Dancing Coyote Beach

Quartet of quirky beachside cottages on the shores of stunning Tomales Bay, 90 mins north of San Francisco (each sleeps 2-4; self-catering)

Point Reyes National Seashore is incomparable. Here, tectonic plates collide along the ruler-straight Tomales Bay, marking the San Andreas Fault. A unique geography has been created: a place with windswept sandy Pacific beaches, marshes and grasslands, and a spine of wooded mountains, blessed with diverse flora and fauna.

We come up to peaceful Point Reyes often, drawn by the birding, gourmet delights (think local oysters, famous artisanal cheeses, organic grass-fed beef), and hiking through this varied and protected wilderness. So we were delighted to discover these 4 cosy cottages in the village of Inverness, with their own small beachfront. You get double-height ceilings, a comfortable bedroom on a mezzanine (or loft) floor, plus a small but usefully kitted-out kitchen, the fridge stocked daily for breakfast. Outside you find superb views of the rolling hills and the tranquil bay from both sides of the chalet-style terrace, which are best enjoyed from the private deck off your kitchen or the love seats beside the fragrant gardens and cedar trees in the front. We'll be back for more.

Highs

• A lovely setting on Tomales Bay, with private waterfront and wonderful views to both sides
• The location feels wonderfully secluded and quiet, but it is easy to find and you can walk to Inverness' small shops and restaurants
• Daily maid service and free WiFi are unexpected bonuses in a self-catering place like this
• Perfect for couples - it feels like a really cosy hideaway - but also good for small families, with its calm waters, flat sand/mud beaches and the ease of sorting out your own breakfast
• Very efficiently managed (it's owned by the people who run the delightful The Parsonage in San Francisco)

Lows

• The cottages are not spacious - if there are more than 2 of you, it will feel cramped, especially if the weather isn't kind
• And more shabby than chic - they haven't been refurbished in a while, we found some stray cobwebs, and a lick of paint wouldn't go amiss
• Few gadgets (no phones, TVs or CD players) but this is so the peace is maintained, and if you miss them you're in the wrong place
• The beaches here are tidal and the water can be murky
• You will hear some daytime traffic noise from the road but it is quiet at night