Located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, this award-winning eco-resort offers a seamless blend of history, modern luxury, and breathtaking natural beauty. With spacious accommodations, dog-friendly amenities, fine dining, access to incredible outdoor adventures, and arguably the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the city, Cavallo Point ensures an unforgettable stay for you and your pup.

We were hosted by the property in May 2024 for their Top Dawg training weekend (more on that below) and this is one of those stays that we still talk about and want to revisit year after year. The resort is a destination with so much to do without leaving the property and the staff was so welcoming to Ruby — everywhere we went people asked if she was the “famous dog” staying on the property. Obviously, as a hosted influencer, the property wants to make the best impression possible but you could tell that dogs are truly welcome here versus tolerated.

Location and Getting There

Cavallo Point is situated in Fort Baker, a historic former military base in Sausalito, California. Nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, the property boasts stunning views of San Francisco Bay while being just a short drive from the city.

How to Get There

By Car: If you’re driving from San Francisco, simply cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take Alexander Avenue into Sausalito. The resort is about a 10-minute drive from the city. If you’re driving from San Jose, expect a little over an hour drive cutting through San Francisco, and for East Bay visitors the drive is just under an hour with options of getting to the property through Marin County via the Richmond Bridge or through San Francisco via the Bay Bridge.
By Air: The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), approximately 40 minutes away. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is another option, about 50 minutes away.
By Ferry: You can take a scenic ferry ride from San Francisco’s Ferry Building to Sausalito and then grab a quick ride to the resort.

Pet Policy: Bringing Your Pup to Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point enthusiastically welcomes dogs to the property, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. The pet fee is on par with what we’ve experienced at other luxury resorts and there are no breed/weight restrictions, so all furry besties are welcome.

Pet Policy Details:

Dogs are allowed in designated dog-friendly rooms.
A one-time pet cleaning fee of $150 per stay applies.
There are no weight restrictions, making it a great spot for dogs of all sizes.
Dogs must be on a leash while on the property and should not be left unattended in rooms.
Dog-friendly rooms include food and water bowls, waste bags, and a comfy bed for your pup.

Historic vs. Contemporary Rooms: Finding the Perfect Stay

Cavallo Point offers two distinct types of accommodations—Historic Rooms and Contemporary Lodging—each catering to different preferences.

Historic Lodging

For those who appreciate history, the Historic Lodging option features beautifully restored buildings that once served as officers’ quarters at Fort Baker. Featuring scenic city vistas and expansive green spaces, the Historic Lodging blends Colonial Revival character with luxury-focused amenities. These landmark San Francisco Bay Area hotel accommodations have been restored to maintain authentic turn-of-the-century details, spacious front porches, and panoramic windows that open to San Francisco Bay breezes.

Spacious layouts with original fireplaces and porches
Elegant vintage-style furnishings
Sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge or the parade grounds
A charming blend of classic and modern comforts

Contemporary Lodging

If you prefer a more modern retreat, Cavallo Point’s Contemporary Lodging showcases breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay and seamlessly blends environmental sensitivity with modern style. From their hillside perch above historic Fort Baker, these contemporary rooms and suites feature private entrances, floor-to-ceiling windows, radiant heat floors, cozy fireplaces, and Dyson hairdryers. All are constructed to the highest standards of green architecture.

Floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking Bay Area views
Private balconies or patios
Sleek, eco-friendly designs
Spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs

Both options provide a luxurious and pet-friendly experience, ensuring comfort for you and your pup.

We stayed in the Contemporary King Suite with a Golden Gate View and I think it was the best room on the property. I imagine all the rooms in our building have pretty incredible views of the GGB, but the bellhop mentioned to us that our room was one of his favorites - it was on the second floor and the second to last room. We had incredible views from our living room and balcony.

Pet Amenities at Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point goes above and beyond to make your dog feel at home. When you check-in, your pup will receive a complimentary dog-friendly welcome package that includes:

A plush dog bed
Stainless steel food and water bowls
Treats
Waste bags for easy cleanup

The property also offers plenty of open green space for your dog to explore, making it a perfect retreat for active pups, with waste stations and water bowls scattered throughout the property.

Property Amenities: Relaxation & Outdoor Adventures

Cavallo Point offers an array of luxurious amenities designed to enhance your stay, a few of which are dog-friendly*:

Healing Arts Center & Spa: Indulge in a massage, facial, or wellness treatment.
Outdoor Fire Pits*: Perfect for unwinding in the evening with a glass of wine — you can get a complimentary glass in the lobby during happy hour.
Cooking School: Participate in hands-on culinary experiences.
Yoga & Meditation Classes: Start your day with relaxation and mindfulness.
Hiking Trails*: Direct access to Golden Gate National Recreation Area trails for breathtaking walks with your pup. The property also offers guided hikes.
Bicycle Rentals: Explore the area on two wheels. *Dog backpacks/carts not provided

Dining at Cavallo Point: Dog-Friendly Options

Cavallo Point has two on-site restaurants with delicious menus. Farley is open daily on a walk-in basis and offers a casual menu of seasonal bites throughout the afternoon and evening. Sula is also open daily for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner. Their menu offers modern American cuisine with cultural influences from around the world, utilizing fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

For both restaurants, you can settle into the comfortable dining rooms, take a seat at the bar, or out on the terrace with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay. Dogs are welcome on the covered and heated terrace, blankets can be provided for guests during the chillier months, and don’t forget to ask about their Pampered Paws dog menu featuring chicken and salmon bowls, crispy fish skin, and cookies.

I’d recommend a reservation for dinner dining as this is the most crowded time for the restaurants.

top dawg program at Cavallo Point

In 2024, Cavallo Point launched their Top Dawg program K9 Behaviorist, Trainer, and Educator Jennifer Sharpe. The program focuses on her PressureReleaseForward technique for personalized dog training that is tailored to you and your four-legged friend.

The program lasts for the entire weekend with a welcome reception on Friday, two training blocks in the morning and afternoon on Saturday, and one final training Sunday morning before check out. The groups are kept very small and we were hosted for this training weekend and shared a recap on Instagram.

I would recommend researching this training style before signing up for the program. It wasn’t really my style for training and is very focused on dogs with high drive — which Ruby is not. It’s a really unique offering that I haven’t encountered at any other luxury hotel, but we would’ve preferred to spend our time hiking.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Attractions

Cavallo Point’s location in Sausalito puts you close to some of the best dog-friendly activities in the Bay Area if you’re looking to venture out from the property.

Fort Baker Trails (On-site): Enjoy scenic walks right from the resort, with trails leading to incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
Crissy Field Beach (10-minute drive): This beloved off-leash beach in San Francisco offers unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge and plenty of room for your pup to run and play.
Sausalito Waterfront Walk (5-minute drive): Take a leisurely stroll along the Sausalito waterfront, where you’ll find dog-friendly cafés, shops, and beautiful bay views.
Rodeo Beach (15-minute drive): Located within Marin Headlands, Rodeo Beach is an off-leash dog-friendly beach known for its unique dark sand and dramatic cliffs. It’s also the start of a beautiful coastal trail.
Muir Woods National Monument (25-minute drive): While dogs are not allowed on the main trails, you can explore the dog-friendly trails in Mount Tamalpais State Park, just outside of Muir Woods and romp on Muir Beach.
Tiburon Ferry & Angel Island (20-minute drive + ferry ride): Take your pup on a ferry ride to Tiburon and enjoy the scenic waterfront. While dogs aren’t allowed on Angel Island’s hiking trails, they are welcome on the ferry and in outdoor dining areas.

Final Thoughts: A Luxurious Dog-Friendly Escape

Cavallo Point offers a rare blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for dog lovers seeking a high-end getaway. From the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge to the spacious pet-friendly accommodations, the resort provides everything you need for a relaxing and adventure-filled stay with your pup.

Whether you’re hiking the nearby trails, dining at Sula, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Bay, every moment at Cavallo Point is an experience worth savoring.

So pack your bags, bring your pup, and embark on a memorable dog-friendly retreat at Cavallo Point!