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Family-Owned

Families Welcome

So Much to Do

Family Dining

There are a lot of great options for kids on our main menu, and we welcome families.

The Perfect Space

Child-Approved Activities

Some of the favorite activities in the area that kids and their parents have told us they love over the years.

Best Beaches

Van Damme State Beach – Little River right on Highway 1

  • Safe, shallow cove with gentle wave breaks- campfire pits available
  • On windy or colder days, go to the protected northern end of the beach
  • Check out the tide pools on the south end during low tide

Caspar Beach – on Point Cabrillo Drive off Highway One

  • Fairly well protected from wind, soft sand, river
  • Large beach so easy to keep little ones away from the waves
  • Good rock and tide pooling during low tide

Big River Beach – just north of the bridge in Mendocino

  • The most popular beach with lots of activity- surfers, volleyball, etc
  • Soft sand, river side is often warmer, currents can be dangerous

Best Hikes

The Haul Road at Big River – keep going past the beach parking lot

  • Flat and straight, easy walk into the redwoods with a stroller

Pygmy Forest – 3 miles up Little River Airport Rd, left at “y”, then immediate left

  • Wooden walkway has educational signage about the pygmy forest
  • Both walkway and trail are easy for shorter legs and strollers

The Fairy Trail – inside the Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg

  • Discover fairy dwellings and other surprises
  • The Gardens are hilly, so bring stroller or prepare to carry little ones

Jug Handle State Preserve – just north of Caspar on Highway One

  • Best example of an Ecological Staircase in the Western Hemisphere
  • Great educational science hike for older kids
  • Be sure to pick up the guide in the parking lot that explains everything

Activities

Skunk Train – off Main Street in Fort Bragg

  • A really pretty one-hour ride through the redwoods

The Point Cabrillo Light House – on Point Cabrillo Drive off Highway One

  • Go to website for schedule of events at PointCabrillo.org
  • ¼ mile from parking lot to light house, uphill on the way back

Bryan Preserve – in Point Arena

  • Preserve and breeding of endangered African hoof animals
  • Weekends, by appointment only
  • The 2-hour Jeep tour better for older children

Glass Beach – Turn left on Elm north end of Fort Bragg

  • Just like it sounds, a beach with lots of sea glass- pretty magical

CV Starr Aquatic Center – top of Maple Street and Lincoln in Fort Bragg

  • Water park with lazy river, water slide (must be 48”), fountains, etc.
  • Kid beach swim weekends 1-4 pm

Playgrounds

Mendocino Community Center – School Street in Mendocino

  • Toddler play set and swings, sand box
  • Big kid play set and giant see saw
  • Check the bulletin board inside for current kid activities

Wiggly Piggly Playground – on Laurel Street in Fort Bragg

  • Bigger and newer playground- fenced in so no escaping!
  • Two play sets, swings, and more…

Shopping

Out of this World – Main Street in Mendocino

  • A must visit, specializes in science toys and games

Village Toy Store – Lansing in Mendocino

  • Awesome toy store, specializes in non-battery toys and kites

Update

During the Covid-19 crisis, for the safety of our staff, community, and guests we are requiring masks and social distancing at check-in and in common spaces. If you feel sick or are exhibiting any symptoms, please contact us to reschedule your stay.

We’re excited to be in the running for the Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Hotel! If you’ve stayed with us and love us as much as we hope you do, it would help us so much if you could take two minutes to vote!

Visit https://www.cntraveler.com/story/vote-readers-choice-awards and click Hotels, then search for us and Vote! And please share with your friends and family as well – we know we can make the list this year with our incredibly supportive community!