Originally a fort and battery through World War II, Cavallo Point is now a national park lodge situated right across the bridge within Golden Gate National Parks boundaries. Since 2008, Cavallo Point Lodge has been drawing locals and visitors alike with its mix of beautifully restored turn-of-the-century officers' quarters and modern suites atop the hill overlooking the bay. Those of us from the Bay know Cavallo Point for its scenic front porch with couches and rocking chairs, perfect for a weekend afternoon aperitif or Sunday brunch. But visitors have been taking notice too—the lodge has been ranked among the top 100 resorts in the world, and this year, it scored a top 5 destination in the U.S. in Travel+Leisure's Readers' Poll.
If you haven't made a staycation out of it yet, now's the time to start saving your pennies. Through the end of the year, Cavallo Point is offering an Adventure Package with accommodations, which includes a $100 nightly resort credit, breakfast for two each morning, and a picnic basket for two. But the real draw is is the adventure add-ons. There are several options from which to choose that consider the gamut of adventure seekers: a sunset sail aboard SF Bay Adventure's 80-foot classic schooner Freda B; a Saturday sail wildlife and history tour; a family discovery package, which includes in-room movies and a milk and cookies turn-down service; and a spa package that offers a $300 credit towards the service of your choice. Tip: Cavallo Point is making the staycation more accessible by offering a Locals' Getaway package, which offers 50% off Sunday accommodations and 20% off Monday spa treatments!
Without further ado, here's a sample itinerary based on a recent weekend trip to Cavallo Point.
Friday
Wine hour coupled with a look at the main building's in-house, rotating art gallery. Sunset sail from Sausalito followed by pizza and wine at the nearby Bar Bocce.
Saturday
Morning yoga at the historic Mission Blue Chapel followed by brunch on the front porch of the main lodge building. Afternoon hike from Cavallo Point grounds with complimentary in-room picnic basket lunch. After-dark cocktail around the fire pits overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sunday
Dip in the outdoor meditation pool at the Healing Arts Center & Spa. Peek inside Mercantile, a Bay Area artisan-lover's dream store of locally made goods, clothing, kitchenware, cookbooks, etc. Reluctantly head home to the other side of the bay.
Cavallo Point Lodge Adventure Packages through the end of 2013; cavallopoint.com
