A historic plant-based eco-resort on the Mendocino Coast with organic gardens, rescued llamas, and redwood outrigger canoes on Big River.
Stanford Inn by the Sea sits on a hillside pasture overlooking the mouth of the Big River and the Pacific Ocean, just south of Mendocino village. Established in 1980 by Joan and Jeff Stanford, who transformed a basic motel originally known as the Big River Lodge, the property has evolved into a dedicated eco-resort and animal sanctuary. The lodge buildings, constructed from redwood and rough-sawn plywood, are arranged in a loose semicircle designed to direct views toward the coast. Inside, the guest rooms feature pine and redwood paneling, wood-burning fireplaces, and private decks. Floors are primarily made of sustainable wood and bamboo, accented by vintage Persian rugs. Modern comforts include organic coffee makers, stereos, and fresh-baked cookies delivered daily, while the overall design reflects a commitment to animal-free, sustainable materials.
Ravens Restaurant, the on-site dining room, opened in 1997 as a vegetarian kitchen before transitioning to a fully plant-based, whole-food menu. Under the direction of nutritionist Sid Garza-Hillman and Head Chef Bret Counterman, who began his career here as a dishwasher, the restaurant sources ingredients directly from the resort's USDA-certified organic gardens. The kitchen avoids soy protein isolates in favor of whole, seasonal ingredients, creating signature dishes such as sea palm pad Thai, BBQ tofu with sweet corn, and a rich wild mushroom chowder. Dinners are paired with organic wines, and overnight guests receive a made-to-order, multi-course plant-based breakfast each morning. Outside, the terraced gardens are dotted with red Adirondack chairs where guests can sit among rows of rainbow chard, kale, and edible flowers.
Beyond dining and lodging, the property serves as a sanctuary for rescued animals, including llamas, horses, donkeys, and waterfowl like geese and Muscovy ducks. The inn's Mendocino Center for Living Well offers a structured program of wellness classes, including meditation taught by Jeff Stanford and creative art therapy workshops led by Joan Stanford, author of the book, The Art of Play. For outdoor exploration, the on-site outfitter, Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too, provides custom-designed redwood outrigger canoes and kayaks for paddling up the calm waters of the Big River Estuary, as well as mountain bikes for exploring the adjacent coastal trails. An indoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna housed in a greenhouse structure provide year-round recreation, completing a sanctuary designed around holistic wellness and environmental stewardship.
Rent one of the custom-built redwood outrigger canoes from the on-site outfitter, Catch a Canoe, to paddle up the quiet Big River Estuary, then head to Ravens Restaurant for the sea palm pad Thai and wild mushroom chowder.
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