Marshall California

OystersOysters are perhaps now the most visible "crop" in Marshall, where about half the state's shellfish growers lease acreage on the floor of Tomales Bay. Clams and oysters are available roadside from the companies themselves, or barbecued at most of the area's restaurants.

Photo: Oysters from Tomales Bay ©Richard Blair

Marin's dairy industry began here. Brothers Hugh, James, Samuel, Alexander, and David Marshall showed up from the East with cattle in the mid-1850s but folklore has it that Clara Steele and a Miwok Indian got the local industry started in 1852, when they milked a wild cow. Marshall is still home to a couple of dairies - one of them organic- although these days the hillsides are mostly just used for grazing.

Hikers can enjoy Millerton Point, which is about four miles north of Point Reyes Station and part of Tomales Bay State Park. The walk out to the end along Alan Sieroty Beach isn't long, but the point extends far enough across Tomales Bay so as you can almost yell back and forth with people in downtown Inverness. Atop a pole not far from the parking is an osprey nest.

Further north is state-owned Marconi Conference Center, sort of junior version of Asilomar in Pacific Grove that features a gorgeous (though empty) Mediterranean-style hotel.Guglielmo Marconi, the father of wireless radio, built the first trans-Pacific receiving station here in 1913; the 28-room hotel was meant to house workers. RCA took over the site in 1920, followed decades later by the cultish drug-and-alcohol rehab group Synanon, which thrived there in 1970s before turning violent and collapsing. Boats on Tomales Bay

Just north of Marconi uphill of the highway, stands a small Miwok cemetery, the spare white crosses sometimes draped in flowers.

Marshall has a boat launch, at county owned Miller Park about three miles north of "downtown." North past that is a string of dilapidated waterfront cabins, formerly a Bohemian establishment known as Jensen's Oyster Co. but now a ghost village owned by the National Park Service. Nearby is the marshy delta of Walker Creek, which at sunset looks webbed with quicksilver. The birds posing like alabaster bottles are egrets.

Food/Restaurants
Tony's Seafood
18663 Highway #1
Marshall, CA 94940
(415) 663-1107, Fax (415) 663-1831
Family style dining over Tomales Bay. Featuring BBQ oysters and fresh locally caught seafood. Family owned and operated since 1948. Open Fri-Sun (Mon-Holidays), Noon-8pm.
Tomales Bay Oysters
PO Box 296
15479 Highway One
Marshall, CA 94940
www.tomalesbayoysters.com
 
Featuring premium oysters, mussels, clams; located 5 1/2 miles north of Point Reyes Station. The oldest continuously run oyster farm in California. Open everyday 8am - 6pm.
Lodging
Anns View on Tomales Bay
19980 Hwy. One
PO Box 846
Marshall
, CA 94940
(415) 663-9144
E-mail: annsview@earthlink.net
Extraordinary views of Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore! A perfect retreat for romance and relaxation. Fireplaces, Private Decks, Private Baths. Amazing Sunsets!
Inn on Tomales Bay
22555 Highway #1
Marshall, CA 94940
(415) 663-9002
The above photo was taken from one of our guestrooms. All of our rooms look over beautiful Tomales Bay. Each of the rooms has its own outside private entrance, private bath, and fireplace. We serve a full hot breakfast right in the comfort of your room.

Blue Baie Beach Cottage
P.O. Box 734
22275 State Route 1
Marshall, CA 94940
(415) 924-8250 Fax: (415) 924-5320
E-mail tflynn3@earthlink.net

Bleu Baie Beach Cottage on Serene Scenic Tomales Bay. Gentle sound of waves and fire at night. Beautiful views of Pt. Reyes National Seashore. abundant birds and wildlife, hot tub, full kitchen, romantic getaway or peaceful retreat. www.beachcottage.us

The Mermaid's House
P.O. Box 746
19835 State Route 1
Marshall CA 94940
(415) 663-1104 Fax:
(415) 663-1208
E-mail: coastalmarin@aol.com
www.themermaidshouse.com

A setting of unparalled beauty and serenity on the waterfront on Tomales Bay. Spectacular panoramic views. Spacious, welcoming, nautically themed interiors. Tranquil garden, large private deck, hot tub, and its own pier. Seeing is believing!

The Poet's Loft
Marshall CA 94940
(415) 421-4213 ext 11
www.poetsloft.com

 

THE POET'S LOFT is a beautifully furnished bayside chalet, complete with hot tub, wood-burning stove, boat dock and sweeping views of Tomales Bay and Point Reyes Peninsula.
Ravens View Cottage
PO Box 806
19570 Highway One
Marshall, CA 94940
(415) 663-1213
E-mail rich@ravensviewcottage.com
www.ravensviewcottage.com
 
dog Friendly artisan cottage nestled between big sky views, rangeland and Tomales Bay, Warm, cozy, private, extraordinary sleep comfort, full kitchen, hot tub access. "So close, and a world away"
Sea Mist Cottage
Marshall, CA 94940
(415) 663-9543
www.seamistcottage.com

Waves gently lap against the shore. A wood burning fire warms you, curled up on the couch, awaiting a midnight dip in the hot tub under the stars. Your private garden cottage on Tomales Bay is a retreat you will remember. Two bedrooms (queen and two twins), living room, full kitchen, one bath. Special rates mid-week.

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Inverness || Marshall || Muir Beach || Olema || Point Reyes || Stinson Beach || Tomales