As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Step back in time by visiting this historic Northern California hotel and saloon in Bolinas. Established in 1851, guests can experience the historic charm of the 170+ year-old Smiley’s Saloon & Hotel.
If you woke up in Bolinas, you’d never guess this sleepy beach town is only 30 miles from San Francisco. And in the center of Bolinas is this historic hotel and saloon.
Smiley’s saloon is said to have opened in 1851, which would make it the oldest continually operating saloon on the West Coast. The hotel is in the heart of Bolinas, and a 10 minute walk from Bolinas Bay.
Smiley’s has been under many owners over the years. The current owners restored the saloon and hotel in 2020, so today’s guests can have modern amenities along with historic charm.
Smiley’s is a small hotel with only six rooms. The rooms are accessible by stairs and are decorated in an understated style with a mix of modern and antique furnishings.
All the rooms are TV-free but the hotel does have WiFi. And since this is an old hotel, we’ll assuage any concerns you might have about the restroom situation– each suite has a private bathroom.
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Some of the hotel rooms have wood-paneled walls, adding more warmth to this cozy property.
Throughout the entire hotel guests and visitors can view historic photographs from the early days of Bolinas and Smiley’s.
In addition to the history, Smiley’s allure is its saloon. With regular live music and karaoke nights, Smiley's Saloon is the heart of this coastal village.
The hotel is ideal for anyone seeking a vibrant atmosphere and a short walk to the sandy beaches.
Over the years, the saloon has undergone many transformations, from a bait and hunting shop to a 1970s pizza parlor. The building underwent a restoration in the 1980s and a change in ownership in 2015.
The new owners ushered in a new era for Smiley’s with a restoration in 2020. Today, the hotel and saloon regularly hosts live music acts, from regional acts to the occasional big name musicians– Smiley’s is the place to be in Bolinas.
While staying in Bolinas, visitors can go surfing at the nearby beach, stroll around the town, or kayak in Bolinas Lagoon Nature Preserve. It’s a short drive to Point Reyes Station and Inverness.
After a day of exploration, return to Smiley's for happy hour before the live music kicks off on the brand new patio.
With more than 170 years of history, Smiley’s is a hidden gem along Northern California’s coast. So, plan your trip to Smiley’s in Bolinas for a coastal trip unlike any other.
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