Fodor's Expert Review Dawn Ranch

A historic, woodsy 15-acre property that reopened in 2022 as a deluxe, reconnect-with-nature variation on mid-century roadside resorts, Dawn Ranch provides accommodations ranging from one-room, cedar-shingled cabins and larger "chalets" with sitting areas to a cottage and a bungalow. High-quality beds, linens, and bath products signal the upscale intent, but the minimal decor and lack of TVs or phones place the emphasis on unplugging and unwinding. The resort helps guests achieve this goal by making bicycles, binoculars, sketchbooks, journals, picnic blankets, and yoga and meditation equipment available at the front desk. Most units have small decks out front, and the grounds contain meadows, a fruit orchard, a culinary garden, and a path through redwoods, oaks, and sycamores leading down to a small Russian River beach. Resort activities include s'mores parties, yoga and meditation sessions, and live music on some nights at the bandshell below the on-site Agriculture Public House restaurant (American cuisine, full bar).