If you're going to splurge on an overnight escape, there are a few must-haves... say, a rustic/upscale cottage, a pristine waterfront setting, a Michelin-recommended on-site restaurant, and a private beach cove with a fire pit. Yes, Virginia, there is such a place, and it's just an hour north of San Francisco. Nick's Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar and Cottages in Tomales Bay is a hideaway haven. A clutch of 12 waterfront cottages and a circa 1930s roadhouse restaurant make up this coastal Marin charmer. Five of the cottages are right on the water, complete with wood-burning stoves, heated marble floors, and a mix of rural and contemporary décor. All have patios with bay views stretching to the camel-hump hills of Tomales Point. Take a stroll along the public pier (currently decorated in holiday lights), which leads to a lone boat shack where you can warm up next to a wood-burning fire stove. Nick's Cove Restaurant exudes hunting-lodge chic with newly installed seating in front of the big stone fireplace, game trophies mounted on the walls, and plenty of wood paneling. The wine list is long and interesting, and the food ranges from the signature Bodega Bay Clam Chowder to Wood-Roasted Ribeye and Tomales Bay Cioppino. Take a Dad's Egg Nog Semifreddo (seasonal) dessert out to the boat shack; the winter months are the quieter season in these parts, so you're likely to have the place to yourself. Or head to the small beach and relax at the fire pit while roasting s'mores. Starting in January, Nick's Cove will be serving up its own package of handcrafted marshmallows, buttery graham crackers, and super-fine Belgium chocolate—yummm. Splurgetastic!

BONUS: Point Reyes Outdoors launches kayak trips right out of Nick's Cove.

Nick's Cove and Cottages, 23240 Hwy 1, Marshall; 415-663-1033. Cottages start at $225 mid-week and $325 on weekends. Dog-friendly!