Marin County & the Bay Area - California - page 288

( 415-669-1389; www.tomalesbayresort.com ; 12938 Sir Francis Drake Blvd; r $125-275; )
The bayside Tomales Bay Resort has 36 motel rooms and a pool (unheated). When rates
drop - Sunday through Thursday and in the winter - it's one of the best bargains around.
Dancing Coyote Beach Cottages BUNGALOW
( 415-669-7200; www.dancingcoyotebeach.com ; 12794 Sir Francis Drake Blvd; cottages $200-260;
)
Serene and comfortable, these four modern cottages back right onto Tomales Bay, with
skylights and decks extending the views in all directions. Full kitchens contain tasty break-
fast foods and fireplaces are stocked with firewood for foggy nights.
Getting There & Away
From Hwy 1, Sir Francis Drake Blvd leads straight into Inverness. Route 68 of the West
Marin Stagecoach ( 415-526-3239; www.marintransit.org/stage.html ) makes daily stops
here from San Rafael ($2).
Point Reyes National Seashore
The windswept peninsula Point Reyes ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.nps.gov/pore ) is a
rough-hewn beauty that has always lured marine mammals and migratory birds as well as
scores of shipwrecks. It was here in 1579 that Sir Francis Drake landed to repair his ship,
the Golden Hind . During his five-week stay he mounted a brass plaque near the shore
claiming this land for England. Historians believe this occurred at Drakes Beach and there
is a marker there today. In 1595 the first of scores of ships lost in these waters, the San
Augustine, went down. She was a Spanish treasure ship out of Manila laden with luxury
goods, and to this day bits of her cargo wash up on shore. Despite modern navigation, the
dangerous waters here continue to claim the odd boat.
Point Reyes National Seashore has 110 sq miles of pristine ocean beaches, and the pen-
insula offers excellent hiking and camping opportunities. Be sure to bring warm clothing,
as even the sunniest days can quickly turn cold and foggy.