Cozy, Luxury Cottages on Tomales Bay, CA
When we pulled up to Nick's Cove and Cottages during the "magic hour" I was ecstatic and blown away by the natural beauty of this retreat right on the water! This picturesque settlement of 12 quaint cottages, a restaurant, and a boat shack, has been in existence for over 70 years and captures the rustic feel of the old west and the charm of a Cape Cod fishing community - and is just an hour north of San Francisco . A group of patrons were enjoying oysters, for which Tomales Bay is famous, and beers on the sunny, waterfront deck of the restaurant - many had arrived in the their boats which I loved. 
We checked into Al's cottage, one of the 5 cottages located directly on the water, and were brought a platter of barbecued oysters as a welcome treat. With a private deck, wood-burning stove, luxurious king bed, marble heated bathroom floors, and a cozy living room, Al's cottage is the ultimate, luxury fishing cabin-- an appreciated contradiction! We maximized our private deck with sunset glasses of rose and post-dinner star gazing. We had dinner at the restaurant both nights of our stay and feasted on fresh oysters, chowders, and organic fare accompanied by delicious wines. Breakfast was delivered to our cottage and I loved being able to enjoy the amazing spread of fresh juices, coffee, mind-blowing muffins, and scrambled eggs in my bathrobe in front of the fire. Really no better way to start the day. 
After eating and drinking our hearts out, we were ready to get out and explore the amazing nature that was all around us. My only complaint about Nick's Cove is that there are no hiking trails, kayaks, or little boats directly accessible from the property. So, we drove 20 minutes south to Point Reyes where we picked up a map of the hiking trails in the area. We also had ambitious plans of fitting in a kayaking or surfing expedition, but after a four-hour hike down to Limantour Beach we were happy enjoy a leisurely lunch in the adorable town of Point Reyes. There are endless hiking trails accessible from Point Reyes. 
I get homesick for New England sea towns, especially in the summer, and Nick's Cove has tided me over until I can get East!