Craving a romantic Christmas escape close to home? Look no further than the Pelican Inn Muir Beach, a charming Tudor retreat just 25 minutes from San Francisco!
I had to pinch myself because I know I just drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, over the sweeping Marin Headlands, but when we rolled into the parking lot of the Pelican Inn Muir Beach, it felt like we were somehow transported to the English countryside.
I’ve lived in San Francisco for almost 10 years and kept hearing whispers of the beautiful Tudor-style hotel on Muir Beach. My husband and I didn’t have any out of town Christmas plans last December, so we decided to spend a magical Christmas Eve at the Pelican Inn to experience their famous dinner menu, caroling and Christmas breakfast.
Pelican Inn Muir Beach History
For Christmas Eve dinner, Robin and I were seated near the large fireplace in the dining room. So large, you can easily walk into the alcove and even find two seats near the hearth to warm up.
The entire building feels like it was plucked out of the English countryside and that’s because it kind of was. The building was only built in the 1970’s, but according to a small history book I found in my room, parts of the little pub were imported from England to give it that old world charm.
Stepping inside really does feel like entering a bygone era. Think cozy nooks and crannies, wood chairs, exposed beams overhead, and rich wood paneling lining the walls. A delightful mishmash of English countryside decor adorns the space: rustic tools like pitchforks hang alongside mounted animal heads and framed hunting prints.
The first thing we did after checking in was to grab a couple of pints at the Pelican Inn Pub – they have English beer on tap and was the perfect way to kickstart our evening in the 16-century style inn.
Pelican Inn Rooms
There are only 7 bedrooms at the Pelican Inn, so you do have to be snappy about reservations. I made our Christmas Eve reservations back in September.
Each room is different. Some have balconies, some have portraits, one even has a delightful claw foot tub. All the rooms feature English antiques, a large canopy bed and a plush rug. We stayed in Room 3 and I loved the private balcony for fresh air in the mornings.
My friend Justina stayed in Room 5 a few years ago and they got a hoot out of the massive portrait of Queen Victoria in their room (or maybe it was Queen Elizabeth?) Next time we visit I want to book Room 7 since it has a private staircase which just sounds delightful.
Hotel & Room Ammeneities:
- continental breakfast included in each stay
- dog friendly
- private bathrooms
- access to The Snug (guests only)
- Unique art and decor in each room
- free parking
- water bottles in room
- 3 minute walk from Muir Beach
Pelican Inn Dining
The Pelican Inn menu blew me away. I knew the bar would be great, full of pilsners, pale ales, sherries and wines, but the food menu went way beyond basic cornish pasties. There’s cornish hen, beef Wellington, bangers & mash, and shepherd’s pie on the regular menu, and our Christmas Eve menu featured more.
Triffle, Salmon Wellington (yes, that’s a thing!), unique dishes like Chestnut Soup, and salads made with local ingredients. For breakfast the next day, they served us a traditional English breakfast of eggs, sausage, toast, fruit and tomatoes.
The Pelican Inn Pub is open to anyone, not just guests, but guests get first dibs on reservations. I would absolutely return for lunch after a long hike in Muir Beach, or Muir Woods National Monument.
Christmas Eve At The Pelican Inn Muir Beach
I adore Christmas and love hunting down all the best places to spend Christmas in California. The Pelican Inn is easily one of my favorites for cozy Christmas vibes.
We sang carols in The Snug, feasted on a 3 course dinner, had drinks with fellow guests and in the morning took a delightful scroll on Muir Beach. They put up a cute little Christmas tree in the Snug, a room just for guests staying overnight, and combined with the cozy fireplace in there, it hit all the magical holiday vibes.
The Inn Is A Short Walk From Muir Beach
Other than an amazing menu, unique rooms, kind staff and good beer, the major perk of staying at the Pelican Inn is that it’s literally a 3-minute walk from the famous Muir Beach, and next door to some of the best Muir Beach hiking spots.
And, a short drive from Muir Woods! This Muir Beach hotel is a great central base to explore the area during the day, and come back to a charming oasis each evening for dinner. Before checking in, we drove up to the Muir Beach Overlook, which offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the town of Muir Beach, and you can even see all the way to San Francisco on a clear day!
The pub hotel combo is one that I’m eager to revisit soon. It’s a truly special gem on the California coast and whenever I’m feeling the itch to hop on a plane and get out of the country, heading here first is similar, affordable and only 25 minutes away from my San Francisco apartment.
There aren’t many hotels near Muir Woods unless you venture to the city, so this is magical headlands pub and inn that hits all the spots. Add it to your California hotel bucket list!
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