I am planning an August Honeymoon to San Francisco and I am considering a couple of hotels. Specifically does anyone have an opinion on Manka's Inverness Lodge? I am looking at staying in Room 7 of the Redwood Annex or Cabin 125 if it becomes available. I would love more info on the rooms before I pay big $ for something that there are no pictures of online.
Also how about the Argonaut at Fishermans Wharf? And one more, the Napa Valley Railway Inn. I am thinking of doing a few days at Point Reyes staying at Mankas then a night in Napa Valley at the Railway inn and maybe finishing at the Argonaut. Any opinions of these hotels? Also how is the weather at point reyes in early August?
Thanks for any help

Bump
Also is it possible to swim around Pt Reyes around August, We are used to cold water being from Michigan but curious how the beaches are.

Point Reyes is beautiful and one of my favorite places on Earth. I don't think there's anywhere to swim there, though you can probably wade at a few spots.

The surf at Point Reyes is rough, there are strong rip currents, seaweed, and that part of the coast is often visited by Great White sharks. Stinson Beach is a little further down the coast and I know people swim there (I've never swum there, only looked.)

The weather can change pretty quickly. August will likely be warm and clear in the day; at night it might be chilly and overcast. It is often gusty at the shore.

Agree with nunquam that it is not advisable to swim at Pt Reyes.

HOWEVER, there is a gorgeous TEN MILE beach that you can see from the viewpoint near the lighthouse. Do strongly recommend a walk along any part of that beach. Also do recommend visiting the lighthouse.

Have not stayed in any of the places you mention, as I live close to the area. Maybe another Fodorite can help here.

The Argonaut is a wonderful hotel and is ranked among the favorites in SF. If you stay at the Argonaut, do visit the Maritime Museum (free) across the street.

Congratulations and enjoy California!

Out of curiosity, I did a little search on the web...the Park Service has a very informative site for Point Reyes, including temperature charts and information about the shoreline (and lots more). Check it out at:

http://www.nps.gov/pore/home.htm

I have seen people go in the water at Drake's Beach, and possibly Limantour Beach. But swimming would be too strong a word.

I don't know about the accomodations, but do have a meal at Manka's.

Hi GLSailor!
As a resident of the area I can
tell you that the days in August
are pretty iffy fog wise,especially
on the coast and at Point Reyes. The Lighthouse can be very windy,yet the view spectacular. Our favorite stroll
is south on Limintour Beach.

Manka's is quite special,we've dined there and peeked in at many of the rooms-comfy/lux hunting lodge. I think I might seek out the privacy of the Cabin, if it has the amenities you like.
PamSF is a poster here
that can tell you more.

We have stayed at the Napa Valley
Railway Inn. It is funky,clean,
adequete lodging. After Manka's
and before the Argonaut for
your honeymoon??-no,no, and no.

We have also been in the rooms
(spent time while visitng out-of town friends) at the Vintage Inn and the Yountville Inn. Do check them out
on-line.

Be certain to tell your bride to pack
for the different climates of the
cool coast and the Valley heat=
she'll kiss you for it!

Congrats!
R5

Not to worry I have switched from the Railway Inn to Petit Logis in Yountville, looked a lot more honeymoonish than a rail car! Thanks for all of the help so far

Sorry, I don't have any information to share....I just wanted to say "thanks" for posting about Point Reyes.

It sparked a long forgotten memory about visiting there in the summer of 1977 with my then fiance. We've been married 27 years now and I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did. I remember it was a beautiful area, even though there was a terrible drought occurring at the time. We stayed at a campground in Olema and bought oysters from an oyster farm near Point Reyes to grill over the campfire.

After 27 years with your soon-to-be betrothed, I hope you too have happy memories of Point Reyes to reflect on. Thanks for the memories.

Peace, >-

Robyn

Ok~if you want to stay at Manka's I'd opt out of the Redwood Annex. These are old "motel rooms" left over from the days when most of what you could get at Manka's involved pickled herring(it was an old Chec family's restaurant and inn for years before it got trendy). The Redwood Annex rooms are also in the parking lot which could be somewhat bothersome on a honeymoon. I don't know anything about cabin 125. I might opt to spend the money on a nice room at another place in the area(check out B&Bs in Point Reyes area). The rooms at Mankas are pricey IMO and unless you are willing to pay the price
of the higher end rooms might disappoint immensely. I think the meals there are very worth it. I would also recommend meals at the Olema Inn.
While I do love the beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore, that water will still be colder than anything you have dipped into in MI unless it's been during ice fishing season. Come though and partake of the beaches, they are spectacular. August can be swell or it can e foggy. Either way, it's worth a stop. You might check out Olema Inn.
Whatever you do,don't miss Point Reyes.
Your choice in Napa is probably a good one. I haven't stayed at the Petit Logis but Yountville is a good place to stay in the valley.
I think the hotel in SF looks interesting.
Congratulations and have a great time
here on the "left coast".

Phew!
Good move on Railway Inn change!

We love the place but "honeymoon" and "The Rail" just don't seem to "grok".
You're still in a great location and within "stumbling distance" to all the great restaurants.

But for a honeymoon, why not the Villagio just down the street??

>< Hello r5, Pammer...

GLSailor,
August is the tail end of the summer fog pattern in Northern California. Don't let that put you off though, Point Reyes can be magical in the fog, with vistas suddenly appearing and the mist drifting through the trees. Save the trip to the lighthouse for the clearest day you have up there. The view of the Farallones is stunning from there - you feel like you can just reach out and grab the islands in your hand. I'm sure you know that visiting the lighthouse entails navigating a steep 100-plus steps stairway!

The safest place to swim at Point Reyes is Heart's Desire Beach. The shoreline and water for this beach is Tomales Bay, not the open Pacific. There are roped-off areas on warm afternoons for kids to wade and splash in. A warning, though - don't swim too far out into the relatively calm waters of Tomales Bay. Great white sharks do use this area for breeding and feeding - you don't want to end up on this particular food chain. On a more prosaic note, also watch out for jellyfish - I remember dozing off for a few moments whilst floating on my back at Heart's Desire and upon awakening, I was surrounded by the buggers! Had to dive down and swim below and beyond them.

Next in terms of safety would be Drake's Beach - I often see swimmers and kayakers in the water. There's also a cool little cafe at Drake's, serving the local Hog Island oysters along with burgers and hot drinks. I love getting a hot cider there in the winter and sitting on the porch to watch the breakers while warm and dry.

Don't swim at McClure's Beach or the Great Norther Beach (the "ten mile" stretch described above). McClure's especially has strong rip tides and undercurrents.

You could try the Olema Druids Hall to stay in if you like the non-chintz kind of environment. V. close to Pt. Reyes, and they have a private cabin. I think their website is easy to find.

I am now kind of thinking about somewhere other than Manka's as it seems to be too pricey for a room. Has anyone heard of Holy Tree Inn & Cottages?

We looked at Olema Druid's Hall this past weekend and LOVED it! It's extremely stylish and much better priced than Mankas (and I've stayed in their cabins). We stayed one night at Calistoga Ranch and left- way overpriced! I'd go back to Druid's Hall in a flash!! Perfect for a honeymoon (or anniversary get away- which we were on).