San Francisco’s best view may not be in San Francisco; it could be of San Francisco. Fort Baker, a former U.S. Army post, is just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. It is home to Cavallo Point Lodge, the jewel of the 335-acre Golden Gate National Park with a view of the city of San Francisco, framed by the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Fort Baker complex includes 25 historic army buildings encircling a parade ground that leads to hiking trails and numerous forested areas. An old army barracks has been converted with great care and style into Cavallo Point Lodge, a retreat and conference center that offers a unique Northern California getaway with an expansive view of San Francisco from the rolling hills of Marin County.
Cavallo Point Lodge is an environmentally sustainable luxury resort that is also home to a renowned cooking school, meeting places, and a healing arts center and spa. If you’re just stopping by rather than staying over, there’s also Farley’s Bar and the Michelin star Murray Circle restaurant. “Cavallo Point is where nature, nurture, adventure and culture meet.”
There are easy walks and bike trails along the waterfront, all with spectacular views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Plan ahead with self-guided walking tour maps.
If you’re traveling with children, you won’t want to miss the Bay Area Discover Museum. It’s an indoor/outdoor museum designed to inspire creativity in children.
Skilled kayakers and sailors may rent boats. Sailing lessons are also available at the yacht harbor.
This can be a day trip or weekend getaway for residents of Mendocino County and other North Bay areas. It’s also a delightful detour for people who appreciate a unique view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. Here are detailed driving instructions. Of course, you can get anywhere with Google maps and directions. The Fort Baker complex is also accessible by public transportation.
Cavallo Point Lodge is at Fort Baker, 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, CA 94965. Phone 415.339.4700 for more information or reserve online.
If your trip includes San Francisco, you will want to learn more from the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Examiner articles by Jay Gordon about Mendocino County.
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All photos by Jay Gordon
Enhanced by Stephanie Chatten
Contact the author directly at travelswithjay@me.com
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Comments
Nice article, Jay. Cavallo Point is indeed a great Bay area treasure.
Great pictures in the slideshow - Fort Baker looks so inviting and relaxing.
"Cavallo Point is where nature, nurture, adventure and culture meet." -- what a GREAT tagline for an AWESOME destination! I loved your photos, Jay... obviously taken on a sunnier day! ;-)
Sounds perfect - who knew former Army bases could be so inviting?
Great article, Jay. Now I want to return and stay a while.
Jay this is a BRILLIANT article. You learned so much more than me and you brought it all totally to life. I never learned this much -- and I was there!!! Great stuff, keep up the good work. You should definitely send this piece to the newsletter and let Diane know that you published it. Great job Jay, way to go! I am going to put it out on Twitter for you.
Is the Golden Gate the most beautiful bridge? Could be. I remember sailing our little boat under it entering the bay, and it was a highlight of our sailing years, because that bridge is just wonderful.
A good, informative read
Looks like a great place to stay and so close to the Golden Gate Bridge. Great photos.
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