Tiburon

The lovely Waters Edge Hotel (25 Main St., Tiburon, 415/789-5999, www.marinhotels.com [1], $310–350) is a boutique lodging that lives up to its name, backing on to the marina and docks. You can stumble right out of your room, onto the dock, and over to the Angel Island [2] ferry. Inside, you’ll love the featherbeds, cushy robes, and breakfast delivered to your room each morning.

Also wonderfully close to the water and attractions of downtown Tiburon [3], the Lodge at Tiburon (1651 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon, 415/435-3133, www.thelodgeattiburon.com [4], $285–500) offers the comforts and conveniences of a larger hotel while providing the personal attention and atmosphere of a boutique inn. All the guest rooms are soothing and pretty, but for a special treat book a Spa Room with a huge raised whirlpool tub set in an alcove overlooking the water. Have dinner or a drink at the attached Three Degrees Restaurant and Bar in the evening, or take a walk downtown to look into the shops.