Mendocino is a gorgeous coastal gem nestled on a headland surrounded by the Pacific Ocean in northern California. The quirky, artistic town features an endless array of cliffside trails, pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, and oceanside apartments and villas.
From history buffs to nature lovers, Mendocino has something to offer to every type of traveller. Victorian mansions, art galleries, and cultural sites await those wanting to explore the historical gems of the town, while state parks, botanical gardens, and pygmy forests are there to perk up those looking to revel in the natural preserves of Mendocino.
To make your trip more enjoyable, book a stay at a charming boutique hotel or a unique holiday rental. Here are the top cool and unusual hotels in Mendocino, California (in no particular order)…
1. Brewery Gulch Inn – a super-cute cosy inn featuring spacious guest rooms and unparalleled sea views
Set in a rustic building off Route 1, Brewery Gulch Inn overlooks the rocky Mendocino coast. Shabby-chic rooms at this laid-back bed-and-breakfast come equipped with a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access, gas fireplaces, and private decks with bay views.
Surrounded by dense gardens, this cool B&B has a redwood design throughout. All guests have access to a common area with a fireplace and a wood-panelled dining room where breakfast and light dinner buffets are served.
Address: 9401 CA-1, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States
2. Blue Door Inns, Four Sisters Collection – a unique, chic and charming collection of inns known for their luxurious accents and for showcasing the best of Mendocino
A high-end B&B set in an elegant, white-washed house nestled amidst restaurants and shops of downtown Mendocino. Each room in Blue Door Innsis outfitted with a fireplace, a flat-screen TV with DVD players, and an iPod dock. Guests lodging in upgraded rooms have access to separate sitting areas.
Complimentary perks include a 2-course American breakfast served in-room, an afternoon wine hour, and all-day cookies and hot drinks.
When you stay at Blue Door Inns, you’ll be within a 2-minute walk of the spellbinding Big River.
Address: 10481 Howard St, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States
To book, check prices or availability for Blue Door Inns
3. Inn at Schoolhouse Creek – a traditional style B&B offering cute, homely and quirky rooms and self-contained holiday holidays
Located less than a mile from the Little River Golf Course, the charming Inn at Schoolhouse Creek offers coastal-themed rooms, suites, and cliffside cottages that extend over six acres of verdant gardens, forested land, and meadows.
All accommodations are fitted with gas fireplaces, private decks, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, minifridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Suites come with Jacuzzis, ocean views, and/or telescopes. Communal amenities include a hot tub, a spa, and private access to a beach inlet.
Address: 7051 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456, United States
4. Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast – traditional bed and breakfast with quirky-chic decor offering typical, all-American accommodation and a great beachside location
A Victorian saltbox-style B&B located a mile from Mendocino Headlands State Park, with the lighthouse at Point Cabrillo reachable within a 3-minute drive.
Built in 1868 as a barbershop, Headlands Inn Bed and Breakfast features a quaint interior with sloped ceilings and wood-burning fireplaces in all rooms. Each of the seven rooms and one seperate cottage at the inn offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding gardens.
Some accommodations come with 4-poster beds, mini-fridges, microwaves, and/or window seats. Freebies include a sumptuous breakfast served on vintage porcelain plates with fresh flowers, all-day drinks and sweets, and afternoon tea and cookies.
All guests have access to an English country garden with shaded sitting area.
Address: 10453 Howard St, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States
5. Agate Cove Inn – a striking stylish coastal inn with an effortlessly cool beach theme and stunning sea views, making it ideal for couples
Nestled amongst two acres of coastal gardens, Agate Cove Inn looks out on the ragged shores of the Pacific Ocean. The B&B is within a short drive of Little River Golf Course and the Mendocino Headlands State Park.
The beachy chic rooms at the inn come complete with private bathrooms, fireplaces, microwaves, mini-fridges, and furnished balconies or decks. Free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and sherry are also available in all rooms. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs and/or 4-poster beds.
Communal amenities include a hot tub, a 24-hour lounge where hot drinks are served all day long and a bright ocean-view dining room where an indulgent breakfast is served every morning. The gardens feature sitting areas with swings, hammocks, and sun loungers.
Address: 11201 Lansing St, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States
To book, check prices or availability for Agate Cove Inn
6. Mendocino View West – lovely, understated inn close to the beach offering quiet and quaint accommodation with gorgeous views that is especially good for couples
A cute and quaint holiday property located on Little Lake Road, Mendocino View West is located within walking distance of some of Mendocino’s finest shops, restaurants, and galleries.
The one-bedroom apartment features a rustic interior with mahogany and caramel tones with leather accents making for a restful stay.
There’s a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom equipped with a hot tub and free toiletries, a furnished deck, and a living room with a flat-screen TV. With a sofa bed in the living room and an extra-large double bed in the bedroom, the property can sleep up to four people.
The low-key property is a short walk from Mendocino Art Center, Temple of Kwan Tai, and Highlight Gallery.
Address: 44920 Little Lake Road, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States
7. Cliff House at Otter Point – a cute shabby-chic style beachside holiday rental with space for large groups
Perched on a headland overlooking the Pacific, the Cliff House welcomes guests to a luxurious lodging experience with four bedrooms, several airy living areas, three bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a deck facing the ocean.
Made up of 3- hexagonal structures, this stylish property has a soothing cream-brown interior with wooden accents completing the look.
The kitchen has a 2-person breakfast bar and the adjoining dining area has seating for six. The property, however, can accommodate up to ten adults and nine children. Other amenities include a flat-screen TV in the living room, a fireplace, and a hot tub.
Popular attractions near the Cliff House include Point Cabrillo Light Station, Sea Glass Museum, and Mendocino Art Center.
Address: 45551 Otter Point Circle, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States
8. Oceanfront Casa – a stunning and spacious rustic-chic holiday home boasting breath-taking views and a laid-back vibe
A tastefully decorated townhome with a country-chic vibe located minutes away from Point Cabrillo Light Station, Oceanfront Casa features a wood-paneled interior and a brick-covered exterior. This two-bedroom oceanfront home is ideally designed to accommodate those looking for a quiet retreat steps away from the azure waters of the Pacific.
Each bedroom a traditional -style decor and is outfitted with sliding doors that lead to a balcony overlooking the Bay of Banderas.
The main floor features the living room and dining room that open onto the front patio through a wall of glass doors. There’s a fireplace and a flat screen in the living room whilst well-equipped kitchen adjoins the dining room which has seating for eight.
9. Mendocino Grove – super cool and unique camping tents in the heart of nature and close to the ocean
Nestled amongst towering trees is the coastal forest of Mendocino, the Mendocino Grove campsite offers rental tents with picnic tables, fire rings, and a bathhouse.
Each tent has a large double bed and can accommodate two adults. A standard family room comes with two single beds and a large double bed, sleeping up to four adults. All accommodations come with down comforters and hot showers.
Mendocino Grove is less than two miles from Mendocino Art Center, with the nearest beach accessible within a 2-minute drive.
Address: 9601 California 1, Mendocino, CA 95460, United States
10. Chanticleer – beautiful wood-panelled holiday home in a stunning woodland location, characterised by its rustic country-chic theme
A gorgeous holiday home, Chanticleeroffers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a dining area with seating for ten, a fully functional kitchen, a patio, and a garden with barbecue facilities.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a fireplace in the living area. The pet-friendly property is within a 10-minute walk of Point Cabrillo Light Station.
Address: Mendocino, 95460, United States
To book, check prices or availability for Chanticleer
11. Surfwood Getaway – a tranquil holiday property in a scenic location offering guests the chance to unwind in its bright and elegantly decorated spaces
An idyllic property located less than two miles from the Temple of Kwan Tai, the beautiful Surfwood Getaway offers four bedrooms with large double beds, sleeping up to eight adults.
The property also has an airy living room with a flat-screen TV, an adjoining sitting area with a fireplace, a well-equipped kitchen with a 2-person breakfast bar, and two bathrooms.
One bedroom has a sliding door that opens out to the back deck with a hot tub. The back deck leads to a private garden with a hammock and barbecue equipment. There are two front decks as well.
12. Redwood Rest – a charming woodland cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing the outside in and creating a tranquil atmosphere
A striking wood-paneled holiday home, Redwood Rest has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully functional kitchen with a 4-person dining table, an additional sitting area on the top floor, a private deck with a hot tub, and a front deck with outdoor furniture.
Located less than two miles from Mendocino Art Center and Point Cabrillo Light Station, Redwood Rest can accommodate up to four adults.
Address: Mendocino, 95460, United States
To book, check prices or availability for Redwood Rest
Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. In between adventures she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele.
