Cavallo Point Lodge: Beauty by the Bay A California Treasure at the Edge of the Golden Gate Bridge
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FUN FACTS:
called Cavallo Point Lodge. Located on the grounds
1 Hundreds of weddings are held on the property or at
6 The beautifully restored historical buildings were
of Fort Baker, a former army base, and surrounded by
the non-denomination chapel, but never on the Parade
initially homes designed with a Victorian family feeling,
mature California Redwoods and fragrant Eucalyptus
Grounds (the 12-acre park that sits prominently in front
built to encourage the military officers to bring their
trees, Cavallo Point Lodge is truly a California treasure.
of the hotel’s lobby) due to permit restrictions. However,
families to live on the base.
Whether you choose to walk, hike or bike around the
there was one private person, President Bill Clinton in 2014.
area exploring the rich history and enjoying the great
Team Clinton obtained the permit to land his helicopter
7 The stylish wispy grass that is planted prominently
outdoors, you are naturally infused with stunning
on the Parade Grounds for a special event being held at
throughout the grounds is called “creeping red fescue”
views and eye popping vistas from nearly all points of
the property - talk about making an entrance.
and is part of Cavallo Point’s green initiative.
et in the awe-inspiring Marin Headlands, with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge is a magical place
around the property, making for a great place to unwind with a good book.
the property.
2 Fort Baker, set on 45 acres of national parkland was
8 Cavallo Point is a favorite creative retreat for Silicon
Cavallo Point Lodge is a unique California property
an army post built at the turn of the 20th century and
Valley titans like Twitter and Google, and is host every
offering two very different lodging experiences -
the historical buildings at Cavallo Point are designed in
spring to the Lexus Culinary Classic event.
beautifully restored historic rooms located around the
a Colonial Renaissance style.
9 Thanks to legislation written by Congressman Phillip
original Parade Grounds, or modern accommodations up the hill. Historic rooms feature vintage architectural
3 In an effort to preserve the authenticity of the
Burton and signed by President Richard Nixon, Fort Baker,
details (tin tile ceilings), large well-appointed bathrooms,
property, thousands of vintage “tin ceiling tiles” throughout
Army post became National Parkland and was officially
spacious and cozy furnishings. While modern rooms are
the hotel and historical guest lodges, had to be removed,
handed over in 2002 to the National Park Services.
bright and luxurious with bamboo built-ins and sliding
due to the lead paint. The initial removal process was
doors that open out to a sitting area overlooking the San
too toxic for the employees, however a female historian
10 Mother Nature abounds - Cavallo Point Lodge
Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Lodge is
architect working on the project came up with an idea to
is home to the Mission Blue Butterfly, a native to
also a leader in environmentally friendly architecture, and
remove the tiles one by one, number each one (so they
the San Francisco Bay area; the butterfly has been
is LEED Gold Certified. The property pursues a number
would be put back in their original place) and freeze them;
declared an endangered species by the U.S. Federal
of green initiatives and partners with community groups
once frozen she snapped the tile and the paint popped
Government and found only in 6 locations, one of
in the area that share its mission. No matter which style
right off. Needless to say several portable freezers could
which is Fort Baker.
of lodging guests choose, they are guaranteed stunning
be seen dotting the property.
11 The two restaurants (Farley Bar & Murray Circle)
views, superb attention to detail and first class amenities.
4 The modern hotel units are intentionally designed
located on the property boast delicious, organic “farm-
to look dramatically different from the historical 1900s
to-table” dishes and all produce, poultry, fish and beef are
Colonial Renaissance guest rooms, due to a requirement
sourced locally. The acclaimed Murray Circle restaurant
of the historical preservation committee, that anything new
serves close to 800-1000 meals just on a weekend!
built on a historically deemed property could in no-way resemble the old.
12 There is an actual “small jail” at the entrance of the property. Back in the day, the military would hold unruly
5 There are 45-50 cozy Adirondack chairs scattered
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officers there.
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Golden Gate View Suite - Photograph by Steven Rothfeld
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Golden Gate Bridge view from Cavallo Point - Photograph by Michal Venera
Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat to unplug or
Other unique and fun activities offered at the Lodge are
a base for an outdoor adventure, you can find a myriad
specially themed cooking classes with the delightful and
of activities at Cavallo Point Lodge to create your own
talented chef Tony Adams at the Cooking School (make
California experience unlike any other.
a reservation they book up fast!) or a historical tour of the grounds with the charming and very knowledgeable “on
Cavallo Point offers an array of complimentary services
site” historian Brit Thurston (I highly recommend this) –
and activities including a 24-hour Fitness Center,
or treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment and/or
daily wine bar and tasting, shuttle to San Francisco
massage at the deluxe, ultra-modern Healing Arts Center.
and Sausalito, amazing Marin Headlands nature As your day unfolds at the Lodge, the sun sets as the
installation is the legendary California photographer and
Golden Gate Bridge peeks over the majestic California
environmentalist - Ansel Adams: American Landscapes
cypresses on the edge of the San Francisco Bay; it’s
(a must see). If you want to venture out and explore
the perfect time to gather around the outdoor fire pits
the adjacent towns or wine country, Cavallo Point
with family, friends - reflect and immerse yourself in
Lodge has partnered with Lexus and offers a fleet of
the beauty that surrounds you at Cavallo Point Lodge,
Lexus SUV’s at your disposal.
a California Style retreat uniquely its own.
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hikes, and access to special art exhibits – current
The Cooking School at Cavallo Point - Photograph by Laura Flippen
WRITTEN BY
Maggy Siegel A Los Angeles based writer, home and lifestyle arbiter, and founder of the popular weekly column; California Style - inspired by the poetic beauty, coastal style and rustic charm that is uniquely California - She is a Mother, nature lover, collector of rare books and art and travel enthusiast. Contact information: maggysiegelcastyle@gmail.com or
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Instagram maggysiegelcastyle. San Francisco view from Cavallo Point - Photograph by Kodiak Greenwood
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