Overview
Built in 1939 by Henry Louis (Lou), the son of a California Gold Rush miner, Marina Motel is a cherished piece of San Francisco's history. Lou's father arrived from Hannover, Germany, in 1852 with dreams of striking it rich in the California gold fields. Despite the hardships, Lou's family persevered, and Lou went on to create a unique haven in the Marina District.
The motel was established to celebrate the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge and has remained a family-operated gem ever since. Guests are often delighted by the quaint, old-world charm of the cobblestone courtyard, the abundant flowers, and the European-style decor of the rooms. Visitors frequently describe their stay as a tranquil escape within the bustling city, with the added benefit of being within walking distance of top attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, The Palace of Fine Arts, The Presidio, and the numerous cafes and boutiques on Chestnut and Union Street.
Amenities
Top Spots to Eat
A16
An Italian restaurant known for its Neapolitan pizzas and extensive wine list.
The Tipsy Pig
A gastropub with a lively atmosphere and a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Super Duper Burgers
A local favorite for delicious, sustainably-sourced burgers.
Sip & Savor
The Interval
A bar and cafe offering creative cocktails and a unique atmosphere inside the Long Now Foundation.
California Wine Merchant
A cozy spot to enjoy a selection of California wines.
Palm House
Palm House is a community hub with a tropical theme, patio & Caribbean menu including bites & frozen cocktails.
Breathtaking Landmarks
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, offering breathtaking views and walking paths.
Palace of Fine Arts
A stunning architectural landmark and a peaceful place for a stroll or picnic.
Crissy Field
A beautiful waterfront area perfect for walking, running, and taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Breathtaking Landmarks
Fort Mason Center
A historic waterfront site with museums, galleries, and cultural events.
Ghirardelli Square
A landmark public square with shops, restaurants, and the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate.
Coit Tower
Built in 1933, Coit Tower is a memorial to Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a benefactor of the city’s firefighters. The tower offers murals depicting life during the Great Depression and panoramic views of the city.
Natural Getaways
Presidio of San Francisco
A vast park offering hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and historical sites.
Lands End
A wild and windy trail with stunning coastal views and the ruins of the Sutro Baths.
Twin Peaks
Two prominent hills providing panoramic views of the city and the bay, accessible via hiking trails.
Health & Wellness
Impact Physical Therapy
Providing chiropractic services to help with any aches or pains during your stay.
Crunch Fitness
A gym offering group classes, personal training, and a wide range of fitness equipment.
Walgreens Pharmacy
For all your health and wellness needs.
Daily Essentials
Safeway
A supermarket for all your grocery needs.
Marina Supermarket
A neighborhood grocery store offering fresh produce, meat, dairy, and everyday essentials.
7-Eleven
Convenience store open 24/7 for snacks, drinks, and essentials.
Shopping Spree
Chestnut Street Shopping
Explore a variety of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Gap
This store provides classic, casual clothing options for men, women, and kids.
Union Street Shopping
Another great shopping area with unique stores and eateries.
Local Attractions
Fisherman's Wharf
One of San Francisco's most famous waterfront communities, Fisherman's Wharf offers a variety of activities. Visit the iconic Pier 39, home to sea lions, shops, and restaurants. Explore the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many eateries. The area is also the starting point for Alcatraz Island tours.
Golden Gate Par
Visit the de Young Museum, and Japanese Tea Garden or explore the California Academy of Sciences.
Ride a Cable Car
Hop on San Francisco's iconic cable cars for a nostalgic ride through scenic hills and historic neighborhoods, capturing the city's charm in every turn.
ALCATRAZ
Originally built in the 1850s as a military fort, Alcatraz later became a federal penitentiary in 1934. It was designed to hold the most dangerous criminals, making escape nearly impossible. this eerie former prison housed infamous criminals like Al Capone. Isolated and surrounded by cold, treacherous waters, it was the perfect site for a high-security prison.
Alcatraz Day Tour- $52
Now is your chance to explore Alcatraz Island and visit the world-renowned Cellhouse without the usual crowds! explore the cell blocks, dining halls, and exercise yards with an audio tour. Hear stories of daring escape attempts and life inside the prison.
Alcatraz Night Tour- $64.10
The Alcatraz Night Tour is a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors per evening that includes special programs, tours and activities not offered during the day. experience the island’s haunting atmosphere under the moonlight. Special tours reveal secrets and ghostly tales that make Alcatraz even more spine-tingling.
Alcatraz Behind the Scene Tour- $116.99
Discover areas not otherwise available to the public! Join a group of 30 people or fewer on a guided 4-5 hour adventure to explore off-limits areas and hear little-known stories about the Island's fascinating past, then join the Alcatraz Night Tour (including Cellhouse Audio Tour) for a full evening's experience.
Alcatraz Angel Island Combo Tour- $98.99
Angel Island State Park is a hidden gem among the bay’s beauty and your tour includes a breathtaking tram tour of the Island. This seasonal tour includes ferry rides to and from Alcatraz and Angel Island, a one-hour narrated tram tour of Angel Island, and the Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour.
Allow 5½ hours to complete your visit to both Islands.
Big Bus 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off- $62.50 or Big Bus 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off- $72.50
Explore San Francisco at your own pace- Big Bus gets you closer to the city's best sights. Immerse yourself in Chinatown, reel in revelry at Fisherman's Wharf and hang out in the hippy mecca of Haight Ashbury. With Big Bus Tours you'll get to take in the best of San Francisco, including an unmissable ride over the Golden Gate Bridge - enjoy this bucket-list moment from the upper deck of our open-top, double-decker buses.
AIRPORT TRANSFER - $100 (D); $130 (I)
Get reliable private transportation between Marina Motel and SFO International Airport. Enjoy timely pickups and comfortable rides with our professional drivers.
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