Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages

23240 Hwy. 1, 3 mi. N of town, (866) 63-NICKS, (415) 663-1033. 12 units (5 units on the water, 7 units across the street from the bay). All fireplaces & wood-burning stoves; all kitchens. Continental breakfast; restaurant; room service. Pets ok.

cottage at Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages in Marshall, California

Clustered on either side of Highway 1, this collection of luxury cottage units were built in the 1930s, more than 80 years ago. Tastefully updated but retaining a rustic ambiance, their unique atmosphere makes this the perfect spot for reflection, decompression, and rejuvenation.

Five waterfront units are individual cottages, while seven more units across the road from the bay are split between three buildings. Features vary. As an example, detached Ruthie’s cottage (on the bay) features knotty-pine walls and has a sleeping area, a sitting area, and a small kitchen--all with a view out to the bay. It also has an unsheltered balcony with plenty of room to sit and relax and soak up the fresh air and sounds of the bay. The bathroom features noteworthy vintage chrome plumbing fixtures that work well and really pump the water—a pleasant surprise—and a lovely basket-weave marble floor with radiant heating. Five units have a clawfoot bathtub.

Another example is Jerry’s (across the street), which also has an expansive view of the bay. That view can be enjoyed from throughout the room, but it also has a roomy deck area in front where it is positively heavenly to sit and breathe in the fresh air and watch the limited world pass by--think a few people coming and going at the restaurant, herons diving in the bay for dinner, small boats docking at the pier.

Upon arrival at Nick’s Cove, order up your complimentary "arrival oysters"--you can enjoy some of the area’s famous fresh oysters to be delivered to your room for an afternoon snack, or you can order them in the bar area and enjoy them by a vintage stone fireplace that is often set with a crackling fire. A continental breakfast is included and brought to the room in the morning.

Featuring an exceptional view over to Hog Island and the Point Reyes Peninsula, comfortable Nick’s Cove Restaurant was recently spiffed up. A glassed-in deck beckons on warmer days. The mostly locally-sourced menu features fresh local seafood, including oysters, rock cod, and clams (for the chowder) from Tomales Bay. When Dungeness crab season is on, the crab cakes (made with very little filler and perhaps some smoked paprika aioli for a little kick) are hard to beat, but the restaurant is known for its crab mac ‘n cheese and also prepares a crab Louis. At lunch, the crab Benedict and burger with housemade brioche bun and pickles are choice. Dessert includes hand-crafted s’mores for two—perfect for roasting in the restaurant’s fireplace.

At some point you’ll want to visit the charming little boat house at the end of a 400-foot pier. Snacks and drinks can be delivered or taken out there.