San Francisco, the city by the bay is a vibrant city and so much fun to explore, but sometimes, you want to get out of the city and breathe.
Cavallo Point is the Lodge at the Golden Gate; the hotel and grounds will draw you in with it’s quiet grandeur and historic luxury. Located just across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, you are outside of the city with wide open spaces to rest, relax and renew your soul.
Cavallo Point was once Ft. Baker, a former U.S. Army post. I was excited to stay and experience this beautiful hotel and share it with you.
So let’s go….
From the moment you arrive you will fall in love. The two main buildings have been completely restored and this is where you will find valet parking, front desk, shop and art gallery. The old mess hall sits next to the registration building and houses Murray Circle, the fine dining restaurant and Farley Bar.
All of the historic buildings sit proudly as they did years ago, circling the parade lawn, with bay views and the skyline of San Francisco. These buildings were once the residences of the officer’s and are now fully restored accommodations.
These rooms offer you, the guest an opportunity to stay in rooms with modern amenities, and the beauty of the historic architecture. If only the walls could tell the rich stories of a bygone era, it would be fascinating. The historic rooms offer family friendly accommodations with two bedroom suites, historic lofts and also historic king suites. The windows open so you can soak in the sea breezes and each building offers shared porches.
The contemporary lodging sits perched on the hillside above the historic buildings of Ft. Baker. Many of the contemporary rooms offer sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Each room has a private entrance, fireplace and either a patio or balcony. Located on the hill you will get plenty of steps in walking up and down to get to the restaurants, spa, and activities. I didn’t mind it a bit. You will need to valet park your car for these rooms as there is no parking up on the hill. The bell service guys are more than happy to drive up and pick you up and take you back should you not want to walk, or are in high hills to go to dinner. The hillside rooms are peaceful and quiet, you will feel as though you are in your own little world.
Dining:
You have 2 dining options on property. Farley Bar is a beautiful, cozy spot with a big fireplace for the cool and foggy nights, filled with dark wood, tables, and sofas. The menu offers bar style food, but elevated to a level that will make any foodie sing.
Murray Circle, the fine dining restaurant on property is part of the old mess hall. The dining room is modern, classy, yet the historic element is sitting quietly around each corner, such as in the restored tin ceiling. The restaurant also offers tables on the porch with views of the bay. The service was on point and the food is unique and highly creative. Try the Black Garlic Tamales as a starter.
Spa:
The Spa and Healing Center is tucked amidst the trees and offers a peaceful retreat to relax, and rejuvenate your soul. The spa services can be found on the website. The spa is one of very few that offers the Somadome. I have never had a Somadome experience, and had to give it a try. The best way to explain the experience other than it is the ultimate adult time out chair. You are tucked into a very new age style cocoon, pick your path, relax, energy, etc. As soon as you are in, they cover your ears with headphones that softly plays new age soothing music to fit the path you have chosen and the lighting changes to fit the mood. You won’t find it claustrophobic, as you can see your feet out on the foot stool, if you ever open your eyes.
The hotel offers some fabulous cooking classes in the culinary center. The fun and perfect activity for a girlfriend’s getaway weekend.
Cavallo Point offers many activities between exercises classes including yoga, guided hikes, hiking trail maps if you choose to set out on your own. I did the Chapel Steps trail to the Bay trail, which takes you from the mountains to the bay, then you can walk past the Coast Guard base, follow the path twist and turn your way up to the Golden Gate Bridge and then walk the bridge both directions.
The hotel offers a shuttle into Sausalito. If you want to shop or find a quaint little cafe, take the shuttle into town. They will drop you at the ferry terminal, so you can even take the ferry over to the city for the day.
I have gone a little long today, so you can either end it here, or I continue on for a brief minute to find other activities close by.
Cavallo Point is filled with history and is a wonderful place to getaway and stay.
The National Parks are celebrating 100 Years this year, so here is an easy way to enjoy a lesser known park.
If you are at Cavallo Point for more than a day or two and are ready to get off property and are looking for hiking and history. Drive just a few miles away from the hotel to the Marin Headlands. Stop in and chat with one of the very helpful ranger’s at the small visitor’s center, they will guide you to some really fun activities based on your wants and needs. There are plenty of hiking trails, old bunkers to explore and a marine mammal center where they rescue, rehabilitate and release marine mammals.
If you find yourself in the Marin Headlands on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday, stop in to the visitor’s center by noon time and join a ranger on a hike to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, it is a fabulous experience.
Travel Safe,
Terri