Perched on a hillside overlooking the working Noyo Harbor, the Noyo Harbor Inn has stood watch proudly for more than 150 years. Recently renovated, with an eye to retaining the incredible details that made it a crown jewel of Fort Bragg, it once again welcomes guests to explore the wonders of Fort Bragg and the Noyo Harbor.
Built in 1868 by a young Scot and local lumberman, Alexander MacPhearson, the original house was carefully crafted as a home for his family. The house witnessed a huge amount of change in the region – most notably the construction of a new bridge spanning the Noyo River in 1887. Throughout the late 19th century the Noyo Fishing Village continued to develop, bringing together Finns, Portuguese, and Japanese fishermen to take advantage of the abundant local catch.
Wood Inspired Architecture by the Arts & Craft Movement
In 1910 the house was sold to Harry and Annie Holmes, who expanded the property and spent the next decade working with highly skilled Scandinavian shipwrights to add board-and-batten hardwood fir and redwood paneling throughout. The style, like much of Fort Bragg in this era, was highly influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement, with unique woodworking touches added by the artisans, and incredible wood at their disposal – Harry Holmes was the Superintendent of Woods for the Union Lumber Company.
In 1935 the house sold to the Schlote family, and when Mrs. Schlote’s husband died she began to rent rooms to travelers and fishermen for $5 a night – thus was Casa del Noyo born, the forerunner of today’s Inn. The property changed hands a number of times in the intervening years, witnessing two more bridges, a massive expansion of Fort Bragg, the decline and eventual closure of the lumber mill, and rejuvenated tourism. In 2011 Joseph Marino purchased the property and embarked on a six-year journey of renovation, working with the finest local materials and craftsmen to restore the property to its former glory, retaining its Craftsman charm while adding modern touches and conveniences throughout.
New Harbor Renaissance on the Mendocino Coast
Today the Noyo Harbor Inn is proud to be a part of a new renaissance in the harbor, with a myriad of small businesses bringing some of that amazing pioneer spirit that the Noyo Harbor Inn was built on.
A walking path takes you down into the working harbor, so you don’t even need to get in your car. From there you can explore some great restaurants or partake in excursions that run throughout most of the year (weather permitting).
Just down the hill from us you’ll find Princess Seafood, a fresh-catch restaurant started by Captain Heather Sears and her first crew woman, Wendy Holloway. This market and deli specializes in sashimi grade seafood – whatever the F/V Princess may have caught that day – along with other fresh seafood selections. You can buy whole fish or fillets, line oysters, prawns, uni, clams, mussels, scallops, Dungeness crab, octopus, calamari, and much more! It’s a delightful way to experience the freshest that our little stretch of coastline has to offer.
A bit further along toward the mouth of the Noyo you’ll find Sea Pal Cove, a fish and chips shack that’s far from ordinary. Consistently fantastic fish and chips and clam chowder are your go-to selections here – but the star of the place might be its incredible on-tap beer selection. 16 taps highlight some of the best regional craft beers – from Anderson Valley Brewing’s Bourbon Barrel Stout and Seasonal Ales, to Moonlight Brewing Company’s Death & Taxes, to North Coast Brewing’s Scrimshaw Ale, to Redwood Curtain’s Sellick Stache… there’s something here for every craft beer lover!
Water Sports, Whale Watching & Fishing Experiences
Want to actually get out on the water for yourself? Sport fishing, crabbing, and whale watching charters operate out of the harbor most of the year (weather permitting, of course).
We partner with Captain Tim at All Aboard Adventures for some great packages that will help you have the experience you’re looking for. Captain Tim has a particular knack with finding whales, and his Whale Watching Tours from December 26 to April 30 are sure to get you up close with some of the massive Gray Whales during their annual migration. Salmon, Rock Cod, Albacore (when they’re close enough to shore and the weather is good enough), and Dungeness crab are a few of the sport experiences Captain Tim offers, and All Aboard offers cleaning (and cooking for crab) services so you can take these home with you ready to enjoy.
And of course, whether it’s before a day of exploration or at the end of a busy day experiencing the harbor, our own HarborView Bistro & Bar is ready to welcome you. Our California Coastal Cuisine brings together the best of European-inspired and California-inspired dishes, elevated by our access to local seafood. Enjoy brunch and dinner five days a week, alongside a robust Prohibition-era cocktail program and carefully curated regional wine list. All in our cozy outdoor dining areas, with romantic views of the Noyo River and docks beyond.
Room with a Story, a View and a Memory to Be Made!
There are so many ways to experience the beauty of MendoLand, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our home in the Noyo Harbor to get a taste of the magic here!
~ Brendan McGuigan, Noyo Harbor Inn
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