Dancing Coyote Beach Cottages

I’ve known about these attached cottages for some time, but never stayed here because we usually prefer cabins that are completely private with no other guests onsite, and further up in the hills away from the road. But since our usual cottage was booked, we decided to try Dancing Coyote Beach while we had guests in town. I’m glad we did. This is a really special spot, set down below the road where it’s quieter, and right on beautiful Tomales Bay. The private beach with lounge chairs on wooden decks is really peaceful, and the short walk to the famous shipwreck «Point Reyes» is another unique experience. Being right on the water allows you to notice the different light and different moods of the day, as well as the tide coming in and out. The cabins themselves are cozy and not huge, but well appointed. We stayed in the Skye cottage, which I believe is the smallest but favored for having a lot of character. We chose it because it was the one that allowed two people to sleep separately in two twin beds (a highriser /​trundle bed) that rolls out from under the day bed and the other two people to sleep together in the comfortable loft bed reached by a ladder. We loved the woodsy look of this small but cozy place, with lots of exposed wood, hardwood floor, big windows front and back, outdoor shower with a view of the bay, and well functioning kitchen. The fridge is small so don’t bring a ton of food, or have a cooler with you. They provided a nice breakfast of english muffins, gourmet granola, local eggs, butter, jams, coffee, teas, instant oatmeal, yogurt, orange juice, and milk. There is a gas /​charcoal BBQ outside that guests can use. The fireplace was already set up with newspaper, kindling and wood, with extra wood nearby. There were at least two other occupied cabins while we were there, and everyone was very quiet. This is a place that invites relaxation and enjoying nature, and we will be back.

I stayed in the birch cottage for a couple nights recently and loved it. The owners really thought of everything and made the cottage feel very homey and inviting. I would highly recommend this place if you want a quiet getaway by the water. A general store and a couple restaurants are right down the road, easily accessible by walking. Just a short drive into town. Beautiful views out every window! The breakfast items provided in the mini fridge were perfect and it was so nice to be able to just stay in and have a slow morning while watching the sunrise from the back porch.

Stayed in Beach cottage two nights and it was the most relaxing and beautiful way to experience Marin. They really thought of everything to make our stay comfortable. We had enough firewood each day/​night to stay warm and cozy, and the kitchen had every convenience. There is a small store only a block down the street if there was anything we needed and we were a short drive from the town. Just wonderful!

Wow and wow — the comfort of the compact cottage and the view out the door /​window /​bay. My partner and I stayed in Birch (one of the middle cottages) and had a wonderful stay. There’s a fireplace in each unit and already made for you! Well appointed — think Copenhagen cottage — and clean and comfy.
We made a simple breakfast to eat on the bench over looking the bay. Perfect end to our getaway.
Bonuses:
Breakfast goodies in the fridge
EO products in the bathroom
Nice warm shower
Mobile heater units in case it gets cold
Tiny private beach!
Walking distance to Saltwater Depot (go there for lunch or dinner and skip the Czech place)
It’s a simple check in /​check out process that feels more modern than the surroundings would leave you to believe. Thank you Greg and Rachel!

When your only complaint is that the time flies by too quickly, you know you’re having a unique, special experience. I rented out all four units for a milestone birthday celebrated with friends and family. The weekend couldn’t have been lovelier or more idyllic. Each unit is beautifully and comfortably furnished. But, of course, the main event is the outdoor space. Each guest reported having a spectacular time. And I couldn’t have had a more perfect birthday. Dancing Coyote is worth every penny and should be added to your list of Bay Area gems.

These cottages are really beautiful. We were in the area for a wedding and our friends had all the cottages rented out so I got to see each unit. The Skye unit that we were staying in was the smallest and also the cheapest. I wasn’t into climbing up the ladder to the lofted bed so we stayed on the trundle bad downstairs and closed it up during the day. Each morning fresh eggs and muffins and granola would be replenished. If you used the fire, the logs and paper would be reset up so you could easily light another the next night. We had an infant staying with us and requested a pack and play but when we arrived and opened the pack and play up it was moldy and rusty. It was probably 40 years old or so. I called the manager and they quickly found a replacement for us that we could pickup about 3 minutes away from the cabin. That was very helpful and I appreciated the quick response to out predicament.
I should just say that our cottage also only had an outdoor shower so on a chilly night you might think twice about showering. I showered in the morning and it was plenty warm by then to shower outside. If I was coming back I would definitively stay in the Beach Cabin. It was an epic view from the kitchen and the best views all around.
I can’t imagine anyone regretting their stay at these beautiful, rustic cabins.

We stayed in the Birch cottage and it was great! Very beautifully designed (pictures can’t do it justice), and a very peaceful setting. The kitchen and fridge were stocked so that we could have coffee, eggs, and yogurt in the morning before heading off to go for a hike in Point Reyes. Great restaurant (Saltwater) walking distance away. Checking in and out is easy… I like this MUCH more than a traditional bed and breakfast or an airbnb stay. More privacy and simplicity. Very high value — we plan to come back again in the future.

We rented the Beach Cottage, which is the last in the row and faces the bay. The cottages are small. No more than 3 people can fit. We ended up having to rent 2 for our family of four. Once the sofa bed is out, there isn’t even any room for an air mattress on the floor. 3 of the 4 cottages are very similar in layout. The king size beds were super comfy and waking up to a view of the ocean was pretty darn cool. The fresh eggs and english muffins were a nice touch. Inverness is a speed bump on the map, so be sure to have dinner before you hit town. The grocery store closes at 7 and you are pretty much out of luck after that. 3 of the 4 rooms are very similar, so can’t say the Beach Cottage is worth the extra investment.

We found this place based on Unilocal reviews, and had a beyond wonderful experience. The cottages are basically town homes that someone in town told us were built by a local architect. All the windows and skylights do an excellent job of making the place feel very open. We stayed in the birch cottage, and loved how there is an upstairs loft that serves as the bedroom. The furnishings and even the art are tasteful, and fun.
The fireplace came pre-​stocked with kindling and firewood, so building a fire was as easy as lighting a match and only added to the coziness of the downstairs living room. The kitchen was perfectly stocked for a nice breakfast to get us going in the AM!
The grounds of the place are just down from the main road (there’s not tons of traffic in the area anyway), but because of all the foliage blocking the road you feel very secluded. The rest of the grounds are planted with a great assortment of flowering plants that give the place a Sunset magazine backyard feel, beautiful.

Incredible stay with my extended family — we took three units! The setting is amazing. Private sand beach!-Perfect base camp if you have kayaks/​paddle boards or if you’re exploring Pt. Reyes Park. There’s an outdoor fire pit overlooking Tomales Bay. You can even walk a short distance along the beach to check out an old beached fishing boat (be careful if you climb on board). You can even walk to a very nice restaurant
Inside the units — I love the concept of stocking the place with everyday fresh items so you can prepare your own breakfast or snack — and it’s all quality (I think all local items). Also, love that the fireplace with the wood and kindling all set up for your first fire. And the assortment of boards games was great. Rooms are very clean, quiet, and cozy. I have absolutely no negative comments other than I’m sad I had to leave.
I can’t wait to come back!

Synopsis: Comfortable, quiet, peaceful gem.
Dets.: I stayed at Dancing Coyote over the summer and deeply enjoyed my stay. From the note downstairs naming our housekeeper to the EO products in the bathroom, I knew I was staying at an establishment run by conscientious hosts.
The comfortable bedding ensured a sound night of sleep for myself and my partner. We were also pleased to discover a few breakfast items lovingly left in the fridge the next morning.
I would highly recommend Dancing Coyote to anyone looking to get away from their daily grind. You can tell them Camille sent you!

We spent one Sunday night at Dancing Coyote, which was the only availability during our visit to Point Reyes. How lucky we were to find this gem! The architecture of these cottages is fascinating with lots of windows, interesting angles, loft spaces, beautifully decorated in a casual, comfortable style. We stayed in Acacia, the cottage farthest from the water but still had many pleasing water views. The little back deck was heavenly for breakfast, basking in warm, early morning sun. Our daughter who lives in SF and the reason for our visit, slept on the pull out couch downstairs. Mattresses on both the pull out and queen bed upstairs were extremely comfortable and linens were superb for both. The sweet kitchenette has all you could ever need and we enjoyed the fresh eggs and yogurt, bagels, coffee found in the fridge. Not to be missed is the most fabulous outside «chair for two» at water’s edge, complete with drink rest on each side. My daughter and I spent at least an hour there sipping wine and catching up with each other. Heaven! And dinner literally across the street at Saltwater Oyster Depot was also Heaven! And walking back after dinner and seeing the Milky Way so bright above us was spectacular! The drive to Point Reyes lighthouse the following morning was gorgeous. I cannot wait for the time when we can return to Dancing Coyote… I just hope we can stay longer next time.

Perfectly adequate accommodations for good price on peaceful southern Tomales Bay. Online Reservations without a hitch. An easy 11 mile jaunt to Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock (tip: don’t eat at Vladie’s).

Ok four and a half stars. I wasn’t going to put up a review to keep this place a secret. But I can’t stop thinking about my vacation here. In general we fell in love with tomales bay and the area and decided to vacation here and we chose this place. It exceeded our expectations. So beautiful and relaxing, I keep thinking about it. Our dogs loved it too. As you drive into the property you are greeted by a beautiful garden and as you walk up you feel the breeze as you are right on the bay. Our unit was the smaller one with an outside shower. It was kinda odd but bit liberating. With hog island oyster farm nearby we were eating good too. We’ll definitely be back.

Beautiful place to stay. I originally stayed here about twenty years ago. It’s not changed a bit. Great place to unwind. They allow pets in two of the four cottages for an additional fifty dollar fee. One word of caution; beware of Vladimir’s restaurant just down the road. It’s a fun place for a cocktail, but the food left a bit to be desired. Do yourself a favor and make the short drive to the Station House at Point Reyes. You won’t be disappointed!

We stayed in Beach Cottage and loved it. The setting on Tomales Bay is absolutely perfect. It is a little funky in a Beachy way — but you don’t pay for the Ritz Carlton! Bed is super comfy and watching the stars thru the skylight is a wonderful way to fall asleep. There is a real wood burning fireplace too! Perfect for a foggy night. Do not miss going to Saltwater Oyster Depot across the street — great food!

I decided to take a mini getaway from Oakland up to Pt. Reyes for an overnighter. I did my research and found Dancing Coyote Beach looked to be an amazing place to stay. I was right! It was extraordinary. There are only four cottages and I was fortunate to be the only person there on a Monday night which made my stay extra special. I felt like I was all alone far far away, yet the tiny town of Inverness is only a block away.
I had a peep into all of the cottages while the housekeeper was still there. They are all amazing, quaint and charming. I stayed in the Skye cottage since it was just myself and thoroughly enjoyed it. It, as are the other cottages, is well lit and open with plenty of large windows, the fireplace kept me warm at night, the bed was ridiculously comfortable and great to wake up to a large window overlooking the bay, and the room was clean and comfy. The kitchen was stocked with pots, pans, and other kitchenware. I went to the market and bought food to cook for dinner. You may need to buy spices, only salt, pepper, and honey are provided. The refrigerator was stocked with an overabundance of breakfast foods. To my dismay, I even enjoyed the outdoor shower. Don’t worry, it has a plastic top covering over it and a sliding curtain for some privacy. Wear one of the ultra soft robes to and from the shower. There are plenty of hooks for towels and robes.
One reason I went to Pt. Reyes was to check out and photograph the shipwreck that I have seen so many photos of. Lo and behold, the shipwreck is right there, just off the property! This topped it all off for me! The property is so picturesque with plenty of chairs, patios, and nooks to escape and enjoy nature.
The owner, Greg, is a sweetheart. He promptly responded to my concerns and questions. He even checked in on me to make sure I was comfortable via text, knowing I would be alone, since my friend cancelled at the last minute. I love this place and recommend it to everyone who wants a little getaway or a longer vacation!

I usually stay on the Marshall side of Tomales Bay but last summer I house/​dog sat for a family on the Inverness side of the bay and discovered the Dancing Coyote Beach Cottages. Its impossible to tell how perfect and cozy this place is from Sir Francis Drake Blvd — then again I’m usually single mindedly on my way to Drakes Estero or Kehoe Beach. The cottages are cozy, warm, and simple. I had everything I needed in Skye Cottage. A sunny private patio, hot outdoor shower, fireplace, loft bed, and a trundle bed for unexpected guests. There’s a gorgeous garden, sunny common space, private beach, and large BBQ for grilling oysters. The Inverness Market, the public library, and Saltwater is a 5 minute walk. Drakes Oyster Farm, gorgeous hikes, and Blue Water Kayak Rentals are a short drive away. Everything you need for a relaxing retreat. Solitude, simplicity, and beauty.

Love it! Love it!
The view of the Bay and Elephant Mountain alone is worth it! The place is very quite. Sure if you have a full house and there are kids anywhere you go you will hear something.
The place is very clean, the fridge has coffee, yogurts, eggs, juices, bagel and English muffin with jams, butter and cream cheese. Perfect little quick breakfast.
I have stayed in 3 of the 4 cottages and they are all very special. I love the Beach cottage it is spacious, the Sky cottage is very cozy, I prefer to sleep downstairs myself and love the outside shower! So beautiful first thing in the morning! Birch is also my favorite.
The beds are very cozy, the sheets smell great!
I have stayed there during the weekend and during the week, the only time I heard cars was when I was outside on a Monday morning when people where going to work!!! Other than that it is very quiet and you can’t hear anything inside your cottage.
The manager Janet was very helpful giving us information of where to go for hikes and restaurants.
I highly recommend Salt Water just down the street and Blackbird Café has bagels with eggs, but since we had our own we bought some extra stuff and we were set!
It is a beautiful place to come and relax, leave the city mentally behind!

A very unique and picturesque B&B with a lot of promise and some very nice touches.
Their approach to two very basic things really ruined our stay:
1) Our bed sheets stunk. As soon as we discovered this, I called the manager who huffed-​and-​puffed that «they shouldn’t smell!»…no duh. Eventually, we learned how to get into the linen room to get new sheets and we discovered that everything smelled like mildew! The linen room is a leaky wood shack and Pt. Reyes is very moist! I was up until 3am running our sheets and comforter cover through the laundry! My girlfriend had to sleep on the fold-​out-​bed!
2) Walls are very thin. The owner suggested we (a couple) stay in the middle cottage (Birch?) and also booked a family in the smaller adjoining unit (Skye?). Our neighbors brought their toddler who spent most of the day crying.
Stinky beds, sleep deprivation, and constant noise do not make for a relaxing or romantic getaway. Many months later, this is my prevailing memory of the weekend.
I wasn’t planning to review this but Unilocal won’t stop reminding me that I posted a picture but not a review. I simply don’t want to see the place any more so here’s my tale.