Inn at Schoolhouse Creek

When the keepers of this Mendocino Coast inn declare the whole family is welcome, they mean everyone — even the dog. Kid-friendly, pooch-friendly and wonderfully adult-friendly, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek treats youngsters to a lollipop and coloring postcard on arrival, and pets get a cookie and tennis ball. The secluded property grew up around the Ledford Farmhouse, which dates to 1862, and its rooms and cliffside cottages sport appropriately comfy, countrified décor. Nearby Buckhorn Cove is a natural playground of tide pools and blowholes, and there's plenty to see and collect: sea glass, shells and driftwood. Games are available in the Farmhouse, two-foot tall pieces populate the lawn chessboard and food and wine pairings with Anderson Valley vintages make ma and pa happy between whale watching excursions and canoeing through salt marshes in search of osprey, harbor seals and great blue heron.