Family-Friendly Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito

Cavallo Point Lodge hides in plain sight; it sits squarely in the middle of a happily buzzing national park with glorious San Francisco views, yet manages to feel very peaceful and removed. The property occupies a serene warren of former officers' quarters at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, and is managed as a joint venture between the park and Passport Resorts, which also runs Post Ranch Inn and Sea Ranch Lodge. Murray Circle was packed for lunch on a recent Sunday afternoon, but I was happy to sit at the counter with its fancy version of fish and chips (Lagunitas-battered rock cod) and a glass of crisp Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Though the contemporary lodgings here have the best bridge views, I opted to stay in one of the officers' residences on the parade ground. It was a relaxing, light-filled suite with vintage flourishes and a particularly comfortable leather reading chair. I woke to the mournful horns of passing cargo ships before enjoying an early-morning soak in the spa.

-A.H.