I’ve kept a small boat here. I’ve also come with no boat at all, just for the water and a sandwich. Both ways, it works. You know what? This place grows on you.
For the official rundown on slip sizes, fuel dock hours, and other on-site services, the Safe Harbor Loch Lomond marina page is worth a quick look before you book anything.
For a deeper dive into the facilities, I put together my full hands-on review of Loch Lomond Marina that covers everything from slips to shore power.
For extra ideas on Bay Area launch spots and tide-friendly itineraries, check out the expert picks at CanYouExperience before you pull the trailer out of the driveway.
Why I keep going back
The marina sits in a calm pocket. On clear days, you can see Mt. Tam like a postcard. The docks feel solid. The paths are wide. I like simple things like that.
I usually show up early. The wind here wakes up after lunch. Mornings feel soft. The bay looks like glass. Then after 1 pm, the chop kicks up. Not wild, but enough to spray your face. I don’t mind. I bring a windbreaker and call it good.
Real days, real moments
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My first launch here was a cool Saturday, about 7:15 am. I rolled my 12-foot SUP down the ramp. The concrete had a slick green layer near the waterline, so I wore booties and moved slow. I hugged the breakwater and paddled toward the point. Two harbor seals popped up like nosy neighbors. I stayed out for an hour, then grabbed coffee after. Best morning I’d had all week.
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Another time, I kept my 22-foot cuddy in a slip for two months. Spring into early summer. The dock cleats held firm, and the finger pier didn’t bounce. At night you hear a soft halyard ping here and there. No drama. Shore power worked. The gate fob was a bit picky if my hands were wet, but that’s on me.
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Family picnic day? We parked close, picked up turkey sandwiches and a chocolate chip cookie from the market by the marina, and sat by the lawn at the adjacent Loch Lomond Marina Park. My kid watched tiny crabs slide under the rocks. A gull eyed our chips like it had a plan. The restrooms were open and clean. Bring hand wipes if you’re with kids. Saves time.
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I’ve done a sunset walk on the breakwater path too. The sky turns that peach color, and the bridge off in the distance glows. I half expected the wind to ruin it, but it eased up. We just stood there, quiet, listening to the water slap the rocks.
Overnights in the slip can get surprisingly peaceful once the halyards stop clinking. If you’re spending the night aboard and want to level up the relaxation with a bit of high-tech, app-controlled fun, the rundown of OhMiBod interactive toys on InstantChat explores how these Bluetooth-enabled massagers sync with music and offer private, customizable entertainment when the bay goes quiet.
Should your travels eventually swing inland—maybe a conference in Iowa or a cross-country road trip—having a reliable resource for vetted, discreet companionship can make downtime every bit as relaxing as a night on the boat; the curated listings at Urbandale escorts provide real-time availability, clear photos, and transparent rates so you can line up the right company without the guesswork.
The small stuff that matters
- Parking: Early is easy. Warm weekends fill up by lunch. I’ve circled a few times, then got a spot near the far end.
- Launch ramp: Stable, wide, with a pay machine. The slope felt right for my trailer. Watch the algae at low tide.
- Tides: Low tide here can get skinny around the edges. I plan for mid to high when I can. It keeps me out of the mud and away from surprise groundings.
- Wind: Morning mellow. Afternoon gusts. If you paddle, go early. If you sail, wait for noon and smile.
- Food: The market saves the day. Coffee in the morning. Hot sandwich at noon. I stash a spare water bottle in the car anyway.
- Bathrooms and showers: Restrooms were clean each time I went. Showers ran hot. I wear flip-flops. Old marina habit.
- People: The staff helped me sort a guest slip mix-up once. Took five minutes and a grin. Dock neighbors said hi but didn’t hover. My favorite kind.
What I love
- That big-sky view of Mt. Tam on clear days
- Quiet mornings that feel like a secret
- Docks that don’t wobble and lines that hold
- Easy food and coffee without leaving the lot
- Families, dog walkers, and old-timers all sharing space
What bugs me (a little)
- Goose droppings on the lawn after busy weekends
- Afternoon wind that can smack you if you’re not ready
- Ramp gets slick at very low tide
- Parking crunch on hot Sundays
A few quick tips
- Bring a wind layer and a hat. The breeze sneaks up on you.
- Launch early if you’re paddling. Check the tide chart.
- Wear boat shoes or booties on the ramp. Saves your tail.
- Keep some cash or a card for the ramp machine and snacks.
- Flip-flops for the showers. Always.
For official notices about dock maintenance, parking policies, and public-access hours, the City of San Rafael hosts a detailed Loch Lomond Marina resource page that’s handy to bookmark.
Final word
Loch Lomond Marina isn’t flashy. It’s calm. It’s tidy. It’s the kind of place where a simple day on the water actually stays simple. I’ve had clean launches, steady nights on my slip, and a lot of easy walks with a sandwich in hand.
Would I keep my boat here again? Yep. Would I come just to sit by the rocks and watch seals blink at me? Also yes. Sometimes that’s all you need. If you want another perspective, check out this honest take on Loch Lomond Marina in San Rafael before planning your next visit.