Writer: Jennifer Bradley / Photos: Bex Aulisio & Brendan McGuigan
Located on the secluded northern coast of California, minutes from the town of Mendocino, Little River Inn is roughly a three-hour drive from San Francisco or Sacramento, and a two-hour drive from the Sonoma County airport in Santa Rosa. But the most dramatic way to arrive is by driving south from Oregon along Highway 101 and merging onto the Pacific Coast Highway, CA Rt 1 in Leggett, CA. The views and clifftop coastline will leave you speechless.
Once you arrive at Little River Inn, you are immediately taken by the charming, Colonial architecture that wraps around the grounds. The crisp white buildings are beautifully maintained while showing their storied past. This resort is one of, if not the only, remaining facilities in the area that claims the distinction of still being family owned and operated. And when you are here, you feel as if you are indeed part of their family.
Built in 1853, the original house has been lovingly maintained by the same family for 171 years and welcoming guests to the Mendocino coast for 85 years. Aptly named, Little River Inn sits on a bluff overlooking the beach where the Little River empties into the Pacific Ocean. Picturesque benches and lawns frame perfect moments of relaxation while observing kayakers in the small bay below.
In the Deluxe Ocean View room, the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows next to the romantic fireplace is nothing short of breathtaking. The luxury appointed bathroom with two sinks, an enormous two-person, jetted bathtub and a stand-alone shower are a welcome feature after spending the day in the cool ocean breeze.
Lodging Packages
Little River Inn has several packages to make your getaway truly a memorable experience. These packages make it incredibly easy to set the tone for your stay. They range from romantic to family and pet inclusive. The Add A Little Romance package includes a two-night stay in an Ocean View room, two Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Tickets, a Fruit & Cheese Plate delivered to your room, a bottle of NV Roederer Estate Brut Sparkling Wine and two Little River Inn Keepsake Champagne Flutes, while the Ultimate Romance package takes your romantic getaway to the next level. A Wine Tour package explores the extraordinary, world-class wineries of Anderson Valley. And if you are feeling adventurous in the cool months of January, the Crabbing Adventure package sends you on a journey with Anchor Charter out of Noyo Harbor for a crabbing excursion.
If you are looking for an up close and personal experience with the Mendocino Coast, then the Ultimate Adventure package is for you. The inn has partnered with the Skunk Train, Catch-a-Canoe, and The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to offer unforgettable adventures. Other unique packages include, Stargazing, Taste of Mendocino, Wellness, and the Family Discovery package.
Furry companions are not left out. The River Dog Package includes a pet-friendly ocean-view room, pet-friendly dining, a luxurious canoe trip with your pup, and more, while the Water Dog Sea Cave Package includes the same accommodations plus a dog-friendly kayaking trip in the sea caves off Van Damme beach.
Dining
Dinner at the Little River Inn restaurant is something not to be missed. We had the pleasure of being served by the most friendly and charming of staff, Ashley. She simply made dinner a pleasure. The menu was very seasonal, sourcing many local California farmers and purveyors and contained gluten-free and allergy-friendly options. Along with an extensive wine list and full bar were some fantastic mocktails. We had the Virgin Mojito, with perfectly balanced lime and mint and the Palm Spritz, a lovely tart pomegranate and lime blend. An appetizer of crispy, gluten-free calamari was served with a mind blowing, honey mustard dipping sauce. For the next course, New England clam chowder made with clams in the shell in a rich, creamy broth was a unique twist on the New England staple and the carrot and ginger bisque was topped with a mouth-watering, roasted red pepper crema drizzle that provided a joyful pop of flavor.
For entrees we chose the Grilled Flat Iron Steak andthe Brazilian seafood stew moqueca. The two-inch thick cut of meat was grilled precisely to order. Ashley recommended a rare-plus temperature, which was perfection. Served with crispy new potatoes and arugula on an English pea purée and topped with a green garlic chimichurri, this meal was more than satisfying! The moqueca contained a fantastic array of seafood—whole clams and mussels, prawns, calamari rings, and melt-in-your-mouth Basa braised in a bright and savory coconut milk broth. It was absolutely divine!
We finished our meal with a mixed berry cobbler, Big River Coffee espresso and vanilla bean ice cream from Cowlick’s Creamery. Both the food and the service could not have been better.
Events
If you are interested in hosting a business gathering, Little River Inn has thought of everything to make your event a success. The Abalone Room, situated on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is a large conference area featuring a redwood fireplace and deck facing the sea. The inn provides necessary equipment and furnishings as well as catering.
If a luxurious, yet simple wedding is in your future, then Little River Inn is an easy choice. The elopement planner at the Inn takes care of every detail so that you can enjoy a romantic affair of eloping and celebrating your love. An experienced officiant, photography, flowers, dinner, cake, and a discount on lodging are all included. You can also entertain up to twelve guests for an additional fee.
If a small wedding is your preference, then the Micro-Wedding Package is sure to satisfy. This package ensures that up to 22 of your closest friends and family can celebrate your wedding together in a joyful convenient event. The package includes everything in the Elopement package as well as upgraded dining, a two-tier cake with optional upgrades, a full champagne toast and bespoke planning services.
Activities
Like everything else at Little River Inn, the semi-private golf course has a colorful family history. Ole Hervilla, the man who turned the family home into an inn, decided a golf course would draw even more guests. How he went about this is a story unto itself that one the staff will be happy to tell you. An Audubon-certified sanctuary, Little River Golf Course is tucked among the hills and redwoods that sit high above the Pacific Ocean. This par 71, nine-hole course presents unexpected challenges and stunning ocean views along its 5,458 yards. While playing or walking the course, you may see deer wandering across putting greens, and many sea birds floating above. Paired with the Abalone Room, it also serves as a wonderful business retreat.
Two lighted championship tennis courts are free to guests and non-marking shoes are the only uniform required. If you need a racquet, one will be provided for you. And if you want to play after dark, you can ask for a key and have access in the evening hours.
The simple shed building that houses The Spa at Little River Inn is near the tennis courts. This unassuming building houses an elegant and Zen-like atmosphere. Once inside, you are wrapped in warm tones, soothing sounds, and the friendliest of staff. Su operates the Spa independently from the Inn, and my massage was one of the best I have ever had. Su was incredibly kind, and I felt very comfortable with her immediately. If I lived in the area, I would be a regular customer!
If you are looking for family fun, a romantic getaway, a business excursion, a golf weekend with your friends, or a wellness retreat on the beautiful Mendocino Coast, Little River Inn has it all in a very unassuming and welcoming, family-run atmosphere. It is easy to see why many guests make this beautiful inn an annual destination.
Little River Inn
7901 N Highway One
Little River, CA 95456
707-937-5942
1-888-INN-LOVE
Spa: 707-962-2240
www.LittleRiverInn.com
