The Mendocino Coast in Northern California is home to dramatic cliffs, peaceful beaches, and a very special vegan resort. Stanford Inn by the Sea offers delicious plant-based food, cosy rooms, and plenty of ways to relax.
In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, Brighde Reed chats with Sid Garza-Hillman, Wellness Programs Director at Stanford Inn by the Sea.
Together, they explore the resort, its vegan dining, and its wellness experiences. They also discuss what makes Mendocino such a beautiful place to visit.
Sid shares a surprising fact about the people who stay at Stanford Inn:
“95% or more of our guests are not vegan or vegetarian.”— Sid Garza-Hillman, Stanford Inn by the Sea
So, what makes Stanford Inn so appealing to everyone?
Stanford Inn by the Sea: A Vegan Resort with a Special History
Joan and Jeff Stanford bought the property in 1980. Back then, it was a much smaller lodge. Over the years, they turned it into a beautiful 41-room resort surrounded by nature.
However, Stanford Inn wasn’t always fully vegan.
When Sid joined in 2006, the restaurant was vegetarian. Both Sid and the owners were already vegan, and they began making changes.
In 2007, dinner became fully vegan. Then, in 2011, breakfast followed. As a result, the entire resort became 100% vegan.
Today, Stanford Inn by the Sea is one of the few fully vegan resorts in the United States. Yet it continues to welcome guests with many different lifestyles and food preferences.
Rustic Elegance on the Mendocino Coast
What can you expect from a stay at Stanford Inn?
Sid describes the resort’s style as “rustic elegance.” It’s comfortable and welcoming, without feeling too formal.
The rooms feature fireplaces, private decks, and beautiful views of the ocean or gardens. They also include useful comforts such as coffee makers, refrigerators, and microwaves.
Meanwhile, the shared spaces feel warm and homely. Guests can relax by the fire, browse the bookshop, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting.
The property also has organic gardens and rescued animals.
In fact, Sid says some guests arrive with plans to explore the area. However, they enjoy the resort so much that they spend most of their time there!
Ravens Restaurant: Delicious Vegan Food for Everyone
Food is a big part of the Stanford Inn experience.
At Ravens Restaurant, guests can enjoy freshly prepared vegan meals. The kitchen also uses produce from the resort’s organic gardens.
Breakfast is included with an overnight stay. However, it’s not a typical hotel buffet. Instead, guests sit down and enjoy a meal prepared by the kitchen.
Ravens also serves dinner and offers takeaway lunches. The restaurant welcomes visitors who aren’t staying at the resort, too.
Why Are the Portions So Generous?
Sid shares a funny detail about the restaurant.
Some vegan guests complain that the portions are too large!
However, there’s a reason behind the generous servings. Many non-vegan guests arrive thinking plant-based meals won’t fill them up.
So, Ravens makes sure everyone leaves feeling satisfied.
It’s part of the resort’s wider approach to vegan food. Instead of trying to convince people to change, Stanford Inn simply offers them a wonderful experience.
Wellness Experiences That Fit Your Holiday
A stay at Stanford Inn can be as active or relaxing as you like.
Unlike a traditional wellness retreat, the resort doesn’t require guests to follow a strict daily schedule.
Instead, visitors can choose the activities that interest them.
Sid leads several wellness classes, including nutrition, vegan cooking, guided hikes, trail running, and breathwork.
Vegan Cooking and Oxygen Advantage Breathwork
Sid wants his classes to teach practical skills that guests can use at home.
For example, his vegan cooking lessons focus on making plant-based meals simple and manageable. The goal is to show people that vegan cooking doesn’t need to be complicated.
He also teaches Oxygen Advantage breathwork. These exercises focus on helping people develop more natural breathing habits.
Sid believes that small, lasting changes can make a bigger difference than trying to change everything at once.
Art, Gardens, and Outdoor Adventures
Wellness at Stanford Inn goes far beyond food and fitness.
Joan Stanford, a registered art therapist, leads creative “playshops.” These fun sessions encourage guests to explore their creativity.
Visitors can also enjoy gardening classes, mushroom exploration walks, and guided outdoor activities.
For those who prefer a quieter day, there’s an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and massage treatments.
Another popular attraction is Catch a Canoe. Here, guests can explore the beautiful Big River area by canoe or kayak. Biking is another way to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
And, of course, doing absolutely nothing is also an option!
The Mendocino Coast 50K: A Vegan Ultramarathon
Did you know that Stanford Inn also supports a vegan ultramarathon?
Sid is the race director of the Mendocino Coast 50K, a trail-running event that takes participants through Northern California’s beautiful natural scenery.
The Stanford Inn has supported the race since its beginning and provides the catering.
All the food at the event is vegan. However, just like the resort, most participants aren’t vegan.
Sid estimates that only about 5% of the runners follow a vegan lifestyle.
The race welcomes up to 150 runners and has become incredibly popular.
Sid also shares lessons from his book:
“Ultrarunning for Normal People: Life Lessons Learned On and Off the Trail.”- Sid Garza-Hillman
For him, trail running isn’t just about speed or distance. It’s also about slowing down, enjoying nature, and discovering what you’re capable of achieving.
Exploring Mendocino Coast, California
Of course, the Stanford Inn is only one reason to visit this beautiful part of Northern California.
Mendocino is a small coastal town around three and a half hours’ drive north of San Francisco.
It’s known for its dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, redwood forests, and peaceful atmosphere.
Sid and his wife moved here from Los Angeles in 2006. They fell in love with the area because its scenery reminded them of Scotland.
Today, Sid still enjoys the slower pace of life.
What Is There to Do in Mendocino?
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore along the Mendocino Coast.
The area offers scenic hiking trails, beaches, coastal drives, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
During whale migration seasons, visitors may also see whales travelling along the California coastline.
Meanwhile, the town itself has lovely galleries, theatre, and historic buildings. Its charming streets have kept much of their traditional appearance.
Mendocino also hosts local events, including whale and mushroom festivals.
Best of all, Sid says the area rarely feels crowded. That makes it an appealing destination for travellers who want to escape busy city life.
Planning Your Vegan Stay at Stanford Inn
Thinking about visiting the Mendocino Coast?
Sid recommends booking directly through Stanford Inn’s website or calling the resort.
The inn also offers vacation packages. Guests can add private wellness experiences, such as cooking classes, yoga, hiking, or creative activities.
Rates vary throughout the year.
June to September is the main high season. However, Sid encourages travellers to consider the quieter winter months, too.
Although the weather can be rainy, winter also brings sunny days and a peaceful atmosphere. Plus, room rates can be lower.
Discover the Mendocino Coast with World Vegan Travel
Stanford Inn by the Sea shows how vegan hospitality can appeal to everyone.
From its welcoming rooms and plant-based meals to its outdoor adventures, there’s something for every kind of traveller.
And with the beautiful Mendocino Coast right on its doorstep, it’s easy to see why Sid loves calling this place home.
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Stanford Inn by the Sea – Explore this fully vegan resort on the Mendocino Coast, including accommodation, dining and vacation packages.
- Ravens Restaurant – Discover the resort’s organic, plant-based dining experience and seasonal menus.
- Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too! – Explore Big River and the surrounding natural beauty by canoe, kayak or bicycle.
- Stanford Inn Wellness Experiences – Learn about vegan cooking classes, breathwork, guided nature walks, creative playshops and relaxation activities.
- Mendocino Coast 50K – Find out more about the vegan ultramarathon directed by Sid Garza-Hillman.
- Sid Garza-Hillman – Discover Sid’s books, podcast and approach to wellness, including Ultrarunning for Normal People.
- Visit Mendocino County – Plan your visit and explore the coast’s beaches, redwood forests, hiking trails and attractions.
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