Stanford Inn Wellness Programs Director Sid Garza-Hillman oversees experiences that help resort guests recharge, revive and restore their health. One of his favorite recommendations is a simple one: walking. Taking more steps benefits both humans and their four-legged family members. With gorgeous beaches, state parks and small-town streets all within a stone’s throw of the Stanford Inn, it’s a great place to start.
A regular walking routine requires minimal investment. If you’ve got a dog, you’re likely taking some daily strolls already. Upping your step count can help you shed pounds and prevent chronic disease—and pets typically experience similar benefits. By taking brisk, purposeful walks on a consistent basis, you’ll decrease stress and reduce the risk of certain cancers, circulatory conditions, type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis and other health challenges. Walking helps you curb blood cholesterol, strengthen joints, and ease back pain, and it releases endorphins that can alleviate anxiety and depression.
Several scenic hiking routes unfold near the Stanford Inn. Brewery Gulch Drive follows a former stretch of Highway 1 along Mendocino Bay, offering a low-key, two-mile out-and-back with outstanding views. Victorian architecture and ocean vistas make the coastal community of Mendocino another popular place for walking. Not far from the resort, a cluster of state lands offers more challenging trails. Dogs are welcome in select parts of Mendocino Headlands State Park, Big River State Beach and Van Damme State Beach. Each promises a spectacular setting, and they’re all a short drive from the Stanford Inn.
