enough. This is one of those memorable stays you find yourself wanting to go back to over and over again to experience. Unfortunately, with unique and memorable stays comes a higher price per night. Honestly the only negative thing we could possibly come up with to say about this place.
Pricing starts at around $900 per night during non-peak months and can easily exceed $2,000 for the larger suites during peak months. As two people who currently call a converted camper van their permanent home, we can absolutely relate and understand that not everyone can shell out thousands of dollars for a few night stay at a luxury resort. But if you’re looking for a once in a lifetime type of stay and experience… We found the place for you. Whether it’s a for a milestone birthday, anniversary or major life event, this is definitely the place to splurge at.
INN AT NEWPORT RANCH: THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RESORT YOU MUST EXPERIENCE
If it wasn’t obvious, we fell in love with The Inn at Newport Ranch. And we’re SO confident that this place will leave an everlasting mark on your life as well. So let us know what you thought of this in the comments below! Have you stayed somewhere else that had a similar impact on you? Let us know below!
MAP OF CALIFORNIA
If you are looking or planning to visit The Inn at Newport Ranch (or Fort Bragg), then this map is for you. In addition to The Inn at Newport Ranch, our interactive map of California also has over 450 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. So when you’re looking for other things to do around the Inn, this map is there to help you!
Not much of a planner? No worries! We also have curated itineraries to make the planning process easier for you. And if that isn’t enough, book a call with us or have us create a custom itinerary for you! We are here to help!
