I’m Kayla, and I’ve spent a bunch of weekends at Loch Lomond Marina in San Rafael. If you want a quick snapshot of other visitors’ opinions, its Yelp page collects up-to-date reviews. I’ve paddled here. I’ve picnicked here. I even slept on a friend’s sailboat for one windy night. So yeah, I’ve got stories—good and not-so-good.
If you’d like an even deeper dive into dock specs, launch fees, and slip details, my expanded Loch Lomond Marina hands-on review breaks down the nitty-gritty.
My first morning here felt special
I got there just after sunrise. The fog sat low, like a soft blanket. The water looked like glass. I carried my paddleboard down the ramp—watch your step; it can be slick—and pushed off near the small sandy cove.
A harbor seal popped up and stared at me. I stared back and laughed out loud. It felt like a private moment, just me and this curious little face. I paddled along the breakwater and watched birds hop along the rocks. An egret stood so still, like it was carved from chalk. Simple scene. Big calm.
After, I walked up to Andy’s Local Market. I grabbed a hot breakfast burrito and a coffee. The salsa had a tiny kick. My hands thawed. My mood lifted. You know what? That first bite after a cold paddle just hits.
Not just for boat folks
I’ve come with my kids and with my sister’s dog (leash on, and yes, there are signs). We set up a small picnic near the water. The tables aren’t fancy, but the view of the bay and Mount Tam is the kind of view you keep peeking at. We watched pelicans skim low. We did not feed ducks—tempting, I know—but the signs say don’t.
Parking was easy on a weekday. On sunny Sundays, it fills. You can still find a spot if you come early. By lunch, the wind kicks up. The bay likes to show off in the afternoon.
Boat life notes from a casual sailor
I don’t keep a slip here, but my friend does. Her 32-foot sailboat fits fine. The docks feel solid. The gates lock, which I liked at night. Shore power worked (boat plug-in power, simple). We found dock carts near the ramp—handy for ice and bags. Staff at the office were kind when we had a small gate code hiccup. No fuss, just help.
Need somewhere to crash once you step off the deck? Here’s where I stayed around Loch Lomond—real places, real nights that range from snug B&Bs to budget-friendly motels.
Sailors who’d prefer a little adult company instead of just cocoa in the cabin sometimes browse the area’s adult personals to set up low-key, no-strings meetups—handy for turning a lonely layover into a fun night on shore.
Travelers headed toward the Midwest who crave that same no-strings vibe but in a different harbor can browse the East Moline escorts listings, which feature verified profiles, clear rates, and up-to-the-minute schedules that make planning a stress-free meetup in Illinois as easy as checking the tide table.
That windy night? The halyards clanged like tiny bells. I finally tucked a bit of cloth between the lines so I could sleep. Small trick. Big peace.
Little things that won me over
- The breakwater walk ends at a cute lighthouse. It’s not huge, but it’s very photo-friendly.
- Morning quiet feels rare these days. This place still has it.
- Andy’s has solid coffee and grab-and-go food. I keep talking about it because it kept me warm and happy.
- Clean restrooms. Not spotless every time, but better than most marinas I’ve tried.
Stuff that bugged me (but didn’t wreck it)
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Goose poop on the walkway some days. Watch your shoes.
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Afternoon wind can be rough for beginners on boards or kayaks. I’ve seen paddles fly.
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Weekend crowds near the launch. Fishermen set up along the rocks, and lines can cross the water. Keep an eye out.
If you’re one of those anglers staking out a spot, my full Loch Lomond fishing hands-on review covers which lures, tides, and corners actually produce bites.
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The ramp grows slippery with algae. Wear grippy shoes. My friend’s kid slid and got a wet bum. Tears followed. It passed.
A random Tuesday, a simple win
On a random Tuesday, I came alone with my SUP. No grand plan. I paddled for 40 minutes, hugged the inside of the marina, and watched the light change on the hills. I tied off, did a quick stretch beside the dock, then sat on a bench and ate a bagel that I didn’t share with the gulls (sorry, birds). It wasn’t an epic day. It was a good day. That counts.
Quick tips from my trips
If you want to browse other paddling spots and detailed local guides, I’ve found the curated trip ideas on CanYouExperience.com super helpful.
And for anglers looking for an even broader Scottish perspective, my boots-on-the-bank notes on fishing Loch Lomond, Scotland dive into seasonal runs and shore access.
- Go early for calm water.
- Bring layers. The breeze flips fast.
- Wear shoes with grip on the ramp. Barnacles are mean.
- Check wind apps before you launch. I like Windy for a peek at gusts.
- Keep snacks in the car. The “after” hunger is real.
How it stacks up in my head
Compared to the bigger, busier marinas across the bay, Loch Lomond feels more neighborly. For a broader look at what living in the surrounding neighborhood is like, check the candid resident notes on StreetAdvisor. It’s less grime, more family time. Not tons of fancy extras. But the basics are done well. The views feel close. The water feels close. That matters.
My verdict
I rate Loch Lomond Marina a strong 4.5 out of 5. Calm mornings, kind staff, and easy food nearby make it a place I keep coming back to. It’s not perfect—wind, crowds, and geese happen—but it’s real, friendly, and steady.
Would I bring my kids again? Yes. Would I paddle here again? Already planning it.