The Inn at Newport Ranch

Dinner was so good that we ate at the ranch all four nights. The chefs use ingredients from the 2,200-acre property, and the meals were the best we found in the area. Afterward, sitting by the fire with local wine and roasting marshmallows was hard to beat. Newport Ranch is right above the ocean on a grassy bluff, with a gorgeous rocky coastline. We walked the mile-and-a-half private shore and spent a while watching the waves from a bench. The Inn itself uses redwood from the property in its design, and the rooms were lovely with comfortable beds. There are big stone fireplaces in the dining room and den, kept lit through the day and at dinner. The staff were wonderful. Otis, Cody, Alex, Micha, Nick, and his team were all so nice. There’s plenty nearby to do, including Hendy woods, Fort Bragg, coastal walks, whale watching, and wine tasting. It’s an outstanding hotel, and we can’t wait to return. I highly recommend it.

The people here are the best part. Everyone seems to love the ranch, and they’re genuinely warm, friendly, and accommodating. They seem to know what you need before you do. Thanks to Otis for a spectacular ranch or forest tour. Don’t skip one. The views are amazing, the atmosphere is relaxing, the food is great, and the rooms are comfortable and well appointed, with snacks. I’m already looking forward to another visit and more drinks by the fireplace.

The food kept surprising me. I never expected to pause over oats, and the dinners were wonderful, every dish worth taking time over. I even had a tuna sandwich that took my breath away. The grounds are stunning, with quiet walks and good trails along the coastline. Little benches and tables appear in tucked-away spots by the ocean. Inside, the rooms are cozy, and the shared spaces feel warm and inviting, with a fireplace and plenty of places to hang out. The staff were attentive but still relaxed and fun, and their recommendations were great.

We spent three days right on the property and never wished we’d gone somewhere else. It was such a memorable first holiday for our little family, including our three-month-old, and we can’t wait to return. Odis was a highlight. He’s a kind local guide with so many regional stories, and his ATV tour was unforgettable. We also got to plant a redwood sapling together, which felt like a meaningful way to give back. We’d rate time with him 10/10. Felicia, who looks after the garden, taught us about the herbs and sent us home with fresh lemon verbena leaves. Mercedes was responsive and accommodating with our little boy, and made sure we felt supported. We came for nature and great food, and the ranch delivered. The bluffs and picnic spots have some of the most breathtaking California coast views we’ve seen, and simply wandering the grounds became a favorite activity. Breakfast was spectacular each morning. On two nights we had the seven-course tasting menu, an incredible meal at Michelin-star level. The head chef and sous chefs were passionate and showed us their homemade fermentation process, along with how they forage and make the most of ingredients from the land. We felt calm as soon as we arrived.