If you’re planning an escape from the Bay Area, look no further than the Inn at Newport Ranch. This quiet destination on the wild North Coast has everything you need for a relaxing weekend.
The Inn at Newport Ranch is situated about 20 and 30 minutes north of Fort Bragg and Mendocino, respectively, on 2,000 acres of privately owned land. It’s close enough to enjoy the offerings of the cities during the day, and far enough to feel like there’s nobody else out there with you. But honestly, you could go a whole weekend without leaving the property.
We stayed in the Bird House suite in the Redwood House. The Redwood House, containing 3 suites, conference room and spa, is aptly named. It’s constructed from 24 redwood trees, all found on the property.
Each suite is more like an apartment. Each has its own living room, kitchen, bathroom and patio area. The Bird House suite is next to the sauna, while the other two have hot tubs.
I honestly didn’t want to leave and contemplated moving into the Bird House. It’s the perfect little studio apartment for two with plenty of room to spread out.
Our balcony overlooked the vegetable garden. We fell asleep to the sounds of the ocean crashing against the coastal bluffs. It was the perfect place to escape for the weekend.
The main building of the inn itself is very welcoming with a full kitchen for guests to use. A porch wraps around the back of the building. Huge comfy couches invite you to sit in front of the fire. Atop the building’s water tower is a hot tub for all guests.
Dining at the Inn at Newport Ranch
Complimentary breakfast is served daily between 8:30-9:30. Bring your appetite because these are huge. Most mornings, we started with fruit, yogurt and a pastry before an actual egg breakfast. If you’re looking for lighter options, let the innkeeper know as you’re digging into your yogurt.
Lunches, packed or in house, are available upon request. Happy hour happens every evening between 6-7pm with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a drink. The hors d’oeuvres change every evening. The cocktails are fantastic with locally sourced ingredients and unique North Coast twists.
Dinners are also available upon request. Guests need to let the Inn at Newport Ranch know by 11am the day of if they’d like to be a part of the dinner service. We decided on dinner our first night at the inn, a fantastic, North Coast-inspired three course meal with locally sourced ingredients.
On our second night, we declined dinner and immediately regretted it as we watched the rain come down outside. We didn’t want to drive to Fort Bragg or Mendocino. Get the dinner. It costs $65 per person.
What to do at the Inn at Newport Ranch
Like I said previously, you can go your whole stay without leaving the ranch. The Inn at Newport Ranch offers ATV tours of the entire property from the coastal bluffs to the redwood forest. The ATV tour covers the colonial and logging history of the area.
You also get a glimpse of some of the animals on the property, including the cows! The ATV tours come with an option for lunch at the top of the ranch, if you should so desire. The views from up top are beautiful.
If you are looking for something more mellow, there are miles of flat-ish trails along the bluffs by the inn. These trails lead to secret benches, little waterfalls, and more. There’s lots to explore at the Inn at Newport Ranch.
If you are looking for a low-key destination, the Inn at Newport Ranch is the perfect getaway on the North Coast. Good food, comfortable digs and remote location? What more could you ask for? Accommodations begin at $400 per night. The entire property is available for rental as well.
Thank you to the Inn at Newport Ranch for hosting us for a weekend.
Last updated on May 3, 2019.
