As soon as we turned off Highway 1 and drove up to The Lodge at Marconi, I knew this spot was going to fit the bill for our relaxing girls’ weekend. The January day was sunny and in the mid-60s, not at all what I expected but perfect for exploring this part of California’s coastline. Driving from San Rafael to the coast took us past farms, wineries, and Nicasio Valley Cheese—ideal spots to stop and pick up some picnic supplies for your weekend adventures.
The Tomales Bay property is part of the 62-acre Marconi Conference Center State Park, where you’ll find hiking trails and pairs of Adirondack chairs enjoy the coastal views. If you’re visiting during the new moon, borrow a mini telescope from the lobby and go stargazing.
Although it wasn’t open during our stay, a cozy sauna is available for guests to enjoy—the perfect evening option after a day of kayaking and hiking. Yoga is offered on Saturday mornings at the clearing on Tower Hill, and you’ll find oversized games, a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, and a horseshoe pit in the meadow. Check the events calendar for special meals offered at Mable’s and talks on science-y topics like the Nature of Newts.
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The welcoming lobby had multiple seating areas where we’d retire to in the evenings for some Scrabble and card games. I loved how the rooms reflected the property’s interesting history, featuring antique radios as a nod to Guglielmo Marconi, often credited as the inventor of radio, who built the lodge in 1914 as a radio receiving station. A small conference room off the lobby had an article on the wall about the “alternative lifestyle community” of Synanon (a fascinating read!), which took up residence here in the 1960s.
You’ll also find a selection of beer, wine, and snacks for purchase, perfect for enjoying around the campfire. If s’mores are your style, ask at the front des,k and they’ll hook you up. In the mornings, you’ll find coffee on tap, plus espresso beverages and fresh-baked muffins available for an additional charge. They also had breakfast burritos that you could heat up in the microwave and a variety of oatmeal if you are looking for something heartier.
Dining at The Lodge at Marconi—Mable’s Restaurant
We took a short walk from the lobby to Mable’s Restaurant to enjoy brunch on the sunny deck. Bloody Mary’s, a breakfast sandwich, and a burger fueled us after the long drive from San Jose. Local ingredients, such as Iacopi Farms butter beans and Fiscolini cheddar, are featured prominently in the seasonal menus. Tomales Bay oysters are a diner favorite, as is the sourdough focaccia that’s served with Straus butter and sea salt. The restaurant was hosting a wedding reception here during our stay, so we weren’t able to check out the bar during happy hour (but it looked cozy!).
Accommodations
Forty-six guest rooms in a variety of configurations are available for guests (and a few even allow dogs!). Rooms can sleep up to five people, with a pack ‘n play available for little ones. We stayed in a king loft with a stunning view of Tomales Bay, which had a king bed and bathroom on the main level and a cozy nook on a second level with a super-comfortable twin-size bed. I loved that this gave my guest and me our own spaces to spread out. Rooms come with a mini fridge, tea and pour-over coffee, robes, a hairdryer, and a safe.
If you want a cozy romantic spot to enjoy your bay views, book the A-frame. It features a king bed tucked into an upstairs nook, a kitchen, and your own deck.
Things to Do in Tomales Bay
A highlight of our trip was a farm tour of Hog Island Oyster Co., just a quick drive up the road from the Lodge. Our guide, Gary (a former college biology professor), gave us the scoop on how oysters grow in the intertidal zone of Tomales Bay. We learned that while oysters typically like to attach to each other, methods have been developed that let the oysters attach to a tiny piece of oyster shell and grow as a single oyster, making them perfect for restaurant consumption. The tour ended with an oyster-shucking lesson and tasting that included Hog Island’s signature Hog Wash topping. Be sure to stay and enjoy a meal and take in the picturesque location with a beer and more oysters, of course.
Head the other way down the road from the Lodge, and you’ll be in Point Reyes Station, a quaint town with cheese shops, a thrift shop, and restaurants. Heidrun Meadery is located between the town and the Lodge, and you can stop by for a mead tasting or to purchase some naturally sparkling wine made from honey. Point Reyes Lavender Co. is another fun option to grab some soaps and hand lotion to take home.
Point Reyes National Seashore offers plenty of activities on the other side of Tomales Bay, from kayaking with Blue Waters Kayak Adventures to visiting the elephant seals near Chimney Rock.
If you’re looking for off-property dining options, I recommend you visit Tony’s Seafood Restaurant, less than five minutes away. Owned by Hog Island Oyster Co., this restaurant serves all the seafood you are craving, from Dungeness crabs to the most delicious brothy clam chowder. If you’re lucky, live music will be happening while you’re there.
Final Thoughts
Our drive from San Jose to the Lodge at Marconi took about two hours, and you can get there in around an hour from San Francisco. Accommodations start at $299/night, and rooms sleep up to five guests. Dogs are permitted with a one-time fee of $75. Children under 17 stay free with an accompanying adult.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
My stay at the Lodge at Marconi was sponsored (paid for) by the property. The opinions expressed are my own.
@k8loweth A gorgeous January weekend in Tomales Bay at the Lodge at Marconi @Hog Island Oyster Co. @Lodge at Marconi #tomalesbay #pointreyesnationalseashore
